Rule of Life

A Rule of Life

A Rule of Life is a framework for intentionally ordering our lives around the way of Jesus.

Rather than another program or checklist, a Rule of Life helps us create rhythms that make space for God's transforming work through everyday practices.

A woman with grey hair, seen from behind, stands with her arms raised in worship during a church service. On stage, a band performs under blue lights.

Why a Rule of Life?

Following Jesus doesn't happen accidentally.

A Rule of Life is a framework of spiritual practices and intentional activities designed to guard our habits and guide our lives. As TheCity.church at San Marco, we aim to live into a shared Rule that shapes us as a community into the image of Christ.

Our shared rule is based on the classical spiritual disciplines (ie: practices) as articulated by the ministry, “Practicing the Way.” Overtime, we expect to make the language used our own as we live out our shared Rule, together.

For resources designed to help you on your journey as you seek to integrate the nine core practices (including a digital Rule of Life builder) visit: Practicingtheway.org

A man with a beard in a black shirt stands on a dark stage behind a lectern. He is speaking and gesturing with one arm outstretched towards the side.

Teaching

Watch Pastor Blake's message introducing our Rule of Life.

Watch the Message
A bearded man in casual clothes stands on a dimly lit stage behind a lectern, gesturing as he speaks. A large cross is visible in the background.

Rule of Life

As TheCity.church at San Marco, we seek to live as:

1. A community of rest in a culture of hurry and exhaustion, through the practice of Sabbath.

2. A community of communion with God in a culture of distraction and escapism, through the practice of prayer.

3. A community of holiness in a culture of indulgence and immorality, through the practice of fasting.

4. A community of peace and quiet in a culture of anxiety and noise, through the practice of solitude.

5. A community of contentment in a culture of consumerism, through the practice of generosity.

6. A community of courageous fidelity to orthodoxy in a culture of ideological compromise, through the practice of scripture.

7. A community of love and depth in a culture of individualism and superficiality, through the practice of community.

8. A community of justice, mercy and reconciliation in a culture of injustice and division, through the practice of service.

9. A community of hospitality in a culture of hostility, through the practice of witness.

Recommended Activities

The 12 activities below seek to serve as a recommended starting point for our church family. It is a ‘living’ document, designed to be adjusted and/or built upon based on your spiritual stage, season of life and personality.

[Weekly] Observe a 24 hour sabbath to stop, rest, delight & worship

Tip: Try starting with Saturday sundown through Sunday sundown. Lighting a candle to welcome the Holy Spirit and incorporating Sunday worship into your Sabbath rhythm.

[Daily] Pray at set times throughout the day

Tip: In addition to your morning prayers (Solitude Practice), try praying the Lord’s prayer at lunch & offering a simple prayer of gratitude around the dinner table.

Recommended Resource: Lectio 365 App

[Weekly] Fast until sundown (missing breakfast & lunch)

[Daily] Set aside a morning time of quiet prayer

[Monthly] Give 10% of my income to God through my local church

[Daily] Read with a daily reading plan

Tip: Try deepening your experience in the scriptures by BREAD journaling. 

Learn more about BREAD journaling in the How to Read the Bible Series

[Weekly] Gather for Sunday worship

[Weekly] Eat a meal with your Community or Christian friend(s)

Tip: Most TCC Communities meet ~x2 a month. Consider using your Communities ‘off’ weeks to open your home to a family from church or spend time with a friend.

[Monthly] Practice hospitality by serving at church

[Seasonal] Volunteer with a local nonprofit

Recommended Ministry Partner: Kim’s Open Door – www.Kimsopendoor.com

[Quarterly] Name one person to pray for daily & take the next B.L.E.S.S. step

B.L.E.S.S. Pathway: Begin with prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve & Share

[Daily] Exercise regularly in a manner that honors your season and limitations

Your Next Step - Formation Community

Formation Community is a place to begin putting these rhythms into practice alongside others. Over the course of a year, you’ll learn how to intentionally arrange your life around being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Start where you are, take the next faithful step, and let the Holy Spirit do the work of formation over time.

Learn About Our Community