What do you hope to see happen in your life through your connection to the church?
Based on my experience, not many of us think much about that question. It’s far more common to think about what we hope the church will provide us and our families: dynamic worship, Biblical preaching, engaging children’s and youth programs, fellowship opportunities, Bible studies, service opportunities, and the like.
But why? To what end?
If pressed, we might say that these things will help us grow in our faith and encourage us to live God-honoring lives. But because we are embedded in a consumerist culture, if we’re not careful, we’ll engage in these things primarily in terms of what we think we’re getting out of them. Did I like the music? Am I learning interesting things? Are my kids having fun and seem engaged? Do I have friends here? Was that program well executed?
What We Hope to See Happen In Your Life
I’ll let you in on a secret. The leadership of GRC has an agenda for your involvement. We have plans for you. It’s much less about those things and much more about what we hope to see happen in your life. Our desire for you can be summed up in Paul’s statement to the Christians at Colossae:
“(Jesus) is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28)
We want to proclaim Christ, faithfully teach the Scriptures, and encourage/admonish you to follow Jesus so that you become fully mature in Christ. We want your life to be transformed through the Scriptures by God’s grace in Christ by the power of his Spirit so that you become a mature and equipped follower of Jesus, finding your joy in him and living for his glory in all things.
We are all a work in progress. We haven’t arrived yet. That means I need to change. You need to change. We need to grow in grace together as we strive to become more like Christ. We hope your involvement in the life and ministry of GRC contributes to that. One ministry opportunity is designed specifically to lay a foundation for this life of discipleship.
The Discovery Group
The Discovery Group is a 6-week workshop facilitated by Pastor Steve that explores how to grow in our experience of God and live out the Christian life. More than a teaching time, this small group experience will equip you with spiritual dynamics and practices to follow Jesus in practical ways. Specifically, we’ll explore how GRC’s Purpose, Vision and Mission can be more than nice thoughts on a website—it can actually inform the way we make disciples and the way each of us practically lives out our faith in daily living. Minimal homework will help you apply what you’re learning and put it to use in your life.
The Discovery Group is so important that we offer it three times a year. Everyone is welcome to attend, but we especially want newcomers and those of you who are not already in a group to take it. It is, essentially, GRC’s “Start Here” connecting point to getting more involved in the church outside of Sunday mornings.
Here’s what a few recent Discovery Group participants have said about their experience in the group:
The class was great because it laid out and reinforced basic principles of the faith for developing a meaningful relationship with the Lord, gave meaningful and real methods to grow daily… and also provided a window into GRC’s values and vision. Would recommend to those new to the faith as well as people who want a “refresher” course.
Discovery group was a great way of getting plugged into Grace Redeemer Church. Having a small group being led by a pastor created a great atmosphere for questions and concerns without fear of judgment. It was a great few weeks of learning more about the Christian faith and what GRC is all about.
The next Discovery Group begins May 18 (7:00-8:30 pm) and meets on Wednesdays through June 29. I’d love to see you there!
If you would like to learn more or register for the upcoming Discovery Group send an email.
Steve Sage serves as the Pastor of Discipleship at GRC.