Many other ‘discipleship’ approaches address the same issues. And the Way of Jesus pathway teaches nothing new in its elements. It’s just that it pulls things together in a fashion that makes it accessible and helpful for someone who is 7 or someone who is 70. It ‘works’ for someone new to following Jesus and for someone who has been on the journey for a lifetime.

How do I take ownership of the Way of Jesus pathway?

The Way of Jesus pathway is discovered and experienced through doing – through practice – through loving and faithful obedience to the Lord Jesus.

This is not about ‘playing church’ or ‘doing church’ or ‘doing religious things.’ It is an intentional aid to guide you in your lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour of the World! The focus is on pleasing Jesus. A disciple is a ‘student’ of Jesus, a ‘learner’. This is not a ‘quick fix.’ It is like learning to drive a car.

Learning to drive involves some classroom teaching, some training, and a lot of practice. The Way of Jesus is structured in the same way. We do provide some teaching and training, but the impact of the Way of Jesus teaching and training depends entirely on the practice component.

You cannot ‘become good’ at anything without practice. There's no point in taking training unless you are willing to change. We are learning to live ‘like Jesus, for Jesus and in the power of the Spirit of Jesus.’

A sermon series can introduce, support and illuminate the Way of Jesus, but the Way of Jesus is a Way of Life, not a sermon lesson or Bible study. There is always a place for a good sermon or a good lesson, but remember the concluding words of the greatest sermon ever preached:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Jesus, The Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:24)

There is no shortcut but the way is shorter when the path and direction are clear. There is no easy way but the journey is easier when you know the Way and there are signposts to guide you.

Pastor Phil