Practicing the Way
Jesus didn't just invite people to believe in him. He invited them to follow him, to learn from him how to live. Apprentices of Jesus still do that today, through simple practices that make room for him to form us, together.
How do I actually follow Jesus in my real life?
It's the question every follower of Jesus eventually asks. At Hood River Alliance Church, we believe the answer lies in engaging in spiritual practices together, in the context of community.
This shared rhythm of life, often called a Rule of Life, helps us align our hearts, minds, and actions with the Way of Jesus. Through prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, generosity, and acts of service, we seek to embody the love and truth of Christ in our everyday lives. It is where our whole mission begins.
- Practicing the Way of Jesus,Being formed into his likeness
- in community,Together, never alone
- for the sake of others.On earth as it is in heaven
To be an apprentice of Jesus means…
Three movements shape the life of every apprentice. Start with the introduction video, then watch each one.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Matthew 11:29
HRAC Rule of Life
Nine practices we share as a church. Watch the Rule of Life overview, then explore each practice.
Our covenant together is to be…
-
1
Sabbath
A community of rest and worship in a culture of hurry and exhaustion, through the practice of Sabbath.
-
2
Solitude
A community of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise, through the practice of Solitude.
-
3
Prayer
A community of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism, through the practice of Prayer.
-
4
Community
A community of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality, through the practice of Community.
-
5
Scripture
A community of courageous fidelity to orthodoxy in a culture of ideological compromise, through the practice of Scripture.
-
6
Fasting
A community of holiness in a culture of indulgence and immorality, through the practice of Fasting.
-
7
Generosity
A community of contentment in a culture of consumerism, through the practice of Generosity.
-
8
Service
A community of justice, mercy, and reconciliation in a culture of injustice and division, through the practice of Service.
-
9
Witness
A community of hospitality in a culture of hostility, through the practice of Witness.
Practice page Teaching video
New to following Jesus?
If you've recently said yes to Jesus, welcome to the Way. One of the first practices of every apprentice is baptism. It doesn't make you a Christian; that is a gift received by grace through faith. Baptism is how you say publicly what Jesus has already done inside: you belong to him now.
Each summer we gather at the river to celebrate together as brothers and sisters go under the water and come up into new life. We'd love to walk with you toward that step.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.Romans 6:4