DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRY | Alva Nazarene Church

Catalyst: A Discipleship Journey

An Experience of Becoming Like Jesus Together

Catalyst is not just another class — it’s a transformational journey designed to help followers of Jesus practice His way of life in the real world. Inspired by John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way, this journey is about slowing down, creating space for God, and being formed into the image of Christ — together.

Vision & Purpose

Vision: To become people who live, love, and lead like Jesus in every area of life.
Purpose: To create a rhythm of discipleship that moves beyond information and into transformation, equipping participants to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.

Core Components

1. Weekly Gatherings (Community Practice)

Small group format (6–12 participants).
Focused on conversation, prayer, and shared practices.
Provides encouragement, accountability, and space for reflection.

2. Teaching & Formation

Short, video-driven or live teaching (10–20 minutes) to introduce each practice.
Scripture-centered, tying each week back to the life of Jesus.
Includes discussion prompts that connect the teaching to real life.

3. Spiritual Practices

Each module focuses on one key practice for several weeks:

Silence & Solitude – learning to be still with God.
Sabbath – receiving rest as a gift, not an obligation.
Prayer – deepening conversational intimacy with God.
Fasting – reordering desires and depending on God.
Scripture & Meditation – engaging the Bible as God’s living word.
Community – practicing hospitality and living vulnerably with others.
Service & Mission – joining Jesus in His work of renewal in the world.

4. Daily/Weekly Rhythms

Simple, practical challenges to implement between gatherings.
Journaling, reflection questions, or action steps to put learning into practice.

5. Rule of Life

Participants create a personalized “rule of life” — a set of commitments that align their schedules, habits, and relationships with the way of Jesus.

Journey Outline (Example 9-Month Pathway)

Orientation / Invitation – Vision-casting and commitment.
Module 1: Be with Jesus – Silence & Solitude, Sabbath, Prayer.
Module 2: Become like Jesus – Scripture Meditation, Fasting, Community.
Module 3: Do what Jesus did – Service, Mission, Evangelism.
Celebration & Commissioning – Sharing testimonies, blessing, sending participants to keep living the way of Jesus.

Distinctives

Embodied, not just studied: Moves beyond information to formation.
Communal: Built around practicing together, not just personal devotions.
Slow and Sustainable: Each practice is explored deeply, not rushed.
Missional: Always moving outward — not just for personal growth but for the good of others.

Desired Outcomes

Spiritual Formation: Participants learn to arrange their lives around Jesus’ presence and power.
Relational Depth: Real friendships are formed as people walk through the journey together.
Missional Impact: The church becomes a community on mission — bringing Jesus’ kingdom life into homes, workplaces, and the city.