To apprentice under Jesus is to join a new kind of family – a highly relational, joyfully-connected kinship group that follows Jesus together – not just around a stage, but around a table.

Practice: Begin eating a meal with your group weekly.

In an individualistic culture prone to despair, followers of Jesus form micro-communities of defiant joy that resist the black hole of fear and anger, and mutually carry burdens of sorrow and pain.

Practice: Go around the table and share the highs and lows of the week.

Many modern barriers to community are symptoms of shame. But as we learn to courageously name our wickedness and woundedness in the presence of loving community, we begin to heal.

Practice: Find a trusted person and confess your sin.

As we draw closer in community, periods of conflict, pain, and disillusionment are inevitable. But as we accept these challenges and remain connected, we grow into mature love together.

Practice: Spend time in a guided reflection to clarify your next steps.