Kim Butcher talked about how vital community and relationships are for anyone following Jesus, using insights from Jesus' own life and the relationship circles described by psychologist Robin Dunbar. She encouraged us to look at the different levels of relationships we have—from our larger community to our closest friends—and challenged us to be intentional in building and nurturing those connections. Just as Jesus showed us through His life and ministry, solitude and relationships are essential for our spiritual growth and formation.

Kate Rhoden continued our conversation on the practice of silence and solitude, guiding us through three key things we may encounter on this journey: ourselves, the enemy, and ultimately, the presence of God. Kate shared her own personal struggles and breakthroughs along the way. She invited us to lean into the discomfort and confront the fears that can surface in moments of stillness, all in pursuit of the deep rest and communion with God that silence brings.

Andy continued the conversation on the practice of solitude and silence by turning to the example of Jesus, who often withdrew to quiet, desolate places to pray and commune with the Father. The life of Jesus demonstrates the significance of stepping away from the noise and busyness of the world to connect with God in stillness. Andy encouraged us to intentionally carve out time and space to be alone with God, free from distractions, so we can encounter Him, reflect on our hearts and minds, and be transformed. Solitude is not an end in itself but a practice that prepares us to re-enter community with a deeper capacity to love and serve others.

Here are key take aways from this teaching:

1. Trellis – The practices and disciplines of following Jesus are like a trellis that we grow upon, rather than just floating through life. They provide structure and support for our spiritual formation.
2. Fidelity – Our fidelity through our practices becomes the container where love is birthed and grows in us for the sake of the world around us.
3. Eramos – This Greek word refers to the wilderness, quiet, desolate places that Jesus frequently withdrew to in order to pray and be with the Father. We have a deep human need for quiet and solitude and our entire society and culture is fighting against this. But over and over in the gospels, Jesus goes to his eramos just to be with the Father.
4. Community – the point of solitude is to be formed into the likeness of Christ, growing in love and compassion for ourselves and for the world around us. Solitude and silence are not meant to isolate us, but to prepare us to engage more fully and lovingly with our community. The two practices go hand-in-hand.
5. Practice – Find your eramos and start small with just 1-2 minutes of solitude per day. Consistency and presence in the moment are more important than duration.