“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in
every way into Christ who is our Head” (Ephesians 4:15)
I want to be a “passionate, purposeful follower of Jesus Christ.” So, with God’s help, I commit myself to taking consistent annual steps of growth toward becoming someone who:
Worships faithfully
Jesus knew God gave human life a rhythm setting a day apart for corporate worship and personal renewal. So he observed a Sabbath and taught his disciples to do so. I want to find a sense of God’s powerful presence and peace too. So, with God’s help, I’ll order my life so that weekly worship with God’s people and a Sabbath rest become a priority for me. (Luke 4:16, Mark 1:21, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Takes time each day for God
Jesus was known for his habit of daily prayer and his knowledge of Scripture. I want to build my life around these same two spiritual habits to keep my relationship with God fresh. So, with God’s help, I’ll make prayer and Bible reading part of my daily routine. (Luke 11:1-13, Matthew 5:17-20, 14:23, Ephesians 6:18)
Participates in a small group
Jesus constantly invited people into small groups to fellowship with him and grow spiritually by reflecting on his teaching. I want to accept Jesus’ invitation. So, with God’s help, I’ll become a member of a small group that studies together, talks together, prays together, serves together and supports each other. (Matthew 26:36, Mark 4:10, 6:31, Luke 5:29)
Serves in ministry
Jesus’ sense of God’s call to ministry shaped his life. His decision was not to pursue personal success, but to seek significance by serving God’s purpose. I want my life to make a difference. So, with God’s help, I’ll use the gifts I’ve been given to serve in a ministry of our church and in the community. I’ll also support the mission of our church around the world with my time, my prayers, and my gifts. (Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:16-21, John 12:20-28, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
Brings people to Jesus by cultivating relationships
Jesus initiated relationships with all sorts of people. He did it to invite them to enter the Kingdom. I want to learn from him. So, with God’s help, I’ll work to develop relationships with neighbors, friends, and co-workers who aren’t believers and seek opportunities to share Jesus with them. (Matthew 9:11, John 4:9-10, Luke 18:18-26)
Gives faithfully and generously
Jesus celebrated people who gave faithfully and generously to God. He trusted God to provide for him and taught his followers to do so. He commended those who gave to God in accordance with the Old Testament tithe, and admired those who gave in faith beyond it. I want to learn to trust God like Jesus. So, with God’s help, I’ll commit myself to moving my gift to the church to the level of a tithe and seek to give in generosity beyond that to God’s work in the world. (Luke 6:38, 12:15-21, 21:1-4, Malachi 3:10-12, 1 Corinthians 9:6-12)
Thinks, speaks, and acts in love
Jesus’ love for others was made tangible by the way he thought about them, spoke to them, and acted towards them. He commanded his followers to love one another. So, with God’s help, I commit myself to think, speak, and act in a way that supports the other members, the ministry, and the leadership of our church as they seek, like I do, to live in a way that is faithful to Christ. (John 13:34-35, Mark 12:28-31, Colossians 3:12-15, Hebrews 13:17)