Smith, Thomas Jacobus2025-10-022025-10-022025-07Smith, T.J., 2025, ‘“In step” with the living God: Rhythms and habits for churches faithful to their calling’, Verbum et Ecclesia 46(4), a3514. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v46i4.3514.1609-9982 (print)2074-7705 (online)10.4102/ve.v46i4.3514http://hdl.handle.net/2263/104587DATA AVAILABILITY : The author declares that all data that support this research article and findings are available in the article and its references. The manuscript is a contribution to the themed collection titled ‘Festschrift Nelus Niemandt’ under the expert guidance of guest editors Prof. Johannes J. Knoetze and Dr Yolande Steenkamp.This article reflected on the development of a congregational prototype called In pas met die lewende God [‘In step’ with the Living God], that aids congregations in the process of missional transformation. Although this prototype was developed and implemented by a diverse team, the influence of Nelus Niemandt in shifting the denominational culture towards a participation in the missio Dei was significant and was a precursor to the development. My own journey with this process has been deeply shaped by Niemandt’s theological imagination and mentorship, which continue to echo through the practices and movements described here. INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The article outlined the origin of ‘In step’ and then described the structure of the instrument, with particular attention to its emphasis on cultivating rhythms and practices that embody the missional theology as well as the holding environment for ‘In step’. Finally, the article reflected on lessons learned in partnering with local congregations as they engage with the habits and rhythms proposed in the In step process. These lessons can be used for further research for missional ecclesiology and transformation.en© 2025. The Author. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.Missional ecclesiologyRule of lifeDiscipleship formationCongregational changeMissio DeiMissional transformationIn stepIn PasArticle