A framework for sustaining a life that conforms to the way of Jesus
THE WAY
Before followers of Jesus were widely known as Christians, one of the earliest names used for the Jesus movement was simply “the Way.” In Acts 9:2, before his encounter with Jesus, Saul goes looking for anyone who “belonged to the Way.” Years later, having become a follower of Jesus himself, Paul says: “I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way.” Acts 24:14 It is a wonderfully simple description of what it means to follow Jesus.
The word translated way can mean a literal road or path, but it can also describe a way or manner of life—the path along which someone conducts their life.
We see the same language elsewhere in Acts. Apollos is described as someone who had been instructed in “the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25), and Priscilla and Aquila help him understand “the way of God” more adequately (Acts 18:26).
Following Jesus wasn't simply a collection of beliefs they agreed with. It was a way they learned to live.
The first disciples literally followed Jesus along the road. They watched how he prayed, how he rested, how he treated people, how he responded to those on the margins, how he used his resources, how he handled opposition and how he lived in relationship with his Father.
They weren't simply learning what Jesus believed.
They were learning the way of Jesus.
Our Way of Life
At New Community we recognise that following Jesus takes place in the middle of everyday life. There are numerous distractions, pressures and competing lifestyles constantly shaping us and competing for our attention. Without being intentional about the way we live, it is easy to find ourselves being shaped more by the culture around us than by the Jesus we have chosen to follow.
It is for this reason that we have developed our own Way of Life—a framework for sustaining a life that conforms to the way of Jesus. Our Way of Life helps us think intentionally about how we shape our everyday lives around the pattern of life Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated
As we explore Immerse, Share, Act and Rest, we will ask:
Where is this already present in my life?
What gets in the way?
What might God be inviting me to notice?
What is one small next step I could take?
HOW TO USE THESE STUDIES
Each study contains several Bible passages. You do not need to rush through every question. Allow the conversation to go where it is most helpful for your group. The aim is not to complete all the material but to allow Scripture to help us reflect honestly on the way we are living.
Each study moves through three simple questions:
CONTEXT — What is happening around this passage?
CONTENT — What does the text actually say?
COUNSEL — What might this mean for the way we live here and now?
The studies then move from understanding to practice. Each week, everyone will be encouraged to identify one small and realistic next step.
Before followers of Jesus were widely known as Christians, one of the earliest names used for the Jesus movement was simply “the Way.” In Acts 9:2, before his encounter with Jesus, Saul goes looking for anyone who “belonged to the Way.” Years later, having become a follower of Jesus himself, Paul says: “I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way.” Acts 24:14 It is a wonderfully simple description of what it means to follow Jesus.
The word translated way can mean a literal road or path, but it can also describe a way or manner of life—the path along which someone conducts their life.
We see the same language elsewhere in Acts. Apollos is described as someone who had been instructed in “the way of the Lord” (Acts 18:25), and Priscilla and Aquila help him understand “the way of God” more adequately (Acts 18:26).
Following Jesus wasn't simply a collection of beliefs they agreed with. It was a way they learned to live.
The first disciples literally followed Jesus along the road. They watched how he prayed, how he rested, how he treated people, how he responded to those on the margins, how he used his resources, how he handled opposition and how he lived in relationship with his Father.
They weren't simply learning what Jesus believed.
They were learning the way of Jesus.
Our Way of Life
At New Community we recognise that following Jesus takes place in the middle of everyday life. There are numerous distractions, pressures and competing lifestyles constantly shaping us and competing for our attention. Without being intentional about the way we live, it is easy to find ourselves being shaped more by the culture around us than by the Jesus we have chosen to follow.
It is for this reason that we have developed our own Way of Life—a framework for sustaining a life that conforms to the way of Jesus. Our Way of Life helps us think intentionally about how we shape our everyday lives around the pattern of life Jesus proclaimed and demonstrated
As we explore Immerse, Share, Act and Rest, we will ask:
Where is this already present in my life?
What gets in the way?
What might God be inviting me to notice?
What is one small next step I could take?
HOW TO USE THESE STUDIES
Each study contains several Bible passages. You do not need to rush through every question. Allow the conversation to go where it is most helpful for your group. The aim is not to complete all the material but to allow Scripture to help us reflect honestly on the way we are living.
Each study moves through three simple questions:
CONTEXT — What is happening around this passage?
CONTENT — What does the text actually say?
COUNSEL — What might this mean for the way we live here and now?
The studies then move from understanding to practice. Each week, everyone will be encouraged to identify one small and realistic next step.