Covered in Dust: Learning to Live as an Apprentice of Jesus

by Scott Smoak, Pinnacle Associate

What if following Jesus were less about trying harder and more about learning to walk closer?

This fall, Pinnacle Leadership Associates associate Scott W. Smoak will launch Covered in Dust, a new spiritual formation experience designed to help people rediscover what it means to live as an apprentice of Jesus.

Jesus did not simply invite people to believe certain things about Him. He said, “Come, follow me.” His disciples walked with Him, listened to Him, watched how He lived, practiced His way, and gradually became more like their Rabbi.

That is the idea behind Covered in Dust: stay near enough to Jesus, long enough, that His way begins to shape your way.

The experience is built around three simple movements:

Walk Close — Learn to recognize and remain attentive to the presence and voice of Jesus.

Become Whole — Allow Jesus to transform the deeper places of our lives—our emotions, desires, wounds, reactions, and identity.

Love Well — Carry the way of Jesus into everyday relationships through presence, deep listening, compassion, kindness, and service.

Together, they form the heart of the curriculum:

Apprentices of Jesus are people who walk close enough to hear His voice, become whole enough to reflect His character, and love well enough to participate in His work in the world.

Begin with a Free Webinar

Scott plans to offer the Covered in Dust introductory webinar at no cost, giving participants opportunities to experience the material before deciding whether to continue into the full formation experience.

The webinar will explore what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus, the meaning behind Covered in Dust, the importance of learning to listen to God, and several simple spiritual practices for everyday life. Participants will also be invited to register for the upcoming eight-week experience.

Go Deeper: The 8-Week Formation Experience

For those ready to take the next step, the Covered in Dust 8-Week Formation Experience will move beyond learning about apprenticeship into actually practicing a way of life with Jesus.

Each gathering will combine Scripture, teaching, conversation, guided reflection, journaling, listening, and spiritual practices. Participants will explore questions such as: Who or what is forming me? How do I learn to listen to Jesus? Who am I becoming? Can I trust the slow work of formation? How can I learn to see, hear, and love people more like Jesus?

By the final week, each participant will begin creating a simple Covered in Dust Rule of Life—personal rhythms for continuing to Walk Close, Become Whole, and Love Well long after the eight weeks are over.

This isn't about completing another religious program.

It's an invitation to a different way of following Jesus.

Come closer. Pay attention. Listen. Practice. Love. Keep walking.

And perhaps, over time, discover that the life of your Rabbi is becoming increasingly visible in yours.

May you be Covered in Dust.