What is it?
Rooted is a 10-week spiritual formation experience designed to help you connect with God, the church, and your purpose in unexpected ways. Now, by unexpected I don’t mean by doing crazy things. Rather, it’s in practicing the very things that Jesus and his disciples did that we discover more of who God is and who we are called and created to be. What I love about Rooted is that it is structured around 7 Rhythms or Practices. Sometimes we hear these called disciplines.
These rhythms include Daily Devotion, Prayer, Repentance, Service, Sacrificial Generosity, Sharing Stories, and Worship. Without going into depth on each of these here and now, let me say that practicing these rhythms for 10 weeks can change your life. There are stories worldwide about how this material has transformed people, whether healing hurts or rekindling hope in these difficult times. The Rooted rhythms are intended to guide us into a life-giving structure for freedom, growth, and joy, all within the context of community.
Groups of 10-15 people will meet over the course of 10 weeks to discuss and delve deeper into the daily devotions from the week. There are also shared experiences together that are specifically designed to intensify and deepen the explored topics through applying what’s been learned and discussed. Before you panic, these experiences include fasting and prayer, serving those in need, and sharing the story of your faith journey. That last one might scare you more than the others, but it’s as we own our stories and learn to share them that we better comprehend the work God is doing in us and through us.
Who is it for?
Rooted is designed for high school graduates and beyond. The great thing about this program is there are no spiritual prerequisites for participation. If you have yet to put your faith in Jesus, Rooted might be exactly what you need to know your next step. If you’ve been a follower of Jesus for 20 years, there will still be gleanings that will encourage your spirit and spark new growth. Single, married, divorced...none of that matters. Just bring yourself.
Why should I try it?
First, to the not yet or somewhat new disciple of Jesus. The Christian life is sometimes made out to be a lot like every other way of living with a little Jesus sprinkled in here and there. But when you read the New Testament, that’s just not the picture we get. We often see Jesus himself going off to pray, sometimes for hours on end. The disciples are challenged to go out and serve in ways that make them uncomfortable. The early church was marked by a radical spirit of generosity and willingness to share their property. Meanwhile, westerners have two of nearly everything and share nothing.
All that to say, there is a way of being with Jesus that requires developing different rhythms or disciplines. In the same way physical training gives us the freedom to do things otherwise impossible or dangerous (especially given our affinity for carbs and couches), this kind of spiritual training frees us to do the right thing in the very moment we need. This is what God wants for us--to face temptation and be victorious; to see someone in need and not hesitate to offer whatever we can; to speak freely about the difference Jesus has made in our lives without concern what someone else might think.
I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity and experience the beauty of following Jesus in community with others. Our faith is personal, but it is not private. We grow better together because that’s how God designed it to be. You may think committing to 10 weeks is just too much. But if we can all be honest, committing to something like this is what’s required to outgrow the status quo so many of us find ourselves living day after day.
When is it and does it cost?
The beautifully designed Rooted book is $15, and that’s the only cost associated with the experience. All other materials will be provided, including childcare. You can join a group on Wednesday nights (6:30-7:30 pm) or Sunday mornings (9:30 or 11 am), depending on what works best for you.
How do I sign up?
Email me ( ) and let me know if you prefer Wednesday night or Sunday morning. If you prefer Sunday, please tell me if 9:30 or 11 am is better. There will be children’s programming for all gathering times. You can purchase your book by cash, check, or go to https://onrealm.org/crossroadsgray/-/give/rooted and select “Rooted” in the Fund drop-down menu.
If you have questions or hesitations, please let me know.
Your Staff, Elders, and Deacons are praying for you!
Sincerely,
Patrick Mitchell