Eyes on Jesus Podcast ep116: Paul Gutacker

In this week’s episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim sit down with Paul Gutacker—historian, author, and Executive Director of the Brazos Fellows—to explore how real spiritual growth happens in community, not isolation. In a world obsessed with independence and busyness, Paul reminds us that the early church thrived through deep fellowship, shared rhythms, and daily life together. This episode is a call to rediscover what it means to live out authentic Christian community today.

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UwvEAmbJHPQurm2XaH7fu?si=MIwfxJKpTzqniPoyXPFgTw

Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/acpH-I29s4c

Below is an AI generated post based on the episode

Title: Embracing Community and Spiritual Growth: Insights from Paul Gutacker

In the latest episode of The Eyes on Jesus Podcast, hosts Drew and Tim sit down with Paul Gutacker, a historian and teacher, to discuss the importance of community and spiritual practices in Christian life. Gutacker, who alongside his wife Paige leads the Brazos Fellows—a community that emphasizes communal prayer, study, and discernment—shares insights from his latest book, Practicing Life Together: A Common Rule for Christian Growth.

The Importance of Community in Christian Life

Paul Gutacker opens the conversation by highlighting the personal yet communal nature of a relationship with God. He emphasizes that being united with Christ inherently means being united with others who follow Him. This sense of community, however, is often reduced to merely attending church for a few hours weekly in today’s church culture.

Tim echoes this sentiment, pointing out the stark contrast between contemporary church practices and the early Christian communities described in the Book of Acts, where believers shared everything and supported each other daily. Gutacker suggests that while modern church practices may only scratch the surface, there’s a profound need to deeply embed community in Christian life, recognizing that it can be messy and challenging but utterly essential.

Growth and Intentional Practice

Gutacker’s book delves into the idea that spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident. He uses the metaphor of tomato plants sprawling across a yard to illustrate the necessity of a ‘rule of life’—a structured approach that directs spiritual growth toward fruitfulness in Christ. Gutacker argues that while the Holy Spirit is the agent of growth, believers must actively participate by setting intentions for their spiritual practice.

Drew reinforces Gutacker’s message by narrating the metaphor of Clydesdale horses, symbolizing that Christians, when united and trained together, can accomplish far more than they could individually.

Challenge and Gift of Community

Community, Gutacker asserts, is both a gift and a challenge. He explains that despite the inevitable messiness and difficulties of communal life, abandoning it in tough times is not an option. Rather, community should be embraced as the Christian reality God has given us to grow in faith.

Tim and Drew share their experiences as church leaders, dealing with the struggles of retaining congregational unity and encompassing diverse levels of spiritual maturity. They discuss how leadership in faith communities involves managing these dynamics and fostering spiritual disciplines like gathering, praying, studying, and discerning.

The Role of Prayer and Study

Gutacker identifies prayer and study as vital yet often neglected practices in the church. He argues for incorporating prayer deeply into church life, beyond mere routine, to anchor it in genuine communal interaction with God. Tim shares his success story of establishing a prayer room at his church, emphasizing that embedding such practices can lead to substantial spiritual transformation.

Study, according to Gutacker, should not be left to academics alone. He encourages all believers to engage deeply with their faith, asserting that understanding theology and scripture enriches one’s relationship with God.

Practicing Spiritual Disciplines

Gutacker also addresses the practice of discernment, clarifying that it is not merely a mystical pursuit reserved for a select few but a practical exercise in noticing God’s work in the present. He underscores the importance of community in this regard, helping individuals gain a clearer understanding of God’s direction in their lives.

Lastly, the discussion touches on the significance of Sabbath—a time for rest not as an obligation, but as a divine gift offering renewal and a chance to reconnect with God.

Conclusion

In Practicing Life Together, Paul Gutacker invites believers to rediscover the vitality of spiritual formation through shared habits and community life. His insights urge both individuals and church leaders to foster environments where true growth—anchored in prayer, study, and discernment—can flourish. For anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey, Gutacker’s exploration of community and intentional practice offers a profound and inspiring guide.

To learn more and obtain a copy of Paul Gutacker’s enlightening book, visit the Brazos Fellows website for exclusive offers.

Join the Conversation

For more enlightening discussions, don’t forget to subscribe to The Eyes on Jesus Podcast and reach out with any questions at eyesonjesuspodcast@outlook.com. Until next time, keep your focus on spiritual growth and community, and as always, keep your eyes on Jesus.