The Pathway
The Rhythms discipleship pathway consists of seven steps, best visualized as a heptagonal helix (seven pointed, circular corkscrew), all the steps in a circular shape, but simultaneously moving forward or upward.
Following Jesus begins with finding him or, perhaps better said, him finding us. However, even though our journey with Jesus has a clear (or at least approximate) beginning, our journey of learning from him is never finished. For that reason, each of the steps in the pathway function similarly to steps in a musical scale. Once you complete the cycle, you begin again, albeit as a changed person experiencing each step in a new way or “octave,” so to speak. Below are the seven steps with a short description of each.
This devotional is designed to be a starting point for anyone interested in taking their next step of apprenticeship to Jesus. It is organized to last eight weeks, and can be used individually for personal growth and as a reference guide for spiritual conversation with a friend, or even a C2 Group. To be clear, the Rhythms pathway is designed to be ongoing journey, while this book simply serves as a tool to help you locate your starting point and begin.
The book is designed to accompany the teaching series, Rhythms: In Step With God’s Spirit. While it can be useful as a stand-alone resource, we recommend listening to each week’s corresponding teaching segment to get the most out of the experience. Using the first blog post as an example, each week is designed to follow the sequence below:
The Steps
01—transformation
We are changed into the likeness of Jesus through the message of Jesus.
02—community
We gather as an intentional community that practices the lifestyle of Jesus together.
03—communion
We pray and practice habits that support loving union with the triune God through the Spirit of Jesus.
04—generosity
We give our individual resources in response to the gospel, sharing in the love language of heaven.
05—service:
We serve one another and the needs of our community and thereby practice the rule and reign of Jesus.
06—pilgrimage
We go on journeys with Jesus that humble, enlighten, and train us to partner practically with God wherever we are.
07—invitation
We tell others about Jesus by cultivating a lifestyle of hospitality that creates hunger for God and invites transformation
Sample Week
01—Zero week: Introduction
Listen to that week’s teaching segment.
02—This week: John 1-5
Over the course of the next week, read the book of John, chapters one through five. You may split up the reading to do a chapter or so a day, or you can read the whole selection once each day. You can even do a SOAP study of the passage, if you’d like (for more info on this, go to c2church.com/soap). We encourage you to take note of any thoughts or questions while reading.
03—Week in review
Before the beginning of the next week (or if using this devotional as a group discussion guide, before your next gathering) take some time to read the devotional thought and the reflection questions. Looking back over your own notes, respond to any of the questions you find helpful. You are welcome to respond to all, but you can also pick and choose depending on your time constraints. Again, this entire framework is quite flexible—you don’t work for it, it works for you.
04—Debrief with a friend or group
Grab coffee with a friend, spiritual mentor, or gather with your C2 Group and share your reflections from that week, listening for God’s voice through the relationships he has placed around you.
05—Repeat the cycle
Listen to the next week’s teaching segment, and repeat the whole cycle with the corresponding Scripture passage, devotional thought, and reflection questions. Get started below!