During seminary and in the early years of my ministry, I was introduced to a practice called Gospel-Based Discipleship. It became a formative part of my own spiritual life, and I continue to return to its simple but powerful process.

The practice is framed by prayer, but today I’d like to focus on the way it invites us to engage with Scripture. While it is often practiced in groups or as a community, it can be just as meaningful when done individually.

The Gospel—or another passage of Scripture—is read three times.

Often, each reading comes from a different translation, allowing us to hear familiar words in fresh ways. After each reading, we reflect on a different question.

After the first reading, each person is invited to share a single word, phrase, or sentence that stands out. The invitation is simply to name what caught your attention, without explaining why or commenting on what others have shared. This creates space for everyone to listen both to Scripture and to one another.

After the second reading, the question becomes: What is God saying to me through this passage? This can be surprisingly challenging. It’s easy to think about what the passage says to the world or to other people, but this practice invites us to listen more personally and honestly.

Following the third reading, we ask: What is God calling me to do? It can be tempting to answer with something broad like, “to be more loving.” While that may be true, I encourage choosing something more concrete—an action you can actually take, something you’ll know you’ve done, even if it’s only one faithful step.

I wanted to share this practice for two reasons. First, it will likely be the format for our weekly lectionary-based Bible study beginning this fall. Second, I plan to include these three reflection questions in our Monday email each week.

If you’d like, you’ll be invited to reply with your reflections.

My hope is that this shared practice will help us engage more deeply with Scripture and strengthen the bonds of our community as we listen for God’s voice together.

Blessings,

Father Paul