I think one of the keys to how the Wesleys pursuing Jesus tends to differ from ours is that theirs was practiced in community (bands, etc.) and they encouraged each other / held each other accountable for staying in these rhythms. Reflecting the democratization of American Christianity, our practice of the various spiritual disciplines seems to be relatively private and inconsistent (I speak foremost for myself). There was something beautiful and powerful about their raw, authentic,communal pursuit of Jesus. I'm not sure we have the guts to do it that way.
I have been in a band meeting with two other pastors (Curtis Banker and RJ Wolgemuth) since 2017, and I can honestly say it is the most transformative part of all of our spiritual lives and ministries. Until recently I was fasting weekly as well to seek Jesus, but (if I'm honest) I let distractions get in the way and just stopped because I was hungry. I am being convicted to restart that and re-engage in regular worship practices that I've let distractions get in the way of.
I like the reflection questions here that are open-ended. I think one of the institutionalizing tendencies of movements is to start to define what practices are foundational. One of the things we are doing with Wesley Leadership Institute to equip everyday laity and leaders is to invite them to define what it would look like for them to "pursue Jesus." For some, it may entail fasting once a week and praying for an hour. I'm being challenged to trust the Spirit (which I don't always like). If the Spirit is already moving in the lives of people, then what it looks like to pursue Jesus earnestly may look different for them than it does for me. "What would I see in my life if I were earnestly pursuing Jesus?" is a powerful question.
My experience has been that we talk too much about it. Less talking, more doing. If my day cannot be disrupted, or my week, or my plans, then I will always default to discussing it instead of doing it. I hope that out of this comes a radical doingNESS, a radical rebellion against distractedness.
"If we make disciples by sitting around and talking, then we should not be surprised when find that our disciples just sit around and talk" (Matt Friedeman).
I am challenged to embrace weekly fasting and rising early. I pray daily and never miss my time in the Word. God help me to pursue faithfully filling believer the James 4:8 promise.
I think one of the keys to how the Wesleys pursuing Jesus tends to differ from ours is that theirs was practiced in community (bands, etc.) and they encouraged each other / held each other accountable for staying in these rhythms. Reflecting the democratization of American Christianity, our practice of the various spiritual disciplines seems to be relatively private and inconsistent (I speak foremost for myself). There was something beautiful and powerful about their raw, authentic,communal pursuit of Jesus. I'm not sure we have the guts to do it that way.
I have been in a band meeting with two other pastors (Curtis Banker and RJ Wolgemuth) since 2017, and I can honestly say it is the most transformative part of all of our spiritual lives and ministries. Until recently I was fasting weekly as well to seek Jesus, but (if I'm honest) I let distractions get in the way and just stopped because I was hungry. I am being convicted to restart that and re-engage in regular worship practices that I've let distractions get in the way of.
Some of us have set aside Wednesdays for some extra fasting and prayer for our tribe. We’d love to have you join us.
I like the reflection questions here that are open-ended. I think one of the institutionalizing tendencies of movements is to start to define what practices are foundational. One of the things we are doing with Wesley Leadership Institute to equip everyday laity and leaders is to invite them to define what it would look like for them to "pursue Jesus." For some, it may entail fasting once a week and praying for an hour. I'm being challenged to trust the Spirit (which I don't always like). If the Spirit is already moving in the lives of people, then what it looks like to pursue Jesus earnestly may look different for them than it does for me. "What would I see in my life if I were earnestly pursuing Jesus?" is a powerful question.
Well written! Thank you for stepping out on this.
My experience has been that we talk too much about it. Less talking, more doing. If my day cannot be disrupted, or my week, or my plans, then I will always default to discussing it instead of doing it. I hope that out of this comes a radical doingNESS, a radical rebellion against distractedness.
"If we make disciples by sitting around and talking, then we should not be surprised when find that our disciples just sit around and talk" (Matt Friedeman).
I think the key word in all of this is disruption. Is my life disrupting His plan...or is His plan disrupting my life?
I am challenged to embrace weekly fasting and rising early. I pray daily and never miss my time in the Word. God help me to pursue faithfully filling believer the James 4:8 promise.