Take the Next Step
Jesus meets us where we are to help us on the spiritual journey. Robert Mulholland defined spiritual formation as “the process of being formed into the image of Christ for the sake of others.” The Holy Spirit forms us in Christlike character over time. No matter where we are in the journey, there is always a step that we can take to grow in our faith.
Step 1: Tell Someone
Becoming a Christian is exciting news! Share that good news with others. Tell the pastor that you have made this decision so that they can celebrate with you and help you take the next step.
Step 2: Get Baptized
Baptism is an initiation into life in Christ. It represents the cleansing of sins and the burial of our old life as we step into new life in Christ. It is a declaration that we are marked by the Holy Spirit as followers of Jesus. We celebrate baptism of infants and believers.
Step 3: Join the Church
Being a part of a church is essential for spiritual formation because we were made for relationships and we need community to grow in our faith. When you join the church, you make vows to support the church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. When you join, you become part of our family. The church promises to support you in your faith, pray for you, come alongside you when times are tough, and celebrate the joys of life with you.
Step 4: Regularly Participate in Worship
A commitment to worship with the church every week is a vital part of life in Christ. Worship is not about what we get out of it; it is about what we put into it. Worship is our chance to give God glory. Worship unites us and sends us out into the world to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to others.
Step 5: Give Generously
God has blessed us and provided for us. Everything we have belongs to God. One way we respond to God’s grace is by giving to the church. Giving not only benefits the church and delights God; it also builds Christlike character within us as we cultivate a spirit of generosity. We believe that a tithe (10% of our income) is the biblical benchmark for giving, but we can start with whatever we can do.
Step 6: Join a Group
Jesus had a small group, and we should, too! Small groups help us to grow in our faith through Bible study and prayer. They also connect with other members of the church as we “do life together.” Some groups are seasonal, and others are ongoing. Check out our Adults page for more info.
Step 7: Serve
Missions and Service are a big part of our spiritual formation. If we want to be like Christ, we need to serve like Christ. God has given each of us spiritual gifts for the work of the church, and it is up to us to put those gifts into action to be a blessing to others. Find a place to serve within the church or outside the church. Email info@fmcbayminette.org for more info on how to get involved.
Step 8: Invite Others to Join You
One of the best and easiest ways to tell people about your new faith is to invite them to your worship service and other ministries of our church.
Step 9: Read the Bible
As a new Christian, one of the most important things you can do is to read and study the Bible. Spend time each day reading God’s Word. If you do not have a Bible, we can get you one.
Step 10: Pray
Daily prayer is simply talking to God. You do not have to use big words. Just talk to God as you would talk to any friend.
Step 11: Find a Mentor
Ask a more mature believer if they would be willing to disciple you in the basics of the Christian life. Ask them to guide you in your spiritual life and to hold you accountable!
Step 12: Be a Mentor
Prayerfully ask God to bring you a new believer who is hungry to learn the basics about the Christian life. Teach others how to do what you are doing that they may repeat the process. If you have any questions about your Next Step, we are here to help! Please visit the Care Ministry page linked below to get in touch with us.