PRACTICING THE WAY

A pathway for apprenticeship to Jesus

What to Expect

The Practicing the Way Course is an on-ramp to spiritual formation, exploring what it means to follow Jesus and laying the foundation for a life of apprenticeship to him. Over eight sessions, John Mark Comer and other voices teach on apprenticing under Jesus, spiritual formation, healing from sin, meeting God in pain, crafting a Rule of Life, living in community, and more. You’ll form a foundational understanding of intentional spiritual formation and weekly practices and exercises help integrate what you’ve learned into your everyday life. We’ll explore how to follow Jesus in our busy, distracted, and increasingly secular culture.

Leader Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the course being recommended for Community Groups at Preston Trail?

We believe everyone in our church should live a courageous, Christ-centered life in community with others. Engaging in this course with your group will help sustain individual commitment, foster a sense of belonging and purpose, and provide support, accountability, and encouragement.

Who is the course for?

The Practicing the Way course is designed for a wide range of people, but especially those who want to move beyond belief into actual apprenticeship to Jesus. The course is for anyone who desires to live like Jesus with a framework that makes spiritual formation clear, doable, and communal.

What is the framework of the course?

Each session includes a teaching video, group conversation guide, a (simple) weekly practice to help integrate what you’re learning into everyday life, and a time to reflect on your previous week’s practice.

How long is each session and the overall course?

Each session should take about one to two hours, depending on how long you give for discussion and whether you engage in the optional after-video discussion. The course has eight sessions, but that does not necessarily mean eight consecutive weeks. It is okay to take your time, as the overall goal is not simply spiritual knowledge, but transformation through practice in the context of community.

Where can I access the course and resources?

The Practicing the Way Course and its companion resources are available online through their website.
https://www.practicingtheway.org/

What if I have a question that is not answered here or in the videos?

Please email groups@prestontrail.org with anything you need. We suggest attending our monthly Group Leader Central meetings for guidance and ideas on leading formation in your groups.