Spiritual Disciplines
What are Spiritual Disciplines?
Spiritual disciplines are “the various practices of Jesus that have been recognized for centuries as the core activities of the spiritual life. In the same way, a runner is equipped to compete in a marathon by the discipline of physical training, so training through spiritual disciplines frees us to live each day with the “easy yoke” and “light burden” Jesus spoke of in Matthew 11:30. Spiritual Disciplines do not earn us favor with God or measure spiritual success. They are exercises which equip us to live fully and freely in the present reality of God — and God works with us, giving us grace as we learn and grow.
Categories of Disciplines
Disciplines of Abstinence
These disciplines involve choosing to go without something that we desire or need in order to heighten our focus on God (For example, fasting from food4, fasting from sex5, silence, solitude, etc.). These disciplines are sometimes done in order to address patterns that are destructive or unhelpful (learning to overcome an addiction), in other cases we abstain from a legitimate good in order to deepen our dependence on God and grow in our desire for Him.
Disciplines of Engagement
These are practices designed to build the right kinds of attitudes and habits into our daily lives. These disciplines were modeled by Jesus as the way to live in His Kingdom and He calls all His followers to also practice them (For example, prayer, scripture, gathered worship, living in community). As we engage in these disciplines over the long haul, the Holy Spirit will renew and transform us.
Disciplines to Practice
Below is a list of disciplines to practice. The following list are disciplines we think are especially needed for our context of following Jesus in our place and time. This list is not exhaustive, just a running start!
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Withdrawing from the noise and distractions of life in order to attentively listen to God in a time of quiet.
Additional Resource: “Invitation to Solitude & Silence” by Ruth Haley Barton.
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Reading God’s self-revelation for the sake of knowing Him and how to live in His Ways.
Additional Resource: "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.
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An interactive conversation with God about your life, the world, and His priorities.
Additional Resource: "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.
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The voluntary denial of a legitimate good (food, entertainment, etc.) for the sake of deeper spiritual activity.
Additional resource: “Fasting: The Ancient Practices” by Scot McKnight.
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Structuring your life in such a way that it becomes more freeing and creates space in your schedules, homes, and finances for what really matters.
Additional Resource: "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.
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A protected time set aside to be with God, rest, and enjoy soul-nourishing activities.
Additional Resource: "Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World" by A. J. Swoboda.
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Christ-centered friendships that are enriching and supportive. These are people you are choosing to follow Jesus with throughout your week, not just when you are at Center Church.
Additional Resource: "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.
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Gathering at Center Church to connect with God and others. This is the time to build each other up, be shaped by the Word, and celebrate together how good He is!
Additional Resource: "Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform Us" by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun.