One of the most rewarding aspects of life is physical exercise. Whether we are in the gym, on the track, running the streets or cycling, we know that what we are doing is good for the longevity of life, as well as the present benefits of a clear mind and a better physique. Personal and career development through opportunities from seminars to webinars also is rewarding. But nothing compares to the fulfillment experienced when a Christ-follower is hitting his or her spiritual “sweet spot.”
Being “on the game” spiritually is seldom easy, but the process is exacerbated when proper tools and plans aren’t in place. Imagine going to a gym to find that they had a few dilapidated machines, and when you asked for a trainer to help you plan a workout routine, they just scratched their heads and quickly excused themselves out of embarrassment. You’d never go back to that gym. And, if you did, you’d never progress as you should.
The church, Hope specifically, ought to be a place where you come to develop spiritually, to get the proper tools and “routines” for spiritual growth. Thankfully Hope is such a place. Let’s consider a few avenues for spiritual formation at our awesome church.
Starting Pointis like the orientation classes at the local gym. The purpose of which is to introduce the participants to the need for spiritual exercise, as well as to give the class an overview of God’s story and how each fits into His story. Those that take such classes gain invaluable insight into the whys and hows of Christianity, much like one at a gym orientation would discover the hows and whys of physical exercise. So if you are new to the church scene (previously unchurched, dechurched or recently rechurched) this class is for you.
Small Groupsare like the pilates and BodyJam™ classes you take at the local gym. These are small groups of people who have a desire to get beyond where they are; to define their spiritual muscles, to tone their spiritual attitudes, to enjoy the company of people with a similar interest of getting in shape with a group of friends. There are small groups for men, women, singles, twenty-somethings, even middle school and high school students. Small groups are the single best way for most people to develop their spiritual muscles. If you’ve been at Hope for more than two months it is time you stop by the small group counter and register to participate in what could be the most rewarding spiritual experience of your life.
LifeLabsare like the five week seminars that can be taken through a local community college or city park program that are more intensive and focused. Skilled teachers instruct participants in areas from stewarding our God-given resources to understanding the message of a particular book of the Bible. If you are looking for more in-depth instruction on a particular topic or book of the Bible, then check out the LifeLab schedule.
LifeSolutions is for those who are just too weary and worn out from the daily grind of life to really think about plugging into something that will help them grow. They are looking for ways just to maintain some semblance of order to their lives. Perhaps a major event in their life has caused them to go into a tailspin. Well, we want such folks to know that not only are they welcome here at Hope, but there is help here as well. If you find yourself in a difficult or stressful place due to any number of real life situations, LifeSolutions may be just the opportunity for you to get the help you need to navigate through it.
These four avenues are by no means the only ones for your choosing. But they are the best ways. The Spiritual Formation Team at Hope is diligently working to bring more opportunities that will help you advance in your spiritual fitness—wherever you are in your journey. For now, take advantage of one or more of the venues already present…don’t wait!
Gary, can you explain more about the ID class and the All Play Church Wide Study? If our small group isn’t doing the ID class - can the ID class be done with let’s say just a husband and wife? will everyone be doing ID at one time and will the sermons line up with what we’re doing in that? when will the ID thing start?