Discipleship Guide
Week 1
Soul Reset
“How Is It with Your Soul?”
Pastor Erin's sermon, inspired by the first chapter of Rev. Junius Dotson’s book Soul Reset, emphasizes the importance of spiritual well-being and the need to prevent burnout by staying deeply connected to God. Dotson’s personal experience with burnout serves as a powerful reminder of the toll unbalanced ministry work can take on mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The sermon calls believers to reflect on the question, “How is it with your soul?” and to prioritize spiritual renewal through intentional self-care and practices that nurture the soul. The sermon also highlights the concept of wholeness, drawing on Matthew 11:28-30, and stresses that living in harmony with God’s presence leads to peace and renewal. Ultimately, the call is to remain close to Jesus—"touching first base"—as we journey toward wholeness and help others along their path to healing.
Soul Reset Practice
Take a few minutes to spend in the spiritual practice of journaling. If you don’t have a journal, grab a notepad, or start a note on your computer or phone. Let your heart guide your fingers as you write or type. Listen to God and write your thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism. Just talk to God. Consider where you are spiritually, right now in this very moment. Are you feeling overburdened? Are you feeling deep joy? Are you on a mountaintop or in a valley? What do you need to say to God? What do you need to hear from God? Read Matthew 11:28-30 and reflect on how your heart and soul respond to these words from Jesus. What do you need to let go of in order to live lightly and freely?
Reflection Questions
1. Reflect on the story about the importance of touching the bag at first base. How does the idea of needing to get back to your first thing resonate in your soul?
2. How do you define wholeness? When have you felt a sense of wholeness? When have you felt less than whole?
3. How is it with your soul right now? What do you need from God? What do you need from your community?
Daily Practice
The daily spiritual practice for this week is Examen. Turn to page 109 to discover ways to practice examen every day in the coming week.
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