Practicing the Practices: Recent Episodes
Fellowship West
As followers of Jesus, it's important for us to recognize him as both Lord and Savior; Teacher and King. This podcast is designed to help us become better formed in His Way by practicing Jesus way of life in our own.
Forgiveness is a practice that needs to be cultivated. There are phases and steps to consider as we embrace the Grace of God needed to offer and receive forgiveness. In season two's final episode, Casey and Brad discuss HOW we can forgive, step by step.
Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our journey of following Jesus. Our world is tainted by sin and shame, where relationships are frequently marred by hurt, betrayal, and sorrow. Throughout the Scriptures, God's Word urges us to let go of our desire to hold others accountable for their wrongs against us. This practice is exemplified best in the life of Jesus, who, when faced with sin, didn't ignore or seek revenge but chose the path of profound grace: forgiveness.
In episode 212, Brad & Casey discuss the role of Repentance in a healthy "Koinonia." The Gospel offers a vision for transformation in the Christian life. Repentance is a key part of the change process. The ultimate goal of repentance is to bring about restoration - not only with God, but with one another.
To revive the ancient practice of confession, we must cultivate an environment where confession is encouraged by how it is received. In other words, we cultivate an atmosphere where people want to confess their sins, struggles, and sadness because it is received in such a way that it generates healing, freedom, and fellowship.
In episode 211 Brad & Casey break down a few practical principles for being on the receiving end of confession.
Brad and Casey continue unpacking the practice of confession by discussing WHAT and HOW to bring confession to bear. These practical principles will serve as guides and wise guidelines for practicing confession in healthy - God-honoring ways.
One of the most essential elements of the Christian life AND the life of a church is the practice of confession. Sadly, confession is a lost art in many of our lives and frankly, most churches.
In episode 209 Brad and Casey discuss WHY confession is so critical to life in the Way of Jesus.
Few words conjure up as much negative emotion as "submission". At the same time, few concepts are more central to the Way of Jesus and developing a healthy "Koinonia". In this episode, Brad and Casey unpack what healthy, Jesus-saturated submission is in our everyday life.
What makes someone teachable? As the first "spoke" on the wheel of humility, Brad and Casey discuss how vulnerability, curiosity, and receptivity foster a sense of lifelong learning in an apprentice to Jesus.
How are disciples to relate to one another?
Discipleship is not a solo journey. Jesus invited a group of people to be his first disciples. Jesus launched an "Ecclesia", or church as we know it. The culture within the church is described in the New Testament as Koinonia. In episode 206, Casey and Brad begin unpacking a series of "Best Practices of a Healthy Koinonia". We begin with the core virtue that shapes every other practice within the church: Humility.
“More than any other single discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.” -Richard Foster
In the final episode (205) of our mini-series on the practices of Simplicity, Casey & Brad discuss “Fasting”. What it is, what it’s not and how God uses it to strengthen our walk with Jesus.
What does it mean to follow Jesus, everyday? Brad and Casey unpack the three primary elements of apprenticeship to Jesus in episode 204.
Abide, Holiness, and Love. Or as it has been said by others: Be with Jesus Become Like Jesus. Do What Jesus Did.
“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.” - G.K. Chesterton
We live in a unique historical moment, where many of us can acquire most of the things we want. We might not think that our "stuff" has spiritual implications, but Jesus says otherwise. In episode 3 of season two, Brad & Casey warn about the dangers of excess and provide practical ways to live more freely.
In this episode, Brad and Casey remind us that healing is in the margins of life. But what if we don't have margin in our schedule? Most of us are living life maxed out. But is that how life was meant to be lived? Jesus lived a life of great purpose and intentionality. Yet, he also withdrew from fast-paced, busy moments to abide with the Father. One of the most underrated contributed to our stress, anger, and anxiety is our schedules. Life lived at 100% capacity leaves no room for rest, or even divine interruptions.
Brad referenced the "Ideal Calendar" as a resource to help you make what matters most, matter most. Download it here: https://fullfocus.co/ideal-week/
Brad's Ideal Week Template: https://bit.ly/3OzntHk
Before we talk schedules & stuff - we begin with our inner life. We're complex people, living in a complex world. Simplicity seems impossible, but as we see in this series - there are pathways to a different type of life - the one we were made for.
Brad & Casey kick off season two of Practicing the Practices by digging into the practice of simplicity and it's necessity for life with Jesus. Contrary to our instincts and cultural consumerism - simplicity isn't a way to minimize joy, but rather a way to maximize joy.
One of the more overlooked practices of discipleship is a 'good' party. From the Old Testament feasts to the way Jesus connected with those around him - the Bible sets forth a robust Theology of Party.
As it turns out, enjoying a joyful celebration full of good food, friends, and delight might just be a deeply spiritual practice in the Way of Jesus.
As we approach Thanksgiving, Casey & Brad share practical ways we can practice gratitude, all year along.
In Episode 114, Brad & Casey unpack the 4 primary components of Sabbath and encourage us to consider the wisdom and value of this ancient practice for our modern lives.
Download the Sabbath Practice guide on the PTP App: https://www.fellowshipwest.org/app
In a noisy and distracted world, one of the primary ways we can hear the voice of God in our lives is through the Practice of Silence & Solitude. Brad & Casey explore this ancient practice modeled by Jesus and provide practical ways for us to quiet our hearts and minds.
Recommended Resource from the episode: The Pause App: https://www.pauseapp.com/
Many of us suffer from "Hurry Sickness" - a term coined by two cardiologists in the 1970s. But to experience the fullness of Jesus and what He wants for us, we've got to slow down and let our soul catch up to our body and mind.
Casey and Brad discuss how spiritual vibrancy requires a few "upstream" practices that might seem at odd with the cultural norms of our day.
In episode 111, Brad and Casey, discuss what hospitality looks like in our everyday lives, among strangers - as introverts and extroverts.
In a depersonalized world, how do we embody the fullness of Jesus with our presence and welcome?
In this episode, Brad references the book by Andy Crouch, The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World.
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Were-Looking-Relationship-Technological/dp/059323734X
In episode 10, Hospitality: Opening a Window to the Gospel, Brad and Casey talk about what hospitality looks like in our homes as we "welcome the stranger".
Books referenced: The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X
In Episode 9, Brad introduces a brand new cohost and the practice of hospitality.
New Cohost: Casey Anderson.
Casey’s heart beats for relational ministry and caring for people's souls. She seeks to spread joy and nurture wholeness in others by connecting them to the deep love and intimacy of Jesus. She makes disciples through spiritual formation and direction, prayer, hospitality, and exhortation.
In Episode 8 we turn our attention to an exciting and yet intimidating aspect of apprenticeship to Jesus.
Most of our Practicing the Practices episodes thus far have focused on the INTERNAL work of Spiritual Formation. We’re flipping the script a bit today, by looking out the OUTWARD work of Spiritual Formation. Specifically living our lives on MISSION FOR JESUS, but not just for Jesus…but WITH JESUS.
Special Guest: Kyle Landis
In episode 7, we shift our focus from practices that cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with our Heavenly Father to cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with other humans! Because not only were we created for divine connection, we were made for human connection. We were created for community. We were made for AND need deep, meaningful, spiritually formative friendships.
This episode also feature's the podcast's first ever guest, Chloe Pool.
Chloe is the Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Community at Fellowship Middlebrook in Knoxville, Tennessee.
She references a great book by Jennie Allen, Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World and Safe People by Henry Cloud
In today’s episode, we wrap our month-long focus on the Bible by introducing the 3 Primary Questions we ask in Bible Study.
BUT, before we get to the 3 questions we want to ask, we begin with the ONE question, we NEVER want to ask.
Episode Link: The Practices App: https://www.fellowshipwest.org/the-practices-app
In this episode, Brad shows how the Bible's different literature types, or styles, impact how we interpret or understand the Bible. This is essential for engaging the Bible faithfully. It's also helpful when thinking through specific criticisms of the Bible.
If you've got questions, shoot Brad an e-mail and he'll follow up: braby@fellowshipwest.org
In this episode, Brad unpacks a few best practices to get the most out of your engagement with Scripture. Like any meaningful venture, engaging the Bible requires the proper preparation, plan, and tools.
https://bibleproject.com/
https://bible.faithlife.com/
Prayer is at the center of our life with God, yet it can be one of the hardest, most elusive practices of discipleship. In this episode, Brad goes to the prayer book of the Bible for help. From the Episode: Psalm 143 Prayer Template Opening: Declare your trust in God’s character. Rest your hope on his faithfulness, goodness, and promises. Name something specific. 1) REVEAL | Ask the Lord to examine your heart (Psalm 139). Father, show me what I need to see in you and myself today. Show me your path and your will. 2) RESCUE | Confess your need for God’s mercy and grace in your life. Remember that his mercies are new every morning! 3) TEACH | Ask for wisdom to think and live like Jesus. Let God’s Word and the life of Jesus be your guide. 4) LEAD | Submit your intellect and ambition to your Father. Give your day to the Lord. Ask for wisdom and courage to follow wherever He may lead. Closing: Acknowledge the majesty and wonder of God’s glory. Rest in knowing that what motivates your Father is not your good, but His glory. Amen.
In this brief introductory episode, Brad explains the why, what, and how behind Practicing the Practices.