Building a Significant Place
Ephesians 4:12-13 (NLT) Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
It is the purpose of every church to equip those who follow God to serve and grow. As we serve God and others, we grow in godly character (2 Peter 1:1-11). As we grow in godly character, we become more and more unified with each other. This is the foundation for a group of believers who understand their need and desire for a real community of faith as displayed in Acts 2:42-47.
In order to Help Ordinary People live an Ordinary Faith and Experience an Extraordinary God, we take the example of God the Father and Jesus Christ seriously. In John 14:2, Jesus promises that he is preparing a place for all those who follow Him. In Hebrews 11:6, we find that God the Father has prepared a city for those who believe Him. So we also provide a place for real Faith to thrive.
[Creating a Discipleship Culture]
A Place to Believe
When We Start by Trusting Jesus there are many questions that must be answered. And, in the beginning of our Faith journey, we aren’t even sure what questions to ask. So, how do we start? How do we get our children started? How do we help people that we care about get started on their journey? Here are a few of the “places” that we provide.
Each week we host a gathering for singing to God, learning about God’s Word, and the opportunity to have someone pray for those who are seeking. We call this our Gateway Service. It has several purposes. First, our gateway service is designed to be as simple and sensible as possible. Much of what we do in our Gateway Service is considerate of those who don’t have a great deal of “church” experience. We avoid a lot of things many churches do in thier services that doesn’t really make sense to those who aren’t “insiders” in regard to church life. We use common language or define the words we do use so that the things that are taught make sense even if you have never heard Bible instruction before. We want you to be able to invite someone from your workplace, sports team, or university class without the worry that they will be confused but rather given clear guidance toward Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
Second, we offer singing, instruction, and prayer in an age specific format for children in our many kids classes. This classes go on at the same time as the adult gathering to allow parents a few minutes to concentrate upon their own spiritual lives. These “kid friendly” classes are a great place for your children and grandchildren to begin exploring who God is and how to have a real relationship with Him.
Third, we also host small groups and one-on-one mentoring for those who have specific questions. The first small group we ask you to engage in is our Foundations Class. This class is a foundation for your faith and will help you understand our framework of Faith. (Trust Jesus, Honor God, and Help Others)
A Place to Become
When We live to Honor God, we have moved from the place of wondering about God and His Son Jesus Christ to a place of trusting in Him. He becomes our source and strength (John 15). He becomes our purpose (Matthew 6:33). Therefore living a life that honors Him becomes very important. But, again, we often don’t even know the right questions to ask in our Faith Journey. We have three “places” to help as you seek to honor God.
First, our weekly gathering will generate new ideas in regard to faith. Often the messages you hear from the Bible will be very counter intuitive to way the average person thinks. The weekly gathering will also put you in the vicinity of a number of people who are on similar journeys. So, making a connection with someone in a similar place in life will be easier.
Second, our small groups provide a place to have a conversation about many of the things you are now contemplating as you seek to honor God. In a small group you will enjoy the company of other like- minded people. You will learn about God, His Word, and how it applies to your situation. And, you will have a chance to talk about it and process what you have learned in a constructive environment.
Third, we have mentors who would love to help you in your journey. Most of us have matters in our own stories that will need some specific spiritual restoration. And, there are times that we just need to talk to someone and “work things out” (Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 10:24-25).
A Place to Belong
When We Mature by Helping Others, we have realized that we have received some wonderful things from God. Those incredible gifts come with the joy and responsibility to share them with others. As we share those gifts, our capacity for greater experience is increased!
Many will choose to share in the Gateway Service. The weekly gathering is a gift to others. It takes the valuable gifts of finance and time to serve so many each week. By serving as a children’s worker or teacher, or by helping set up or tear down the equipment necessary for each week’s service, you invest in the life of another seeker.
[If You’re Following Jesus… You’re Following a Servant.]
Others will be able to host and/or lead a small faith group in their home or favorite coffee shop. It is an exciting joy to participate in the journeys of others.
And some, will engage individuals in one-on-one mentoring. We believe mentoring is the best modern word in usage that most accurately describes Jesus’ intention that all of us make disciples. (Matthew 28:19-20)