Imagine a life where peace, purpose and fellowship with God are not fleeting ideals but daily realities. What if the abundant life that Jesus spoke of is not only possible but promised—if we are willing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? In this introductory message to our new series, "Practicing the Way," we'll explore the essence of spiritual formation, a journey that transforms us from the inside out. John Mark Comer reminds us, "If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus." But what does that mean for us today? Spiritual formation is more than just a religious practice; it’s a process of becoming like Jesus in our thoughts, habits, and character. It’s essential because it shapes who we are and how we live in the world. We will reveal why spiritual formation in the way of Jesus is critical to true life change and how it's not a passive process but an intentional pursuit. We’ll uncover practical steps you can take to be formed by Jesus, guiding you toward a life marked by love, joy, and deep, abiding peace. Join us as we lay the foundation for a journey that will not just change your life—but transform it from the inside out.

• 60 National Church Networks

• Over 22,000 churches

• In 88 countries

• Over 6.2 million worshippers in Alliance churches

• 184 Theological schools

• Over 30,000 pastors and national workers

• Over 1000 International Workers doing cross-cultural work

• 426 Alliance churches and congregations

• More than 160,000 people attending

• Worship in 19 languages

• More than 3,600 baptisms last year

• Over 8,400 professions of faith last year

• 51 new expressions of church and communities through New Ventures

• 188 International Workers, ministering to 65 people groups, in 33 countries

• 16 of those countries are closed to traditional missionary work and many are on the World Watch List of most persecuted places to live

“O God, with all our hearts, we long for You. Come, transform us to be Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, Mission-focused people, multiplying disciples everywhere.”

Matthew 28:19-20 –  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:5-6 – Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.

1 Corinthians 15:14, 17 – And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless...and if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.

“After the death of Jesus the entire Christian community suddenly adopted a set of beliefs that were brand-new and until that point had been unthinkable. The first Christians had a resurrection-centered view of reality.”

--Timothy Keller, The Reason for God

Matthew 28:17 – When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!  

2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.

“I have also turned to Christianity because I ultimately found life without any spiritual solace unendurable. Indeed, very nearly self-destructive. Athieism failed to answer a simple question: what is the meaning and purpose of life.” –Ayaan Hirsi Ali

How are you investing into the next generation? 

• York University – Markham Campus
• 12% of the people in Canada over a 7 day period went to church
• Under the age of 30, it went up to 18% 
• 45% of no faith Gen-Z have no opinion of Jesus

Matthew 28:19 – Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations

Colossians 4:2-4 – Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

Hebrews 5:12 – You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 

2 Timothy 2:2 – You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

Joshua 14:10-11 – Now, as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. 

Matthew 25:21 – The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’

Acts 1:8 – But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Joshua 1:9 – This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Two things we can’t do in heaven:

• tell people about Jesus

• love, support, care for the poor, hungry, and hurting

“Evangelism is joining a conversation that the Holy Spirit is already having with another person.” -Darrell Johnson