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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 friendships

Books referenced:

Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen

Safe 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.