By Michael Kelley | Executive Director, Rooted Network
A Strategic Window for Spiritual Formation
Lent is an annual observance dating back to the early years of Church history. Passed down for centuries, Lent has been observed by Christians in nearly any context imaginable. Though most common in liturgical traditions, Lenten practices transcend any pastor, priest, denomination, or culture. It's a time for personal and corporate reflection on the life-changing reality of a relationship with Jesus.
During Lent, people often carry on the tradition of fasting from something that brings joy or pleasure. The purpose is not just self-discipline; it's meant to refocus our hearts and minds on the sacrifice of Jesus. This season invites both individuals and small groups into intentional spiritual practices that can deepen discipleship.
This 40-day season of reflection begins on Ash Wednesday, which is so named for the tradition of marking one's forehead with a cross made of ashes. The mark is meant to do two things: to remind us of our own mortality and to represent our desire for repentance.
Why Repentance Matters for Spiritual Formation
The rhythm of repentance is essential in the life of believers, not just an initial response to the gospel, but a continual reorienting of hearts and minds in the ongoing journey of following Jesus. While our lives should be characterized by this rhythm of recognizing and turning from our sin toward Christ, it often takes a concerted effort or a designated season to press the issue. That's one of the reasons Lent can be so valuable in the lives of believers.
Lent is a 40-day, regularly occurring season in which tradition demands that we stop. We reflect. We pay attention. We remember the sacrifice of Christ before the joyful celebration of His resurrection. And in all those things, we also become attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit who reveals our own sin and draws us back to God.
Put another way, the season of Lent is perhaps the time of the year when people are most open to their need for repentance and most ready to practice it. While we can't manufacture true and genuine repentance, we can recognize this particular season and the posture that comes along with it. For pastors and church leaders, this openness creates a natural opportunity to guide congregations and small groups into practices that cultivate lasting spiritual growth.
A Resource for Guiding Groups Through Repentance
Rooted Network's latest release in the rhythms series is a tool that can help. This five-week study on the Rooted rhythm of repentance will help people understand to a greater degree what repentance is, how it's practiced, and how repentance can become a regular discipline rather than a singular action. The study is designed for small group discipleship and can be used across various church contexts.
By calling our people's minds to repentance, we are taking advantage of the opportunity of the church's calendar. We are helping give voice to what people are sensing during this time of year anyway - that in a cluttered world of competing priorities, we too often allow Jesus to be pushed to the edge. Here is a time for reflection. For contemplation. And yes, even for sorrow. But in the midst of that season, we are always reminded that true hope is right around the corner.
Experience the Study for Yourself
Curious about how this resource could work in your church or small groups?
Purchase a copy for review or download a free sample of Chapter 1 to see how the rhythm of repentance can shape your discipleship this Lent.
