A city stepping into the way of Jesus — together

This Sunday, 8th March 2026, marks something quietly significant for our city.

Across Devonport, churches of different sizes, styles and traditions are beginning a shared journey — Practising the Way. While we gather in different buildings and communities, we are choosing to focus together on one simple invitation from Jesus:

“Come, follow me.”

Not just believe.

Not just attend.

Not just agree.

Come. Follow. Walk. Learn. Practise.

This is an invitation into a way of life.

A beautiful thing for our city

There is something deeply encouraging about what is unfolding.

Despite denominational differences, personal preferences, and the natural diversity that exists across churches, there is a growing desire to walk together in the ways and words of Jesus. Not in uniformity — but in unity. Not in competition — but in shared pursuit.

We are choosing to slow down and rediscover what it means to be apprentices of Jesus in everyday life. To learn His rhythms. To listen for His voice. To allow His way to shape our lives, our relationships, and our city.

This is not about a program.

It is about formation.

It is about becoming people who live differently because we walk with Him.

The simplicity of “Come”

At the heart of Jesus’ invitation is a beautifully simple word:

Come.

Come and sit.

Come and listen.

Come and walk.

Come and explore.

Come and belong.

Jesus did not begin with pressure or performance. He began with presence. He met people where they were — over meals, beside roads, in homes, workplaces and ordinary moments — and simply invited them to walk with Him.

That invitation still stands today.

You do not need to have everything figured out.

You do not need perfect faith.

You do not need all the answers.

You are simply invited to come.

Practising the way in everyday life

Following Jesus has never been about a once-a-week moment. It is about learning a way of living.

It looks like:

Carrying His presence into our homes and workplaces Choosing generosity and kindness in ordinary interactions Learning to love those around us well Making space for prayer, reflection and listening Walking with others in authentic community Allowing our lives to be shaped slowly and deeply over time

This is not about striving to be impressive Christians.

It is about becoming faithful apprentices.

Small daily steps.

Quiet obedience.

Real transformation.

A shared journey

Over the coming weeks, churches across our city will be exploring what it means to follow Jesus more intentionally. Each community will express this in its own way, within its own gatherings and rhythms — yet we walk this path together.

Our hope is simple:

That many across our city will rediscover the beauty of walking with Jesus.

That faith will become lived and visible in everyday life.

That our city will be shaped by people who live with compassion, grace and hope.

An open invitation

If you are curious about faith, searching for meaning, returning after time away, or simply longing for deeper connection with God — this journey is for you.

You are warmly invited to join a local church gathering, explore, ask questions, and walk at your own pace. You do not need to commit to everything at once. Just begin with the first step.

Come and see.

Come and walk.

Come and follow.

This Sunday, our city begins together. And it is a beautiful thing.

Andrew Hillier, Devonport Christian Leaders, Devonport Chaplaincy