A New Direction
This journey involves growing through stages of faith as you experience the abundant life Jesus offers! While these are typically linear, there can also be cyclical movement to your journey.
No matter where you are in your journey with Jesus, there is a next step for you to take. Check out the stages below to identify tour next next step!
Early Stages of Faith
The following statements describe the earlier stages in your journey with Jesus:
In these stages it’s important to get rooted in some of the practices and activities below:
- Prayer 101
- Pray Simply
- Get Baptized
- HEAR Bible Study
- Join a Ministry Team
- How to Study the Bible
- Grow in Gratitude & Joy
- Connect to a Small Group
- Start a Discipleship Group
- Learn About Spiritual Gifts
- Participate in a HOPE Project
- Start a Discovery Bible Study
- Learn How to Share Your Story
- Time With God Daily Devotions
- Explore Books of the Bible Overviews
- Learn about healthy rhythms and boundaries:
- Memorize Scripture.
- Be discipled by a more mature Christian.
- Practice, tithing, generosity, and BLESSing others.
- Practice the disciplines of gratitude, confession, and repentance.
- Read and listen to Gospel-Centered books, podcasts, and devotionals.
The Wall
At some point, you may still feel “stuck”in your relationship with God. If that describes you, read the statements below to see if they name what you’re experiencing.
If most or all of these describe your experience over the past few months, you might be in a season known as “The Wall.” Although difficult or scary, this season can be an opportunity for deeper intimacy and joy!
Some of the practices and activities that tend to be most helpful include:
- Learn how to approach, embrace, and release “The Wall”:
- Learn about lament:
- Enjoy a prayer walk or fun activity with Jesus!
- Read stories of people growing through faith trials.
- Enjoy God’s blessings in nature, friends, and the arts.
- Receive spiritual direction, pastoral care, or counseling.
- Serve the poor and needy or serve through creative arts.
- Play music, draw a picture, or write a poem and offer it as a prayer.
- Continue reading God’s Word consistently, being reminded of His love for you!
Later Stages of Faith
The following statements describe the later stages in your journey, after doing the inner work to go through “The Wall."
In addition to those in the earlier stages, it’s important to get rooted in some of the practices and activities below:
- Lectio Divina
- Daily Examen
- Pray Scripture
- Soul Friendships
- Sacred Pathways
- Discover your unique ways to connect with God!
- Gospel Contemplation
- Incorporate the Daily Office
- Start a Discovery Bible Study
- Abandon Outcomes to the Lord
- Learn About Silence, Stillness, & Solitude
- Lead an Activity, Support, or Small Group
- Try contemplative prayer:
- Allow margin to be unhurried.
- Listen to people with empathy.
- Abide in prayer for self and others.
- Stay engaged in church and community.
- Bless and pray for those who mistreat you.
- Rejoice in Christ during persecution and trials.
- Practice secrecy (doing good deeds without recognition).