The Jesus Way
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The Jesus Way (TJW) is built on seven simple practices modeled in the life of Jesus, helping us relate to others with both conviction and compassion. In a divided world, it invites us into a better way of engaging people across our differences. It shapes us into people who hold our beliefs with humility, extend grace freely, and stay connected even when we don’t agree.
1. Engage at the Level of Story: Move from arguments to experiences. Listen first, then seek to understand.
2. Practice Kindness: Kindness is strength controlled. Choose compassion in action over contemptuous tones.
3. Radical Empathy: Seek to understand another's journey, emotions, and heart. Empathy is not agreement.
4. Break the Power of Labels: Replace “them” with names and stories. See the beloved person.
5. Courageous Integrity: Critique your own tribe and hold them accountable, while actively looking for what is good, admirable, or true in those you disagree with.
6. Redemptive Forgiveness: Release resentment. Forgive to enable healing, even when reconciliation isn’t possible.
7. Life-Changing Generosity: Freely and sacrificially give time, presence, and resources—especially across differences. (For opportunities to serve beyond the walls, visit our Transforming Communities page).
The journey isn't over! Take your next step alongside our NBCC community by filling out the Jesus Way Next Steps form below. Let us know how you want to continue growing and practicing The Jesus Way together.
There are many ways to engage in The Jesus Way—through discussion groups, our message series, and the CrossTalk podcast. Wherever you jump in, you’ll find practical encouragement to grow, follow Jesus, and build meaningful connections across differences.
Learn more about the Jesus Way through our Jesus Way teaching designed for small groups.
Watch "The Jesus Way" message series, a 7-week series on practices of Jesus that form deep conviction and genuine compassion. Discover a path beyond polarization and a “Radical Middle.”
Join Taylor Duncan, Trinece Wade, and special guests as they reflect on each week’s message and explore how to live it out in everyday life. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and tune in!
Fundamentally, The Jesus Way is a set of practices modeled in the life of Jesus that empower us to hold deep conviction without losing compassion for those who may disagree with us. It offers a path beyond polarization—not by erasing differences, but by transforming how we engage them.
Although the language may feel new, The Jesus Way actually brings together spiritual principles and practices that Pastor Hurmon has been teaching for many years. This is not a new direction, but a more intentional naming and alignment of the formation journey NBCC has been on for more than a decade. The Jesus Way is how we follow Jesus together—practicing our faith relationally, across differences, and in everyday life.
Pastor Hurmon has identified seven “Jesus Way” practices in a book he has written: America’s Last Best Hope: Building Bridges Across Our Differences — The Jesus Way. The book is expected to be published within the next year. In the meantime, the practices of the Jesus Way will be NBCC’s focus for formation and discipleship throughout 2026.
We live in a time of increasing polarization where disagreement often leads to division. As followers of Jesus, we believe there is a better way. These practices help us engage differences faithfully, reflecting the unity and diversity that God has already created within our church community.
The Jesus Way Practices are interpersonal habits modeled in the life of Jesus that help people engage differences in healthy and Christlike ways. These practices form people who can hold deep convictions while also extending deep compassion.
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