Practicing the Practices

As we enter the season of Lent, we’re invited to slow down, pay attention, and return our hearts to God. In this special episode, Casey guides us through a simple, 10-minute Examen—a historic Christian prayer practice that helps us reflect on our day in God’s presence.

Stage 6 is the culmination of the Critical Journey — a life marked by humility, simplicity, and overflowing love. In this episode, we talk about what it looks like to become a person who naturally radiates the love of Jesus. We’ll offer a few final thoughts about next steps for walking with Jesus in every season of faith.

On the other side of The Wall is a deeper, freer life with God. Stage 5 is all about living out of inner freedom, not performance or striving. We explore what this stage looks like and share a practice for loving others from a place of abundance rather than obligation

Have you ever felt like you’ve hit a wall in your faith — where prayer feels empty, God feels silent, and nothing seems to work the way it used to? This is what Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich call The Wall, a pivotal moment in Stage 4 of the Critical Journey. In this episode we unpack why The Wall shows up, what God might be doing in this season, and how you can lean into it instead of walking away.

Stage 4 is often called The Journey Inward — it is about moving toward a deeper encounter with God. This is the season where we begin to ask harder questions, wrestle with our motives, and allow God to reveal what’s beneath the surface of our faith. In this episode of Practicing the Practices, we’ll explore the beauty and challenge of this inward turn, and why it’s essential for maturing in Christ.

Stage 3 is when we pour ourselves into serving God, our church, and our world. But it’s also a season where we can overwork, overcommit, and tie our identity to what we produce. We explore Stage 3: The Productive Life and give you a practice to keep your soul rested and grounded in God’s grace.

Faith deepens when we learn from others, belong to a community, and are shaped by teaching and practice. In this episode, we talk about Stage 2: The Life of Discipleship, and introduce a practice to help you root yourself more deeply in Scripture and community.

Stage 1 of the Critical Journey is all about awakening to God’s presence — whether through conversion, wonder, or curiosity. We’ll explore what this first step looks like, why it matters, and a practical way you can reflect on and share your own story of recognizing God.

Ever wonder why your spiritual life doesn’t always feel “up and to the right”? In this episode of Practicing the Practices, we introduce The Critical Journey — a framework for spiritual growth that explains the stages of faith, why you sometimes feel stuck, and how God is inviting you into a deeper walk with Him.

Brad and Casey sit down with Tim Hood, the President of Shepherd's Staff - a missions facilitating organization dedicated to supporting and equipping local churches to send their own members as missionaries.Tim talks about his experience on the mission field and his ordinary evangelism efforts here at home, including one of the most important aspects of evangelism that often gets overlooked: prayer.

While the gospel message doesn’t change, the presentation must. In this episode, Brad and Casey discuss three critical pivots that we need to make for our evangelism to be more effective and compelling in this cultural moment.

What comes to mind when you think of evangelism? In this episode Brad and Casey make the case that evangelism is non-negotiable for the follower of Jesus AND that our methods of evangelism should be compelling and faithful.

Neil is naturally wired for justice. Casey leans toward mercy. How do we navigate relationships when our friend/spouse/parent/coworker is more oriented towards a different default position than we are? This interview will help you navigate practicing justice + mercy in your everyday life.

In this episode, Brad and Casey explore the pitfalls of a “justice” Gospel AND the pitfalls of a gospel with no implications for justice in our world. How can we more fully embrace our role as citizens of a New Kingdom? Listen to find out. 

Life with Jesus is less about 'balance' and more about fullness. Mercy & Justice are fundamental aspects of the Gospel. Being a people who live out a Gospel Culture means practicing Mercy & Justice in our everyday lives. The "AND" of Mercy AND Justice is critical to understanding and applying this essential discipleship practice. Listen as Brad and Casey unpack what mercy & justice are and how they relate to each other. 

In a new feature on the Practicing the Practices Podcast, Casey & Brad interview an “Apprentice of Jesus” who models the practice we’re focusing on. In our first Practice Interview, we welcome Brent Crenshaw, known by those around him as a “servant”. Brent will answer our 5 Big Questions and help us imagine how we can all live a “Life of Service.”

Yes, a Life of Service means picking up your “cross”. But it is also the doorway into the good life. In this episode, Brad & Casey unpack some of the supposing emotional and physical benefits of serving. Plus, we’ll help you reimagine where and how you should serve.

The Way of Jesus is the way of service. "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” A life of service is one of the most counter-culture, upside-down, "against-the-grain" aspects of the Way of Jesus. This practice flies in the face of modern philosophy. And yet, is one of the aspects of Jesus’ life that EVERYONE loves.

Can men and women be friends? The answer for followers of Jesus must be yes. Yet, in a broken, over-sexualized, post #MeToo world – a vision for healthy male/female friendships is hard to come by. Often, it seems the cultural structures of the day put men and women against one another as adversaries.Casey and Brad share from their own experience about the possibility and principles needed for Jesus-honoring friendship and partnership between men and women. This extended episode is a frank and honest conversation about a more hopeful way forward.

What is Spiritual Friendship? Brad and Casey dig deeper into this vision for Spiritual Friendship, and suggest key practices for building, maintaining, and growing meaningful, spiritual friendshipsBooks referenced:Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie AllenSafe People: How to Find Relationships that are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren't by Henry Cloud and John Townsend

As we grow older, friendship gets more difficult. Work, family, and community responsibilities can make connecting with people on a friendship level challenging. Data suggests that we are in the middle of a loneliness epidemic. Yet, the Way of Jesus is meant to be followed in Community. We NEED Spiritual Friends. So what can we do about this problem? Brad & Casey unpack a path forward over the next few episodes.

Brad and Casey tease out what to expect in Season 3 of Practicing the Practices.

Forgiveness is a practice that needs to be cultivated. There are phases and steps to consider as we embrace the Grace of God needed to offer and receive forgiveness. In season two's final episode, Casey and Brad discuss HOW we can forgive, step by step. 

Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our journey of following Jesus. Our world is tainted by sin and shame, where relationships are frequently marred by hurt, betrayal, and sorrow. Throughout the Scriptures, God's Word urges us to let go of our desire to hold others accountable for their wrongs against us. This practice is exemplified best in the life of Jesus, who, when faced with sin, didn't ignore or seek revenge but chose the path of profound grace: forgiveness.

In episode 212, Brad & Casey discuss the role of Repentance in a healthy "Koinonia." The Gospel offers a vision for transformation in the Christian life. Repentance is a key part of the change process. The ultimate goal of repentance is to bring about restoration - not only with God, but with one another.

To revive the ancient practice of confession, we must cultivate an environment where confession is encouraged by how it is received. In other words, we cultivate an atmosphere where people want to confess their sins, struggles, and sadness because it is received in such a way that it generates healing, freedom, and fellowship. In episode 211 Brad & Casey break down a few practical principles for being on the receiving end of confession. 

Brad and Casey continue unpacking the practice of confession by discussing WHAT and HOW to bring confession to bear. These practical principles will serve as guides and wise guidelines for practicing confession in healthy - God-honoring ways.

One of the most essential elements of the Christian life AND the life of a church is the practice of confession. Sadly, confession is a lost art in many of our lives and frankly, most churches. In episode 209 Brad and Casey discuss WHY confession is so critical to life in the Way of Jesus.

Few words conjure up as much negative emotion as "submission". At the same time, few concepts are more central to the Way of Jesus and developing a healthy "Koinonia". In this episode, Brad and Casey unpack what healthy, Jesus-saturated submission is in our everyday life.

What makes someone teachable? As the first "spoke" on the wheel of humility, Brad and Casey discuss how vulnerability, curiosity, and receptivity foster a sense of lifelong learning in an apprentice to Jesus.

How are disciples to relate to one another? Discipleship is not a solo journey. Jesus invited a group of people to be his first disciples. Jesus launched an "Ecclesia", or church as we know it. The culture within the church is described in the New Testament as Koinonia. In episode 206, Casey and Brad begin unpacking a series of "Best Practices of a Healthy Koinonia". We begin with the core virtue that shapes every other practice within the church: Humility.

“More than any other single discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us. This is a wonderful benefit to the true disciple who longs to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.” -Richard FosterIn the final episode (205) of our mini-series on the practices of Simplicity, Casey & Brad discuss “Fasting”. What it is, what it’s not and how God uses it to strengthen our walk with Jesus. 

What does it mean to follow Jesus, everyday? Brad and Casey unpack the three primary elements of apprenticeship to Jesus in episode 204.Abide, Holiness, and Love. Or as it has been said by others: Be with Jesus Become Like Jesus. Do What Jesus Did.

“There are two ways to get enough. One is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.” - G.K. ChestertonWe live in a unique historical moment, where many of us can acquire most of the things we want. We might not think that our "stuff" has spiritual implications, but Jesus says otherwise. In episode 3 of season two, Brad & Casey warn about the dangers of excess and provide practical ways to live more freely.

In this episode, Brad and Casey remind us that healing is in the margins of life. But what if we don't have margin in our schedule? Most of us are living life maxed out. But is that how life was meant to be lived? Jesus lived a life of great purpose and intentionality. Yet, he also withdrew from fast-paced, busy moments to abide with the Father. One of the most underrated contributed to our stress, anger, and anxiety is our schedules. Life lived at 100% capacity leaves no room for rest, or even divine interruptions.Brad referenced the "Ideal Calendar" as a resource to help you make what matters most, matter most. Download it here: https://fullfocus.co/ideal-week/Brad's Ideal Week Template: https://bit.ly/3OzntHk

Before we talk schedules & stuff - we begin with our inner life. We're complex people, living in a complex world. Simplicity seems impossible, but as we see in this series - there are pathways to a different type of life - the one we were made for. Brad & Casey kick off season two of Practicing the Practices by digging into the practice of simplicity and it's necessity for life with Jesus. Contrary to our instincts and cultural consumerism - simplicity isn't a way to minimize joy, but rather a way to maximize joy.

One of the more overlooked practices of discipleship is a 'good' party. From the Old Testament feasts to the way Jesus connected with those around him - the Bible sets forth a robust Theology of Party. As it turns out, enjoying a joyful celebration full of good food, friends, and delight might just be a deeply spiritual practice in the Way of Jesus.

As we approach Thanksgiving, Casey & Brad share practical ways we can practice gratitude, all year along.

In Episode 114, Brad & Casey unpack the 4 primary components of Sabbath and encourage us to consider the wisdom and value of this ancient practice for our modern lives. Download the Sabbath Practice guide on the PTP App: https://www.fellowshipwest.org/app

In a noisy and distracted world, one of the primary ways we can hear the voice of God in our lives is through the Practice of Silence & Solitude. Brad & Casey explore this ancient practice modeled by Jesus and provide practical ways for us to quiet our hearts and minds. Recommended Resource from the episode: The Pause App: https://www.pauseapp.com/

Many of us suffer from "Hurry Sickness" - a term coined by two cardiologists in the 1970s. But to experience the fullness of Jesus and what He wants for us, we've got to slow down and let our soul catch up to our body and mind. Casey and Brad discuss how spiritual vibrancy requires a few "upstream" practices that might seem at odd with the cultural norms of our day.

In episode 111, Brad and Casey, discuss what hospitality looks like in our everyday lives, among strangers - as introverts and extroverts. In a depersonalized world, how do we embody the fullness of Jesus with our presence and welcome? In this episode, Brad references the book by Andy Crouch, The Life We're Looking For: Reclaiming Relationship in a Technological World. https://www.amazon.com/Life-Were-Looking-Relationship-Technological/dp/059323734X

In episode 10, Hospitality: Opening a Window to the Gospel, Brad and Casey talk about what hospitality looks like in our homes as we "welcome the stranger".Books referenced: The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfieldhttps://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Comes-House-Key-Post-Christian/dp/143355786X

In Episode 9, Brad introduces a brand new cohost and the practice of hospitality. New Cohost: Casey Anderson. Casey’s heart beats for relational ministry and caring for people's souls. She seeks to spread joy and nurture wholeness in others by connecting them to the deep love and intimacy of Jesus. She makes disciples through spiritual formation and direction, prayer, hospitality, and exhortation.

In Episode 8 we turn our attention to an exciting and yet intimidating aspect of apprenticeship to Jesus.Most of our Practicing the Practices episodes thus far have focused on the INTERNAL work of Spiritual Formation. We’re flipping the script a bit today, by looking out the OUTWARD work of Spiritual Formation. Specifically living our lives on MISSION FOR JESUS, but not just for Jesus…but WITH JESUS.   Special Guest: Kyle Landis

In episode 7, we shift our focus from practices that cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with our Heavenly Father to cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with other humans! Because not only were we created for divine connection, we were made for human connection. We were created for community. We were made for AND need deep, meaningful, spiritually formative friendships.This episode also feature's the podcast's first ever guest, Chloe Pool.Chloe is the Associate Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Community at Fellowship Middlebrook in Knoxville, Tennessee. She references a great book by Jennie Allen, Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World and Changes that Heal by Henry Cloud

In today’s episode, we wrap our month-long focus on the Bible by introducing the 3 Primary Questions we ask in Bible Study.BUT, before we get to the 3 questions we want to ask, we begin with the ONE question, we NEVER want to ask. Episode Link: The Practices App: https://www.fellowshipwest.org/the-practices-app

In this episode, Brad shows how the Bible's different literature types, or styles, impact how we interpret or understand the Bible. This is essential for engaging the Bible faithfully. It's also helpful when thinking through specific criticisms of the Bible. If you've got questions, shoot Brad an e-mail and he'll follow up: [email protected]

In this episode, Brad unpacks a few best practices to get the most out of your engagement with Scripture. Like any meaningful venture, engaging the Bible requires the proper preparation, plan, and tools. https://bibleproject.com/https://bible.faithlife.com/

Humans crave information. We want to be known and be in the know. This begs a question: Is it possible, that this innate sense of curiosity is there because we were created in the image of God? Is it possible that stamped into our souls is a desire to know what is beyond ourselves – principally to know God? And if this is true (and I believe it is) how do we know God? How do we know what God is like? We’re going to explore those questions in this episode of Practicing the Practices.