Creating a Rule of Life

A rule of life provides a framework or pattern for a group of believers to walk alongside and encourage each other to pursue those practices that lead to spiritual health and faithful service. Here are few things to consider as your faith community works together to articulate a rule of life.

First, the process requires spiritual preparation and discernment. Believers become more focused and aligned as they spend time in prayer individually and corporately. One approach would be to ask those who are developing a rule of life to set aside a specific time every day to pray using Romans 12:1-2 as a guide:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (New Revised Standard Version)

Second, although it is informed by Scripture and Christian tradition, a rule of life is contextual. God has placed your community within your particular time and place and gifted you to do something that no other group can do. What is the unique vision that your community embraces?

Third, avoid the tendency to think in terms of survival rather than growth. Too often we approach church life from the standpoint of organizational growth rather than spiritual growth as disciples. For example, Christian stewardship is important, but do we define it primarily in terms of finances and buildings rather than thinking about the gifts, time, and talents of individual believers? A rule of life relates to developing a community rather than an institution.

Fourth, how can a rule of life help someone move from being a “church member” to a “disciple of Jesus”? Disciples serve out of a sense of grace rather than of obligation. A rule of life encourages that sense of living and serving out of God’s love for us.

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