The building blocks of faith
A tour of the spiritual gym
We all know what it’s like to go to the gym - or at least what one looks like.
There’s machines and weights and mats. Maybe a pool or an indoor track. There’s a general concept of why you’re there and what to do.
But if you’ve never been before, or you’re not familiar with all the machines, it’s helpful to have someone to show you around.
It can also be intimidating.
As we’re building the ‘spiritual gym’, it might also feel that way!
Plus, there’s no actual machines - or building. So it makes it a bit harder to show you around.
Which is why we made this handy chart. Consider it a map of the tools for spiritual strength and growth…
Why would you want to go to a spiritual gym?
Pretty much the same reasons you go to a physical gym: to get in shape!
To grow stronger, more flexible, healthier. To be with others on the same journey.
The idea of the ‘spiritual gym’ is to connect to the Christian faith and its practices in small steps. Rather than a Christian education model - evoking school and study - this is a ‘hands on’, action model of discovering how disciples have been following Jesus for centuries, and actively participating in the same rituals and activities.
It’s not always easy. It does ask you to stretch and grow.
But just like the physical gym- where showing up on a regular basis brings long term benefits for your body, practicing Christian spiritual exercise brings benefits to your soul:
peace
contentment
connection
wonder
love
JOY
In the ‘spiritual gym’, there are four major Exercises:
Strength: increasing the depth of our knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith.
Stretching: increasing our flexibility - our ability to encounter God even through discomfort.
Endurance: increasing our ability to withstand suffering and trials and remain faithful and supported in our relationship with God.
Teamwork: living in Christian community.
Within each Spiritual Exercise, there are four Practices:
Strength: Service, Study, Confession, Testimony
Stretching: Fasting, Silence, Giving, Revelation
Endurance: Prayer, Sabbath, Witness, Scripture
Teamwork: Worship, Hospitality, Evangelism, Communion
For each Practice, there are Sets of activities to learn and repeat on a regular basis.
Create and follow a rhythm of Practice together with others called a Rule of Life.
Join the gym to participate in the sets and be part of creating your Rule of Life.
