A Quiet Return: Our Journey Toward Restorative Christian Faith

For most of my life, church was part of the routine. I grew up with pews and potlucks, Sunday mornings and altar calls. Like many, I went through a season where I drifted. Life happened. Questions came. And over time, the rhythms that once felt familiar began to feel disconnected.

But when my wife and I started building a family of our own, something stirred in us: a hunger to return, but not to religion-as-usual. We didn’t want louder worship or flashier programs. We wanted depth. Peace. Presence. We wanted Jesus: not just as a name on our lips, but as a way of life in our home. And we knew that following Him meant more than personal comfort: it meant discipleship. It meant sharing the Gospel through how we live, telling our story, and letting others see what God can do with imperfect people who simply say "yes" to Him.

Bit by bit, we began listening to that still, small voice. The Holy Spirit led us into a different pace. A different pattern. We started keeping Sabbath; not out of obligation, but out of hunger for rest. We began honoring the biblical feasts; not out of tradition, but to remember God’s story with intention. We started inviting God into our actual weekdays, not just our weekends.

We’re still figuring it out. We fall short all the time. But every step we’ve taken, however small; has blessed our family in big ways. Our hearts are more peaceful. Our kids are more grounded. Our home feels more whole. Through this process, we've learned that perfection isn't required to make an impact; willingness is. God uses crooked sticks to draw straight lines (heard that from our pastor!), and He calls each of us to steward our unique gifts for His Kingdom. This isn't just about receiving from Him; at some point, our hands have to turn outward, giving instead of only taking. That's when faith overflows into servant leadership.

And now, we invite others who feel like something’s missing in their walk with God to try this path with us. You don’t have to throw away your beliefs or abandon your church. Just consider slowing down. Re-centering. Returning to the rhythms Jesus Himself lived.

We call it Restorative Christian Faith: not a denomination, not a doctrine, but a quiet return to the ancient ways that still speak today.

Restorative Christian Faith (Core Description)

Restorative Christian Faith is a grace-led journey of returning to the heart of early discipleship: honoring Jesus (Yeshua) as Messiah by embracing the rhythms, values, and practices He lived. It often includes keeping Sabbath, celebrating biblical feasts, and re-centering faith on Scripture’s original context; while remaining rooted in love, humility, and freedom. Rather than clinging to modern tradition or rigid law, Restorative Christians aim to walk as Jesus walked, guided by the Spirit, drawing closer to the Creator through peace, presence, and practice. It welcomes diversity of thought and expression within the body of believers and avoids judgment, trusting that each person is being led in their own season.

Mission

To follow Jesus (Yeshua) with sincerity, resting in salvation through Him, and restoring the rhythms of faith, worship, and community that reflect the heart of God from the beginning. We seek to live lives of love, truth, and intentionality: drawing closer to the Creator, honoring His design, and letting our light shine in humility and peace. We believe that part of that light is making disciples: investing in others, sharing the hope within us, and encouraging each believer to step into their God-given calling.

Vision

A growing movement of believers who walk like Jesus walked; not out of obligation, but invitation. United by salvation through the Messiah, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and refreshed by the ancient paths of Sabbath rest, biblical feasts, prayer, and daily obedience. A family of faith restoring what was lost, reviving what is true, and living with hope as we await the full redemption of all things.

Walking It Out: Simple Guiding Practices

Rest in Salvation:

Trust that your salvation is secure through Jesus (Yeshua), not through works, but through grace. All we do flows from this love.

Honor the Sabbath:

Set apart one day a week to rest, worship, and reconnect: with God, family, creation, and your own soul.

Celebrate the Feasts:

Embrace the biblical calendar (as you’re led), remembering God’s story through Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot, and more.

Walk in Love:

Put kindness before correction. Let your life preach louder than your words. Respect others’ journeys. When invited, share your testimony. People need to hear how God has met you in your imperfect places, because that's where His power is most visible.

Live Lightly + Intentionally:

Simplify where you can. Choose presence over performance. Practice gratitude and peace in daily rhythms.

Stay Rooted in Scripture:

Read the Word often. Seek the Spirit’s guidance. Let the Bible interpret the Bible.

Invite, Don’t Argue:

Share when asked. Avoid debates. Let your joy, consistency, and calm spirit be your testimony.

Be Led, Not Pressured:

Let the Holy Spirit lead your growth: not comparison, guilt, or trends. One step at a time.

About Restorative Christian Faith

Is this a denomination?

Nope. Not even close.

Restorative Christian Faith isn’t a denomination, a new sect, or a rebranding of old divisions. It’s not a movement with a headquarters, a hierarchy, or a membership list. It’s simply a way of walking with the Creator: rooted in grace, guided by Scripture, and inspired by how Jesus (Yeshua) lived.

It’s for people who are rediscovering ancient rhythms like Sabbath rest, biblical feasts, prayerful simplicity, and a return to the heart of Scripture: not to judge others, but to draw closer to the Source of life. And as we draw near, we're called to help others do the same. This isn't about standing on a stage with a microphone, it's about everyday moments: mentoring a friend, praying with a neighbor, teaching your children the ways of God. Discipleship happens one conversation, one act of kindness, one Spirit-led step at a time.

We’re not trying to be “right.” We’re just trying to be real: to walk humbly, love deeply, and live intentionally in a world full of noise and deception.

So what is it, then?

• It’s a description, not a definition.

• A path, not a platform.

• A return, not a rebellion.

We call it Restorative because we believe God is restoring hearts, homes, and faith itself: piece by piece.

We call it Christian because our hope is in Jesus Christ (Yeshua), the Messiah.

We call it Faith because it’s not about mastering a system: it’s about walking with the One who saves.

How do we avoid becoming just another divided group?

• We stay rooted in love, not superiority.

• We honor others’ journeys, even if they look different than ours.

• We avoid arguments, choosing to live in such a way that others ask, not accuse.

• We speak well of the Body, recognizing we’re all part of the same family; even if we dress a little differently (metaphorically or literally).

• We welcome questions, not quarrels.

• We rest in grace, not guilt.

This walk is not about being the remnant elite. It’s about being faithful with what God has shown us, and staying humble as He continues to show us more.

Bottom Line

• If you’ve ever felt like modern Christianity was missing something, but you didn’t want to leave the faith.

• If you love Jesus and long to walk like He walked.

• If you’re drawn to the quiet strength of Sabbath, the depth of the feasts, the beauty of simplicity.

• And if you’re tired of division and dogma, and just want to honor God with your life…

You’re not alone.

• This isn’t a club.

• It’s a quiet return.

• A candle in the window.

• A path back home.

Comparing Christian Denominations

Mainline Christianity

• Believes the Torah (Law) was fulfilled by Jesus and is no longer binding

• Worship is typically on Sunday

• Biblical feasts are usually not celebrated

• Eating pork and shellfish is permitted

• Worship style varies: traditional, contemporary, or liturgical

• Jesus is the Son of God and Savior, often called by His Greek name, Jesus

• Focuses on personal salvation and evangelism of unbelievers

• Builds upon church tradition, including early church councils

• Attitudes toward other Christians vary: some denominations are very open, others more rigid

• Common identities: “Christian,” “Born Again,” “Evangelical,” “Catholic,” etc.

Hebrew Roots Movement

• Believes Torah is still applicable and should be followed today (Sabbath, dietary laws, etc.)

• Observes Sabbath on Saturday (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown)

• Celebrates biblical feasts like Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot

• Follows dietary laws: avoids pork, shellfish, and other unclean foods

• Often meets in homes or online rather than in traditional church buildings

• Uses Hebrew names like Yeshua (for Jesus) and Yahweh (for God)

• Strong emphasis on reclaiming the original practices of the early church

• Often critical of modern Christian traditions, especially ones seen as pagan-influenced

• Sometimes focuses more on correcting Christians than engaging with nonbelievers

• Common identity phrases: “Torah Observant,” “Returning to the Roots,” “Yeshua follower”

Messianic Judaism

• Jewish believers in Yeshua who honor Torah as part of their Jewish identity

• Observes Sabbath on Saturday

• Celebrates biblical feasts faithfully

• Keeps kosher dietary laws

• Worship is often a blend of synagogue traditions and Messianic praise

• Emphasizes that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah, foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures

• Aims to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the Good News

• Views the early split between Judaism and Christianity as tragic

• May be skeptical of non-Jews “appropriating” Jewish customs without understanding

• Identity terms: “Messianic Jew,” “Completed Jew,” “Believer in Yeshua”

Restorative Christian Faith

• Seeks to walk as Jesus walked: not legalistically, but lovingly and intentionally

• Honors the Sabbath as a gift, not a burden

• Celebrates biblical feasts like Passover with joy and reverence

• Chooses not to judge others for how they practice their faith

• Still eats foods like bacon (not my wife!), but with awareness and personal conviction

• Attends Sunday church for fellowship, teaching, and community

• Prioritizes love, humility, and empathy over theological debate

• Uses language like: “We’re trying to walk like Jesus did,” or “We’re tapping into early Christian traditions”

• Allows the Holy Spirit to guide growth and conviction at the right time, for each person uniquely

• Lives faith openly and authentically, letting the light of Christ shine in everyday actions and conversations; ready to share the hope within when the Spirit prompts.

No matter where you’ve been or where you’re at right now in your faith walk, know this: you don’t have to have it all figured out to take a step closer to the heart of God. Restorative Christian Faith isn’t about proving anything. It’s about rediscovering a way of life that brings peace, meaning, and connection back into your soul, your home, and your walk with Jesus.

If something in you has felt restless, if modern faith structures have left you hungry for more, if you’ve longed for simplicity, depth, and a rhythm that mirrors the footsteps of Yeshua, you're not alone.

There’s room at the table. The path isn’t narrow because it’s exclusive...it’s narrow because it’s intentional. And we believe it leads to life.

So light the candle, make the meal, invite the Spirit, and begin again. One step, one Sabbath, one season at a time. If you're willing, say "yes" to God. Let Him use your story. Step into the joy of serving others, leading with humility, and pointing people back to the One who saves. That's the heart of discipleship, and it's how imperfect people become part of God's perfect plan.

Welcome home.

*If you'd like to read our Friday night Sabbath script, click here.