Rule of Life
A Rule of Life refers to a set of rhythms that a community abides by in order to form habits and grow more into conformity with Christ.
We seek to cultivate our four core values—Presence, Belonging, Apprenticeship, and Participation—through these shared habits. We aspire to embody and grow into these values corporately in our gatherings and programs, and individually by maintaining a personal Rule of Life.
Our Communal Rule
Our community orients itself around specific opportunities to grow in our core values. These are the core rhythms of the Rockford Mission.
Presence
Face to face with God, neighbor, and self
Apprenticeship
Shaping my habits for health in Jesus
Belonging
With my household and church family
Participation
For the sake of others
Crafting a Personal Rule of Life
Before You Begin
Below is a simplified way of approaching a personal Rule of Life. We encourage an iterative approach: you may not address every area of your life the first time you create a rule—that’s okay!
Two tips to keep in mind as you consider your rule:
Keep it simple: pick one habit for each area of your Rule. The goal is sustainable change over time, not instant perfection.
No Rule lasts forever: as our lives change, we need to adapt and conform. A good rhythm is to consider updating your Rule as each new season of the Church calendar approaches.
Crafting Your Rule
Given my current season of life and the things God has called me to be faithful to, what are the rhythms I need in order to cultivate each value?
As a frame of reference, it may be helpful to think through the lens of embracing and abstaining. In each of these areas, what is one thing that I can add or subtract in each space?