People in this stage are working on completely relying on God in all circumstances and fully surrendering their life to Christ. In this stage, people are trying to discover how they can serve God with their spiritual gifts and talents and joining God in God’s work in the world. People are paying attention to their motives and trying to be more Christ-centered and not self-centered. As Jesus prepared for his death and resurrection, he spent a great deal of time with his disciples teaching them one last time. Jesus invited his disciples to abide and bear fruit in John 15: 1-5 (NRSV).
[Jesus said] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.
As in all the stages, we are a work in progress and God is transforming us into the people God created us to be. As you think about how you might abide and bear fruit, here are some opportunities to consider:
- If you have been a pilgrim on The Walk to Emmaus, consider serving on the Emmaus team. For more information, click HERE.
- Consider how God is calling you to serve. What can you do with your gifts and talents to serve the kingdom of God? How can you serve the community? Spend time in prayer asking God for direction.
- Find a spiritual friend and be accountable to each other for your spiritual growth. Ask your friend, “How is it with your soul?”
- Be a prayer partner for our youth and young adults. Contact Rev. Stephanie Hughes for more information.
- Consider sacrificial giving in response to all that God is doing in your life. Sacrificial giving is giving beyond the tithe of 10%.
- Ask to meet with one of the pastors or staff at the church or over a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop. Call the church office at 409-655-5348.
Next Steps
There is never going to be a time when we are not being transformed into becoming more and more like Christ. The next steps for people at this stage are to be tuned into the working of God’s Spirit in your life. What tugs at your heart? Where can you make a difference in the community in the name of Jesus? Who can you mentor in the ways of Jesus? What parts of your life still need to be surrendered to God’s guidance and care? Your pastors and staff are always ready to chat with you about how God is calling you to serve.