What are your Next STEPS?
Discipleship requires action, but that doesn’t mean you need special talents, or a complex plan and the perfect circumstances to execute it-in fact it’s much better to break it down into small, simple steps. This allows us to approach it with a greater sense of purpose, and when we've got partners on the path, the journey is less difficult.
Next STEPS...your Personal 'GPS' for Growing in Faith.
There is no specific sequence to the steps, no giant actions required, and no set timeline – what is important is that we try to do something! Even one, single small step taken when we are able, is a step in the right direction. And, we have seen again and again, how even the smallest action humbly taken by a sincere believer with faith in their heart, can have a huge impact on the family of God. But let’s be clear that the steps of discipleship are not to be taken out of a sense of obligation, that is not what Jesus asked, he did not even use the word. But discipleship is based on a relationship with Jesus so that when we hear Him invite us to “follow me” (Matthew 4:19) we do so out of love.
For many people, the idea of movement forward or of growth is a challenge when they do not know where they are going, or what is expected. That is true of many things in life, we may know the destination of a trip for example, but if we have no idea about how we are getting there, where we will stay, who we will see, or what is expected of us, it makes us very uneasy, and the journey more difficult than it needs to be. Within the context of our modern world, and the fast-paced busy lives that we have, we need to feel that we are able to maximize our efforts for a worthwhile purpose. It is our hope that the NextSTEPS booklet will give you what Fr. László has been calling a “GPS for growing in faith”, both in the direction and purpose of taking the journey. The five parts of this journey of faith are identified by the acronym “STEPS”, and each has a biblical foundation.
S.T.E.P.S. to Discipleship
- S - SERVING
SERVE IN MINISTRY
We know service is essential to our growth as followers of Jesus Christ. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) There are many varied opportunities to be able to use the gifts God has given us in ways that will serve His people and His church.
Visit the Serve page- T - TITHE
TITHING & GIVING
Through our financial support we are demonstrating our support of all that the church is trying to accomplish. It is also a way that we can share what God has given us as a means of worshiping Him. Our money and possessions can be the greatest competition for God’s place in our hearts. “...everything we have is a gift from God, and to be used in His service.” (Luke 12:33)
Visit the Tithe & Give Page
- E - ENGAGE
ENGAGE IN SMALL GROUP
A most powerful way to journey in our faith is found when we “Engage in a Small Group” and through the relationships, conversations and support of an extended family grow our faith in the circle of friends. The early church was all about small communities of people who followed Jesus together. (Acts 2:42-47)
Visit the Small Group Page- P - Prayer & Sacraments
Practice Prayer & Sacraments
We are reminded by the “P” that as we try to navigate through life, and certainly as we undertake possible actions to develop our faith, we can rely on the “Practice of Prayer; and Celebration of the Sacraments” to bring the presence of God to the forefront of our life to guide and support us. “Pray continually.” (Thess 5:17)
Visit the Prayer page
- S - Sharing Faith
Sharing Through Evangelizing
Sharing Faith Through Evangelization, telling our stories of the presence and impact of God’s love in our lives. It is through the example of how we live our life and speaking about our faith in a way that is authentic and personal that we do have the power to invite others to come closer in a relationship with Jesus Christ. “That is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Romans 1:12)
Visit the Invite page
