Embarking on the path to becoming a strong disciple of God requires clear guidance and actionable steps. At Sidney First Naz, we understand the challenges of navigating this journey. While the foundational principles of reading the Bible, prayer, and striving to follow God are known, it can be challenging to translate them into practical steps for our daily lives.
That's why we've developed our Next Steps Model, centered around four key components: Worship, Grow, Serve, and Invite. These pillars provide a roadmap for continuous spiritual growth, equipping individuals to become fully devoted disciples of Christ.
Here's how each component plays a vital role in your spiritual journey:
That's why we've developed our Next Steps Model, centered around four key components: Worship, Grow, Serve, and Invite. These pillars provide a roadmap for continuous spiritual growth, equipping individuals to become fully devoted disciples of Christ.
Here's how each component plays a vital role in your spiritual journey:
- Worship: Begin by cultivating a lifestyle of worship, where you honor and glorify God in all aspects of your life. Join us in corporate worship gatherings, engage in personal worship practices, and prioritize the presence of God in your daily routines.
- Grow: Deepen your understanding of God's Word and grow in your relationship with Him. Through Bible study, discipleship resources, and spiritual formation opportunities, you'll develop a solid foundation of faith that sustains you through life's challenges.
- Serve: Discover and deploy your unique gifts and talents to serve others in our church and community. Whether through volunteering, missions, or acts of compassion, serving allows you to demonstrate God's love in tangible ways and make a meaningful impact on those around you.
- Invite: Extend the invitation to others to join you on this journey of faith. Share your story, invite friends and family to church events, and engage in intentional conversations about the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Your invitation may be the catalyst for someone else's spiritual awakening.
Understanding what it truly means to believe is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey. Despite our desire to see ourselves as inherently good, deep down, we recognize our inclination towards selfish desires. This awareness of right and wrong stems from God, as we were created with a natural yearning for Him. In His love, God offers us hope for a better life and the promise of eternal life for those who place their trust in Him. He eagerly awaits our invitation to transform our hearts, minds, and souls.
Belief in God, His Word, and His love marks the beginning of a transformative journey. It's about opening our hearts to His presence and allowing Him to work within us, regardless of our past mistakes. As a church, we are committed to walking alongside you in this journey, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Jesus Christ.
Salvation is at the heart of this journey. It begins with repentance and acknowledging our need for God's grace. Scripture reminds us that we've all fallen short of God's glory due to sin. Yet, because of His immense love for us, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on our behalf, offering us the gift of eternal life. This gift is available to everyone who confesses their sins and accepts Jesus as their Savior.
If you're ready to take the first step towards salvation, we invite you to explore further by reading John 3:16 and discovering more about starting your journey with Jesus. Click on the buttons below to delve into this life-changing decision.
Salvation: Prayer of Repentance. John 3:16
Once you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior and become a new creation in Christ, the journey of faith continues. The next step is to share this transformation with others. Sharing your decision with someone else is not only an expression of gratitude and joy but also an opportunity to strengthen your commitment to your newfound faith.
Being part of the family of God means having fellow believers to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey. Church isn't just a building or a service—it's a community of believers supporting, encouraging, and sharpening one another as we navigate life together. Through fellowship and mutual encouragement, we grow in our faith and share the joy we've found in Christ with those around us.
Committing to church involvement is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a supportive environment where you can receive guidance, direction, and accountability on your journey toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As you grow in your faith, one significant step is baptism—a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
If you've recently accepted Jesus as your Savior or have questions about your faith journey, we're here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to one of our pastors via email by clicking on their button below. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment at (937)-492-4492. We're excited to meet with you, get to know you better, and support you in your walk with Christ.
IDENTITY: Tell Someone Commit to Church. Meet with Pastor. Baptism
Being part of the family of God means having fellow believers to walk alongside you in your spiritual journey. Church isn't just a building or a service—it's a community of believers supporting, encouraging, and sharpening one another as we navigate life together. Through fellowship and mutual encouragement, we grow in our faith and share the joy we've found in Christ with those around us.
Committing to church involvement is essential for spiritual growth. It provides a supportive environment where you can receive guidance, direction, and accountability on your journey toward becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. As you grow in your faith, one significant step is baptism—a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior.
If you've recently accepted Jesus as your Savior or have questions about your faith journey, we're here to help. Please don't hesitate to reach out to one of our pastors via email by clicking on their button below. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment at (937)-492-4492. We're excited to meet with you, get to know you better, and support you in your walk with Christ.
IDENTITY: Tell Someone Commit to Church. Meet with Pastor. Baptism
Belonging is a fundamental longing ingrained within us by our Creator. From the earliest pages of Genesis to the formation of the Church in Acts, we see God's intention for us to find companionship and unity—not only with each other but also with Christ Himself. This desire for unity was so profound that Jesus prayed for it moments before His crucifixion (John 17:21).
Today, we fulfill this desire by welcoming all into the family of God through the Church. At New Hope, we aspire to cultivate a community of Christ followers who impact each other's lives and our wider community. We believe that everyone yearns to belong, and God invites us to discover that sense of belonging within His family.
Developing a deeper understanding of God's Word can feel daunting, but it's a crucial aspect of our spiritual growth. To begin this journey, we recommend starting with a study Bible such as the Life Application Bible. These Bibles provide helpful insights at the bottom of each page to aid in understanding Scripture and applying it to our daily lives.
We suggest starting with four key books from the New Testament:
For more information on this class or recommended study Bibles, please reach out to one of our pastors by clicking on their buttons below. You can also access the recommended books of the Bible online by clicking on the buttons provided. We're here to support you on your journey of spiritual growth and discovery of belonging in God's family.
Biblical Knowledge: Get a Study Bible. Read John. Read James. Read Ephesians. Read Acts. Take [Class 101?]
Today, we fulfill this desire by welcoming all into the family of God through the Church. At New Hope, we aspire to cultivate a community of Christ followers who impact each other's lives and our wider community. We believe that everyone yearns to belong, and God invites us to discover that sense of belonging within His family.
Developing a deeper understanding of God's Word can feel daunting, but it's a crucial aspect of our spiritual growth. To begin this journey, we recommend starting with a study Bible such as the Life Application Bible. These Bibles provide helpful insights at the bottom of each page to aid in understanding Scripture and applying it to our daily lives.
We suggest starting with four key books from the New Testament:
- John: This Gospel provides an account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Through John's account, we witness the selfless example of Jesus as the servant King, who sacrificed Himself to forgive our sins and offer us hope in Him.
- James: This book offers practical wisdom on living a life of integrity and wholeness. James emphasizes the importance of finding joy in our relationship with Jesus and living wholeheartedly devoted to Him.
- Ephesians: Written by the apostle Paul, Ephesians summarizes the Gospel message in its first half and discusses its implications for our lives in the second half. It highlights how the Gospel should shape every aspect of our story.
- Acts: Written by Luke, Acts recounts the early days of the Church and the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit to spread the message of Jesus Christ. It serves as a blueprint for how we can continue Jesus' mission today.
For more information on this class or recommended study Bibles, please reach out to one of our pastors by clicking on their buttons below. You can also access the recommended books of the Bible online by clicking on the buttons provided. We're here to support you on your journey of spiritual growth and discovery of belonging in God's family.
Biblical Knowledge: Get a Study Bible. Read John. Read James. Read Ephesians. Read Acts. Take [Class 101?]
Community lies at the heart of robust and meaningful discipleship. God's design has always been for us to belong in community, where we can grow alongside others and help them grow in return. Church membership serves as a pivotal step in beginning this journey of community. By becoming members, we express our commitment to invest in our church community rather than merely attending. It marks the transition from viewing the church as a spiritual house to embracing it as a spiritual home.
Sunday School provides another avenue for learning and growth within our church family. During these sessions, held during both of our services, we delve deeper into the Bible, encouraging active participation and discussion. It's an opportunity to ask questions, seek understanding, and engage with fellow believers on a more personal level.
Sometimes, we yearn for more specialized learning or connections with others who share similar life experiences. That's where our Grow Group ministries come in. Led by passionate leaders within the church, these groups meet at various times and locations to explore specific topics or provide support in particular areas of life. Through these groups, relationships are nurtured, and growth occurs within a supportive community.
As we journey together in growth and relationships, it becomes essential to have both accountability partners and mentors. An accountability partner is a peer with whom we share complete transparency about our struggles and lives, encouraging and sharpening one another towards growth. Mentors, on the other hand, are leaders whom we admire and who have committed to guiding us in our spiritual journey, helping us become stronger men and women of God.
Ultimately, the mission of the church is to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. As we welcome you into the family of God, we also extend an invitation to walk through life together with us, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.
For more information on membership and Sunday School, please reach out to Pastor Chad via email. Additionally, click on the membership button below to watch a video explaining membership in the Church of the Nazarene. For details about our small groups and inquiries about accountability, mentorship, and fellowship within the church, please email Pastor Joshua. We look forward to connecting with you and journeying together in faith.
Community - Church Membership Grow Groups. Accountability/Mentor. Fellowship
Sunday School provides another avenue for learning and growth within our church family. During these sessions, held during both of our services, we delve deeper into the Bible, encouraging active participation and discussion. It's an opportunity to ask questions, seek understanding, and engage with fellow believers on a more personal level.
Sometimes, we yearn for more specialized learning or connections with others who share similar life experiences. That's where our Grow Group ministries come in. Led by passionate leaders within the church, these groups meet at various times and locations to explore specific topics or provide support in particular areas of life. Through these groups, relationships are nurtured, and growth occurs within a supportive community.
As we journey together in growth and relationships, it becomes essential to have both accountability partners and mentors. An accountability partner is a peer with whom we share complete transparency about our struggles and lives, encouraging and sharpening one another towards growth. Mentors, on the other hand, are leaders whom we admire and who have committed to guiding us in our spiritual journey, helping us become stronger men and women of God.
Ultimately, the mission of the church is to share the love of Jesus Christ with others. As we welcome you into the family of God, we also extend an invitation to walk through life together with us, supporting and encouraging one another along the way.
For more information on membership and Sunday School, please reach out to Pastor Chad via email. Additionally, click on the membership button below to watch a video explaining membership in the Church of the Nazarene. For details about our small groups and inquiries about accountability, mentorship, and fellowship within the church, please email Pastor Joshua. We look forward to connecting with you and journeying together in faith.
Community - Church Membership Grow Groups. Accountability/Mentor. Fellowship
God meets us where we are, but His desire is always for us to be transformed into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). As we embark on the journey of Next Steps, we begin to witness our lives shifting from self-focus to a focus on nurturing those around us. Jesus serves as the ultimate example of how our lives should be lived—a balance of intimate communion with God, fellowship with a close community, and reaching out to the multitudes with love and grace.
Serving is a tangible way for us to express love in action. Recognizing that each of us is uniquely gifted, we offer a spiritual gifts assessment to help you discover how God has specifically equipped you to serve. In response to God's abundant blessings, we are called to give our best, acknowledging His provision through our tithes and offerings. Serving within the church, whether leading a Grow Group, extending hospitality to guests, or participating in various ministries, allows us to strengthen one another as we serve according to the gifts God has given us.
Furthermore, we are commissioned to extend our service beyond the church walls, ministering to our community and sharing the love of Christ with others. James 2:26 reminds us that our faith without action is dead, emphasizing the importance of sharing Christ's love with those around us. As a unified body of Christ, we are called to engage in acts of service and love, both within the church and in the wider community.
In addition to serving, intentional prayer plays a vital role in our journey of discipleship. Through prayer, we lift up the needs and concerns of others, encouraging and supporting one another in times of difficulty. However, it's crucial to prioritize our own spiritual health to avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others. Increasing our biblical knowledge through reading the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs provides guidance and wisdom to become more Christlike in our service.
To discover your spiritual gifts, please email Pastor Joshua. For information on sharing Christ, service opportunities, and intentional prayer, feel free to reach out to any of our staff members. Click on the buttons below to start reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. We're here to support and guide you as you take your Next Steps in serving Christ and His kingdom.
Service: - Spiritual Gifts/First Fruits Sharing Christ. Service in Church Involvement in Community Intentional Prayer Read through N.T., Psalms and Proverbs
NEW TESTAMENT. PSALMS. PROVERBS.
Serving is a tangible way for us to express love in action. Recognizing that each of us is uniquely gifted, we offer a spiritual gifts assessment to help you discover how God has specifically equipped you to serve. In response to God's abundant blessings, we are called to give our best, acknowledging His provision through our tithes and offerings. Serving within the church, whether leading a Grow Group, extending hospitality to guests, or participating in various ministries, allows us to strengthen one another as we serve according to the gifts God has given us.
Furthermore, we are commissioned to extend our service beyond the church walls, ministering to our community and sharing the love of Christ with others. James 2:26 reminds us that our faith without action is dead, emphasizing the importance of sharing Christ's love with those around us. As a unified body of Christ, we are called to engage in acts of service and love, both within the church and in the wider community.
In addition to serving, intentional prayer plays a vital role in our journey of discipleship. Through prayer, we lift up the needs and concerns of others, encouraging and supporting one another in times of difficulty. However, it's crucial to prioritize our own spiritual health to avoid becoming stumbling blocks to others. Increasing our biblical knowledge through reading the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs provides guidance and wisdom to become more Christlike in our service.
To discover your spiritual gifts, please email Pastor Joshua. For information on sharing Christ, service opportunities, and intentional prayer, feel free to reach out to any of our staff members. Click on the buttons below to start reading through the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs. We're here to support and guide you as you take your Next Steps in serving Christ and His kingdom.
Service: - Spiritual Gifts/First Fruits Sharing Christ. Service in Church Involvement in Community Intentional Prayer Read through N.T., Psalms and Proverbs
NEW TESTAMENT. PSALMS. PROVERBS.
Becoming more like Jesus encompasses a continuous journey of growth, which requires consistent commitment to habits that mirror His own. These commitments are essential for sustaining spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with God. We break these commitments down into three primary areas:
[Leadership Training] helps to develop effective leaders in the church, offers another opportunity for growth. As we mature in our faith, we're called to become mentors, intentionally investing in others on a one-on-one level to help them grow just as we've been nurtured.
For those seeking resources for daily devotions and quiet time, we offer Daily Bread devotionals, available in each of our foyers. To learn more about committing to spiritual habits, holy living, financial stewardship, and intentional sabbath/retreat practices, please reach out to any of our pastoral staff.
To embark on the journey of reading through the entire Bible or to sign up for [Leadership Training] and become a mentor, please contact Pastor Joshua. We're here to support and guide you as you continue to grow in your relationship with God and become more like Jesus in every aspect of your life.
Growth: Devotions. Habits. Commitment to Holy Living. Commitment to Financial Stewardship. Read through Entire Bible
Rest/Retreat. Leadership. Mentoring
- Spiritual Habits: These are the intentional choices we make to prioritize our relationship with God. They include diving deeper into His Word, maintaining accountability with fellow believers, and actively participating in our church family.
- Holy Living: This commitment entails embodying the Fruits of the Spirit outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 in every aspect of our lives. Whether at home, in church, or out in the world, our goal is to reflect Jesus so that others may see His presence in us.
- Financial Stewardship: Recognizing that God has blessed us with all we have, we commit to two principles: generously giving to the church and responsibly managing our resources while also being generous towards others.
[Leadership Training] helps to develop effective leaders in the church, offers another opportunity for growth. As we mature in our faith, we're called to become mentors, intentionally investing in others on a one-on-one level to help them grow just as we've been nurtured.
For those seeking resources for daily devotions and quiet time, we offer Daily Bread devotionals, available in each of our foyers. To learn more about committing to spiritual habits, holy living, financial stewardship, and intentional sabbath/retreat practices, please reach out to any of our pastoral staff.
To embark on the journey of reading through the entire Bible or to sign up for [Leadership Training] and become a mentor, please contact Pastor Joshua. We're here to support and guide you as you continue to grow in your relationship with God and become more like Jesus in every aspect of your life.
Growth: Devotions. Habits. Commitment to Holy Living. Commitment to Financial Stewardship. Read through Entire Bible
Rest/Retreat. Leadership. Mentoring
The Next Steps model provides a clear pathway from the moment we accept Jesus into our hearts to the ongoing journey of becoming the strong men and women of God He intended us to be. This journey isn't one that ends upon reaching a final destination but is a continual commitment to growth that spans our entire lives. Our aim is to mirror Jesus Christ as closely as possible—a goal we faithfully pursue despite our imperfections, knowing it's what God calls us to and what the world desperately needs.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, moving from sin to sanctification as we seek to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in our lives and communities, from here to the ends of the Earth. Together, let's embrace the adventure of becoming more like our Savior every day and making a profound impact on the world around us.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey, moving from sin to sanctification as we seek to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in our lives and communities, from here to the ends of the Earth. Together, let's embrace the adventure of becoming more like our Savior every day and making a profound impact on the world around us.