Next Steps

Sometimes we reach points in our journey of faith where we need some help taking that next step - whether it's tackling deep things in the Bible, spiritually complex subjects, or old fashioned training and equipping to embrace God's calling in our lives. The Next Steps area is focused on delivering intentional discipleship and equipping experiences that facilitate individuals taking next steps of faith towards a life of full devotion to Jesus Christ.

Why Next Steps?

Following Jesus ("discipleship") is a lifelong journey we each begin when we exchange our life for His. In His parting words to the first followers (the "Great Commission"), Jesus instructed them to go tell everyone about Him, share the good news, baptize them and to "teach them everything I have taught you." In John 14:6 Jesus identifies Himself as "the Way, the Truth, and the Life;" the adventure of faith becomes seeking out and wrestling just what it means to follow Jesus as our way, our truth and our life. Later, the Apostle Paul is giving instruction to a young leader in a local church, Timothy, and he tells him, "study to show yourself approved, rightly able to handle the Word of God." On and on there are instructions throughout the Bible for followers to "remember," "do not forget," "study," and "learn" accompanying the overarching invitation to "follow" Jesus.

Following Jesus cannot be reduced to a class, book or project. It's a life long journey that involves walking by faith, prayer, community, study, memorization, confession and a host of other ingredients as the Spirit of God "transforms us by the renewing of our minds." Along the journey, there are times when certain subjects and areas of information are most readily learned in a classroom format. For those situations, Grace Point Church offers a variety of short-term courses intended to help individuals take "next steps" in their own journey of faith in Jesus. These courses are usually 4-6 weeks although a few may last as long as 13. Courses are offered and conducted "on purpose," meaning they usually have a targeted type of person they are intending to help and an objective of not just relaying large amounts of information, but helping someone encounter truth in new ways that results in a closer and more mature walk with Jesus. Classes are taught by members of Grace Point who have a passion for particular aspects of the faith, with a gift for teaching and wisdom that comes from their own journey of following Jesus.

Sometimes they are offered on Sunday mornings, although many are also offered on evenings throughout the week. These courses are not intended to be taken back to back as an alternative to true community, but are viewed as strategic supplements that would truly compliment the life of full devotion to Jesus Christ.

Check out the courses we commonly offer and come back periodically for some of our special electives. If you are looking for a specific subject/course, let us know so we can help you locate an opportunity to learn in that area. The question in, in your own journey of faith - what's your next step?