Create the Culture

Read

Luke 1

Supporting scripture

Jeremiah 29:4-7

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

Reflect

Flourishing isn't abstract. Flourishing has a zip code.

Practice · Midday prayer & intercession

Pause in the middle of your day to be with Jesus. Set aside 5 to 10 minutes at midday to become aware of God's presence and pray for the people, places, and situations God brings to mind. As you pray, begin to notice your actual city. Your neighborhood, your coworkers, your schools, your local businesses, and the people you encounter every day.

Pray

Jesus, where are You at work around me today? Who are You inviting me to pray for?

Read

Luke 2

Supporting scripture

Luke 10:25-37

“Who is my neighbor?”

Reflect

The lawyer's question in Luke 10 was an attempt to limit love. Jesus' answer expands it. Neighbor isn't defined by proximity or comfort, but by need and opportunity.

Practice · Pray as you walk

Take a walk around your neighborhood this week. As you walk, pay attention to the people, homes, businesses, schools, parks, and places around you. Pray for the people who live around you and ask God to bring His peace, presence, and kingdom to your neighborhood. Then take the next step: sign up for the Madison Good Neighbor Gathering on September 13.

Pray

Jesus, help me see my neighborhood the way You see it.

Read

Luke 3-4

Supporting scripture

Acts 2:42-47

Reflect

Acts 2 wasn't a one-time spiritual high. It was ordinary, repeated life together. Meals, teaching, generosity, prayer. Community was structural, not incidental.

Practice · Shared meals

Share a meal with someone this week. Invite someone over, grab coffee, eat lunch with a coworker, or make space at your table for someone you don't normally spend time with. The goal isn't a perfect meal. The goal is shared life.

Pray

Jesus, who are You inviting me to make room for?

Read

Luke 5-6

Supporting scripture

Hebrews 10:24-25

“…spurring one another on toward love and good deeds…”

Reflect

Loving our city well isn't sustainable alone. Covenant means showing up when it's inconvenient and staying when it's hard.

Practice · Covenant community

We aren't formed alone. Take a next step toward deeper community this week. Sign up for a Formation Group or a Community. Choose consistency over convenience. Choose people who can know you, encourage you, challenge you, and walk with you.

Pray

Jesus, who am I committed to doing life with?

Read

Luke 7-9

Supporting scripture

Matthew 5:13-16

“You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.”

Reflect

Culture is the sum of a community's practices, values, and rhythms. If we don't intentionally create a culture shaped by Jesus, we'll default to the culture around us. Hurry, individualism, consumption, outrage.

Practice · Create a Rule of Life

A Rule of Life is a trellis, not a cage. Use our website and daily rhythms resources to build yours this week. newculturechurch.com

Read

Luke 10-12

Supporting scripture

John 15:4-5

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you… apart from me you can do nothing.”

Reflect

Before Jesus asks us to do anything, He asks us to be with Him. You cannot become like someone you don't spend time with.

Practice · Silence & Scripture

Set aside intentional time to simply be with Jesus. Put away your phone. Find a quiet place. Sit in silence and slowly read Luke 10 to 12. Resist the urge to accomplish something. You don't have to produce anything. Just be with Jesus.

Pray

Jesus, what am I noticing as I slow down and become present to You?

Read

Luke 13-17

Supporting scripture

Romans 8:29

“…conformed to the image of His Son.”

Reflect

Formation isn't about becoming a generic good Christian. It's about becoming more fully who God made you to be, with the character of Christ growing in you.

Practice · Fasting

Pay attention to what Jesus is forming in you. As you read Luke 13 to 17, notice the attitudes, desires, reactions, and relationships Jesus is inviting you to surrender and reshape.

Pray

Jesus, make me more like You. What part of my character are You inviting me to grow in?

Read

Luke 18-21

Supporting scripture

John 20:21

“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Reflect

Being with Jesus and becoming like Jesus were never meant to stay private. They lead somewhere. Out into the world, to the people around us.

Practice · Fasting

Practice fasting this week. Choose something to fast from and use hunger, discomfort, or desire as an invitation to turn your attention toward God. Fasting isn't just about giving something up. It's about making space to hear and respond to Jesus.

Pray

Jesus, what are You sending me toward?

Read

Luke 22-24

Supporting scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

“…go and make disciples of all nations…”

Reflect

Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus is alive. And we are sent.

Practice · Communion & mission

Slow down and remember the story we're a part of. Reflect on Jesus' death and resurrection. Receive Communion with your community and remember that the risen Jesus sends His people into the world.

Pray

Jesus, where have You sent me? Who are You inviting me to love? What would it look like to carry Your love into my city this week?