People in this stage have declared their belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Lord of their Life. Now, people are learning how to follow Jesus. When Jesus gathered his disciples around him, he had to teach them about who he was and how to be a disciple. They learned just like we learn. Jesus invited the disciples to follow him in Matthew 4:18-22.
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
People who are in this stage of their spiritual journey are eager to do things–participate in worship, serve on Sunday morning, try out a bible study, learn to pray, join a small group, or help on mission projects. At St. John’s, we have many opportunities for people who are learning to follow Jesus. We invite you to participate in any of the following ways:
- Attend Sunday morning worship at 9:30 AM or 11 AM
- Join a bible study. You can find out more about current bible studies HERE.
- Start a daily quiet time of prayer and devotion. Pick up a copy of The Upper Room in the foyer and read the devotions every day.
- Start serving on Sunday morning as an usher or a greeter. Consider singing the choir. Check out the opportunities to serve HERE.
- 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
We encourage people in the stage to take the next step in their faith journey. Here are some opportunities that will give you an opportunity to learn and grow and move to the next stage.
- Sign up to be a pilgrim on The Walk to Emmaus. Find out more HERE.
- Give serious consideration to the vows of membership at St. John’s United Methodist Church. How are you supporting the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?
- Be more consistent in your time alone with God. Read, study, pray, and listen to God.
- Consider consistent financial giving to the church. Have your gift drafted from your bank or give regularly. Consider giving a tithe (10%) of your income.
- Join the Disciple Bible Study. This is an intensive dive into the scriptures. New sessions start in the fall and January. For more information, click HERE.