We describe life in Christ NOT as perfection, but “moving in a NEW direction” as we follow Jesus.
This involves growing through stages of faith as you experience the abundant life Jesus offers! No matter where you are in your journey with Jesus, there is a next step for you to take. Check out the stages of faith below and identify a possible next step you can take today!
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
- Get baptized!
- Join a ministry team
- Participate in HOPE projects
- Connect to a small group
- Learn about your spiritual gifts
- Regularly attend First Wednesday
- Time With God daily devotions
- Learn how to share your story
- Lead a Discovery Bible Study
- Start a D-Group with 2-3 people
- Lead an activity, support, short-term, or regular small group
- Use the HEAR bible study method
- How to Study the Bible video
- Grow in gratitude and joy
- Learn about healthy rhythms and boundaries:
- Watch our sermon series, Bottom Line, to learn more about true love.
- Practice, tithing, generosity, and BLESSing others.
- Memorize Scripture.
- Be discipled by a more mature Christian.
- Practice the disciplines of gratitude, confession, and repentance.
- Read/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 some or all of them 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 the Psalms
- Soul Friendships overview
- Sacred Pathways
- Discover your unique ways to connect with God!
- Incorporate the Daily Office
- Gospel Contemplation
- Abandon Outcomes to God
- Lead a Discovery Bible Study
- Learn more about silence, stillness, and solitude
- Try contemplative prayer …
- Allow margin to be unhurried.
- Listen to people with empathy.
- Abide in prayer for self and others.
- Bless and pray for those who mistreat you.
- Rejoice in Christ during persecution and trials.
- Stay engaged in church and community.
- Practice secrecy (doing good deeds without recognition).