A few weeks back, I shared about the impact that fasting has made on my spiritual walk. Today I want to circle back and personally invite you, if you feel led, to join me and some of our elders for a day of fasting this coming Monday, June 15th.
As I reflect on the important work God is doing within our church — including the leadership development and transformation efforts shared recently — I am reminded that true renewal is never merely organizational; it is spiritual. While healthy structures, clear roles, and wise leadership matter greatly, lasting transformation begins when God’s people humble themselves before Him and seek His face together.
Our Elder Board sets aside the third Tuesday of each month for its monthly meeting, focusing on prayer and oversight of the church’s vision and direction. As we are able, many of us dedicate the day prior to fasting and prayer. This month that day of fasting falls on Monday, June 15th.
Fasting is a voluntary act of surrender that helps us turn our attention from earthly needs and concerns toward the Lord.
Over the last year, our leaders at Browncroft have been engaged in thoughtful reflection concerning our church mission, relationships, culture, and future. As a part of this work, you all have also been invited to participate in our annual NextStep for Church Assessment that Peter Englert shared about this past weekend (available here). Your responses will help us discern what areas of discipleship we are thriving in and where there is room to grow. Yet even as we evaluate our strengths and future goals, Philippians 1:6 reminds us, it is ultimately God who began this good work among us, and it is God who will bring it to completion. Our confidence rests not in our plans or efforts, but in His power and grace because “in their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Practicing a fast together fosters unity within our body as we work toward the same goals: expressing our dependence on Him, becoming more like Him, and standing together against the spiritual forces that seek to divide, discourage, and distract God’s people. Throughout Scripture, fasting is a voluntary act of surrender that helps us turn our attention from earthly needs and concerns toward the Lord. It is a way of saying, “God, we need You more than we need our own strength, wisdom, preferences, or comforts.”
But Scripture also teaches us that God desires more than just an outward act of self-denial. In Isaiah 58:6-12, the Lord describes the kind of fast He loves: one marked by repentance, humility, justice, compassion, and reconciliation. As we fast and pray, let us ask God to search our hearts. Do we have relationships that need healing? Attitudes that need surrendering? Are there burdens we can help carry for others? Let us seek not only personal renewal but also the flourishing of our church family. A biblical fast leads us to greater love for God, greater love for one another, and godly wisdom on how to steward our ministries well.
I have been practicing the discipline of fasting for over 20 years, and I always go back to repeating one verse in Scripture when I am hungry: Deuteronomy 8:3. During His 40-day fast in the wilderness ahead of launching His ministry, Jesus remembered this verse, too. Satan was tempting Him to misuse His divine power by turning stones into bread to satisfy His hunger, breaking His fast before the time was right. But Jesus fought the evil one by saying, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3
If you choose to fast with us on Monday, consider repeating some truths from Scripture when you’re hungry, like John 4:32, or Psalm 63:1-4. And always, always use that sacred signal of hunger as a prompt to pray, to be in communion with your Heavenly Father, and to ask the Spirit to guide your prayers to Him (Romans 8:26-27).
It’s most common to take a full day of fasting from food if your health allows it — liquids alone for a full 24 hours. But remember, you do not necessarily have to fast from eating. Perhaps you have a health condition that makes it dangerous for you to skip meals. In that case, you can choose to fast from another activity that regularly occupies your attention: scrolling social media, listening to podcasts, or watching tv, for example. Use the time you would normally spend on those activities to intentionally pray.
When you’re craving whatever it is you’ve chosen to sacrifice, pray for your own spiritual transformation. Pray for wisdom and strength for our elders, pastors, and staff. Pray for Pastor Rob during his sabbatical, that God would renew him deeply and provide fresh vision for the future. Pray that Christ would be glorified in every conversation, every decision, and every relationship within our church.
The Lord is at work among us! While transformation can be uncomfortable, we trust that His purposes are good and that “He is working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). As we humble ourselves before Him together, may He form Browncrofters into a people marked by deep trust in Him, genuine unity with each other, courageous love, and joyful obedience.
May we seek Him with humble hearts and confident hope, trusting that the God who began this good work among us will be faithful to complete it.
If you plan to participate on Monday, I would love to hear about your experience afterward! You can always reach out to us via the “Contact Us” button on our Elder page.
Blessings,
Christina Neitz
