In a world shaped by busyness, noise, and distraction, many of us long for a deeper, more meaningful connection with God and others. The life of Jesus not only offers us teaching but also practices—rhythms and habits that shape us into people of love, peace, and purpose.

The Way is a journey into nine transformative practices from the life of Jesus that align our lives with His, helping us grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Each practice invites us to open our hearts to God’s work and take steps toward becoming more like Jesus. Together, they form a Rule of Life—a framework for living in alignment with God’s Kingdom in the modern era.

Over these weeks, we’ll explore how embracing these practices leads us into God’s rest, shapes us into a loving community, and empowers us to live as His witnesses in the world. Starting on February 2, each Sunday will provide an opportunity to learn, reflect, and take practical steps toward living out these rhythms in daily life.

All are also invited to the "Practicing the Way Course" that is designed to help get you started on the journey of spiritual formation, help you get unstuck if you’ve stalled out, or just guide you into taking your next step.  The course will introduce some of the practices mentioned in "The Way" sermon series.   Groups will vary in meetings times: Fill out the form below to indicate your level of interest.
  • Wednesday Night Large Group: starting February 5, 6:30-8:00pm in worship center at Stonecrest and will meet weekly; childcare available for PreK and under but must RSVP to Pastor Joe: [email protected].
  • Sunday Group in Branchburg: starting February 2, 5:30pm, meeting weekly but with a rhythm of a meal one week and course discussion the other.  
  • Sunday Group in Somerset: starting February 16 and time TBD,

Resources for "The Way"

Check back for updates weekly on resources to help you take your next step towards Jesus and "The Way"
Access Practicing the Way course materials
Practicing the Way Course on Rightnowmedia
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The Way Devotional Series: Solitude Practice
The Way Devotional Series: Sabbath Practice

The Way: Spotlights from Week 1

Here are some highlights from the week 1 sermon of The Way.

Key Verses

  • Rest: Matthew 11:28-20
  • Abide: John 15:1-5

The Practices: Detach to Attach

  1. Sabbath: Detach from Hurry; Attach to Rest in Jesus.
  2. Solitude – Detach from Noise; Attach to Peace in Jesus.
  3. Prayer – Detach from Distraction; Attach to Communion with Jesus.
  4. Community – Detach from Isolation; Attach to Love in Jesus.
  5. Scripture – Detach from False Ideologies; Attach to Truth in Jesus.
  6. Fasting – Detach from Indulgence; Attach to Holiness in Jesus.
  7. Generosity – Detach from Greed; Attach to Trust in Jesus.
  8. Service – Detach from Self-Centeredness; Attach to the Mission of Jesus.
  9.  Witness – Detach from Fear; Attach to the Light of Jesus.

The Rule of Life

  • Just like vines need a trellis to grow strong and bear fruit, our spiritual lives need a framework to keep us rooted in Jesus. Without it, we drift—distracted, overwhelmed, and stagnant.
  • A Rule of Life provides structure for our spiritual growth, a structure that helps us intentionally make space for Jesus in our everyday lives.
  • A Rule of Life supports and strengthens your walk with Jesus, so you don’t get tangled in the chaos of life.  Its the PLAN of ABIDING - DETACHING and ATTACHING, Daily, Weekly, Seasonal PRACTICES.
  • What intentional rhythms can we step into daily, weekly, monthly, seasonally?

Your Next Step

  • What’s one small change you can make this week to create space for Him?
  • Consider going through "Practicing the Way" with others either in a small group at Stonecrest or with others you know. (scroll back up to see the choices or get the resources).

The Way: Spotlights from Week 2: Sabbath

Here are some highlights from the week 2 sermon of The Way.  DETACHING from the relentless hurry of life and ATTACHING to His REST.

Key Verses

  • Sabbath is woven into creation = Genesis 2:1.
  • Sabbath is a declaration of trust - Exodus 20:8-11.
  • Sabbath is tied to liberation - Deuteronomy 5:15.
  • Sabbath restores rest - Exodus 31:13.
  • Sabbath is a radical reorientation of our relationship with God - Hebrews 4:1-3, 9-10.

Digging Deeper into Sabbath

  1. Sabbath as resistance: pushing back against Egypt and our inner Pharoah's.
  2. Sabbath as liberation: we are no longer slaves.
  3. Sabbath as justice: extending rest to others.
  4. Jesus is our Sabbath rest.
  5. Don't miss the heart of Sabbath - beware of legalism.

Practice Sabbath

  1. Stop – Embrace the Gift of Ceasing
  2. Rest – A Radical Act of Trust
  3.  Delight – Joy Feast for Your Soul
  4. Worship – Reorient Your Life Around God

Your Next Step - start small

  • if you can't carve out a 24 hour time period, start small, morning or afternoon, to STOP, REST, DELIGHT, and WORSHIP

The Way: Spotlights from Week 3: Solitude

Here are some highlights from the week 3 sermon of The Way.  Solitude: Detach from Noise; Attach to Peace in Jesus.  Solitude is intentional time in the quiet to be alone with ourselves and God.

Key Verses

  • Stillness: Psalm 46:10
  • Knowing the voice of God: John 10:27, 1 Kings 19:11-12
  • Scripture: John 17:17
  • Identity: Luke 3:22
  • Identity is formed  in solitude: Luke 4:1-4
  • Solitude shapes our purpose: Mark 1:35-38
  • Solitude brings renewal: Mark 6:31-32
  • Solitude Strengthens us in suffering: Luke 22:41-43

Solitude is not about isolation but intimacy. Solitude is...

  1. Stillness: learning to stop and be with God.
  2. Silence: making space to hear God's voice.
  3. Scripture: anchoring ourselves in God's truth.

Practice Solitude

  1. Be still
  2. Be silent
  3.  Be in scripture

Your Next Step - start small

  • Start where you are, not where you think you should be.
  • Don't try to add one more thing, but instead subtract.  Ask yourself, what can I let go of?  Where can I create room to breathe, to be still, to sit with Jesus?