Where are you in your spiritual journey? There are some common milestones that many of us have faced at one point or another as we explore Christianity. Where do you see yourself?
> Spiritually Seeking
> On the Fence
> Returning to Church
> Help For the Hurting
> I Think I’m Ready
> New Believer
> Growing Deeper
> Spiritual Gifts For Helping Others
> Reaching Out
Spiritually Seeking
No matter what your spiritual background, no matter what you believe (or don’t) about God, at certain points in our lives, we sense the presence of God. How we respond to God at these crossroads marks the direction our journey takes. The Bible says: “seek and you shall find.”
Perhaps you are at one of those proverbial faith forks in the road of life. By looking here, you are most likely seeking with an open heart and mind. Many learned people have discovered after honest, in-depth investigations that it takes more faith to not believe than it does to believe!
Know that at C3, you have a place where you can ask any questions you might have now or will have in the future. After all, most of the folks around C3 have been on a journey similar to the one you are starting on now.
Here are some great resources you can use to help you along with this step of your spiritual journey.
Pick up a copy of the Bible and read the Gospel of John. It will only take you an hour or so to read, but it will give you an outstanding overview of Jesus’ life and teachings. As with all books and tapes listed in this section, this resource is available at The Source – Christian Bookstore at C3.
Read the books “The Case for Christ” and “The Case for Faith” by Lee Strobel. If you have intellectual concerns about the Christian faith, this former newspaper legal affairs editor takes a legal approach to viewing the claims of Christ and Christianity.
Be part of a C3 Connect Group. Joining a Connect Group provides you with the opportunity to ask and discuss any and all questions you have about faith and Christianity. The process of considering Christianity and the claims of Christ is always celebrated at C3. Many people arrive here with unanswered questions about God, truth, the Bible and any number of other issues. We want to provide safe places to address those questions without ridicule, condemnation, or pressure.
Talk to a staff person at the church. They will take the time to carefully listen to your thoughts and questions, and can expand on what the Bible says about specific questions you have. Our commitment is to be a resource for you as you seek answers. Call the church office during the day to talk with someone.
On the Fence
You may have been seeking for a while, or even for quite some time. You now find yourself on the proverbial fence. God is becoming more and more real to you, but…
Just one thing: you still have some big-time questions that need to be answered. Or perhaps there is a lingering doubt that you can’t seem to shake.
Know that these are legitimate issues and concerns. We’re glad you are taking them seriously. Start tackling these obstacles by checking out any of these next steps.
Pick up a copy of the Bible and read the Gospel of John. It will only take you an hour or so to read, but it will give you an outstanding overview of Jesus’ life and teachings. In particular, carefully consider what Jesus said to Nicodemus, who was at a similar stage in his spiritual journey that you are now. You will find that in Chapter 3, verses 1-20. As with all the materials listed in this section, this resource is available at The Source – Christian Bookstore at C3.
If you would like to go deeper with any of your questions or concerns, you can talk to a staff person at the church. They will take the time to carefully listen to your thoughts and questions, and can expand on what the Bible says about specific questions you have. Our commitment is to be a resource for you as you seek answers. Call the church office during the day to talk with someone.
Sign up for the Discovery 201. This class provides you with the opportunity to ask and discuss any and all questions you have about faith and Christianity. The process of considering Christianity and the claims of Christ is always celebrated at C3. Many people arrive here with unanswered questions about God, truth, the Bible and any number of other issues. We want to provide safe places to address those questions without ridicule, condemnation, or pressure.
Returning to Church
Growing up, many of us spent time in church. And to be perfectly honest, it was hardly the highlight of our week! So when we became old enough to decide for ourselves, we quickly chose to stop attending church.
Yet now, we find ourselves drawn back toward church. It might have been the birth of your kids. Perhaps it’s marital issues. Or maybe you’re coming because you don’t have a spouse or kids. It could be that world events are drawing you in. Or perhaps questions of faith still linger from your youth.
Whatever it is, you’ve found yourself back inside a church. And at C3, you’ve found yourself in a church much different than the one in which you were raised. It’s OK to have your guard up as you check out God, Christianity, and C3. But it’s also OK to let your guard down and enjoy church for a change.
If C3 seems different than church as you know it to be, you might be interested in reading “Honest to God” by Bill Hybels.
And if you’re interested in exploring church membership, then you’ll want to be part of the next Discovery 101 class. This class is a prerequisite to join the church. Please sign up on the response card during the Weekend Celebration or call the church office if you’re interested in attending. Limited childcare by reservation is available; call the church office for details.
Help For the Hurting
Life isn’t easy. And it usually isn’t fair. That realization often draws people to God. And it often draws them away.
The death of a loved one. The ending of a marriage. The fading of a dream. The hushed tones of a doctor. All of these greatly impact people, both seekers and Christians. How we handle the hurting impacts our spiritual decisions.
Below you will find resources that can help you during your time of hurting. Know one thing going in: we don’t prescribe easy answers; we can’t. Life is often difficult. But as many followers of Jesus would say: “It’s tough enough with Jesus; I can’t imagine going through this without Him.”
C3 provides emotional and spiritual support to people in need through its small groups. That’s one of the reasons that we strongly encourage all C3 members and attenders to get plugged in to a small group; this group can be your lifeline of support, prayer, and practical assistance when the going gets tough.
Read the book “Healing for Damaged Emotions” by David A. Seamands. This book will help you deal honestly and successfully with your inner hurts. Through this book’s scriptural approach, you can find healing and then become an agent of healing for fellow strugglers. As with all materials listed in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.
Read the book “The Wounded Spirit” by Frank Peretti. The author examines the pain from his past and helps us uncover scars in our own lives. He shows how ridicule and rejection can push people beyond the brink, and then shows us the way to heal the wounded spirit that lies within us all.
Read Philip Yancey’s books “Disappointment with God” and “Where is God When it Hurts?” The first book tackles questions we raise when God doesn’t always do what we think He should do. The second book, which includes a study guide, focuses on the role of pain in God’s plan for life and how we can respond to it.
I Think I’m Ready
You’ve been checking into this idea of Jesus, the Christian faith, for a while now. In fact, if you had been this diligent in your college courses, who knows where you’d be right now!
As best as you can understand all of this, you believe you are ready to begin following Jesus as your Leader and Forgiver. Just one thing: you’re not sure what to do! We’d love to help.
You have come to a point where you need to act on your newfound belief. Your adoption into God’s family is just a prayer away. It can’t get any easier than that!
The best thing you can do is talk with a friend who is a Christian, and ask them to pray with you. Or call the church and someone on our pastoral staff will be thrilled to talk and pray with you. You can also pray in the quiet of where you are, by yourself.
And it can be a simple prayer. Something like:
Dear Jesus,
I realized that I’ve sinned and I need you. Please forgive me. Thank you for
dying on the cross and for rising from the dead. Come into my heart and save
me. Thank you for giving me eternal and abundant life. Help me to live for
you the rest of my life.
In Jesus name, Amen.
If you have just prayed this prayer for the first time, let us know. Also, tell someone you know personally: a Christian friend, co-worker, or neighbor. This will be as exciting for them as it is for you.
And now, it’s time to start growing deeper.
New Believer
When you ask Jesus to be your Leader and Forgiver, your eternity changes. And so does your day-to-day life. That’s why what you do at this juncture of your journey is extremely important.
If you look to God for direction, you will experience a spiritual growth spurt greater than any physical growth spurt a human can experience. Like physical growth, spiritual growth includes outside elements. Yet unlike physical growth spurts, spiritual growth takes a lot of work on your part, starting with prayer and Bible study.
Below are some great avenues to take as a growing new believer.
Call the church office and talk with a staff member. They will be glad to help you think through next steps for you now that you are a new believer. And, just as importantly, they will celebrate this wonderful event with you!
Pick up a copy of the Bible and read the Gospel of John. Even if you read it as a seeker, re-read it now with your new perspective on Jesus and grace. In particular, be sure to take note of these two specific verses: John 3:16 and John 5:24. You’ll want to continue to read you Bible on a regular basis. The other gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are a great place to continue, before moving on to Acts. As with materials listed in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.
Read the books “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” by Philip Yancey and “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by John Ortberg.
The Bible would encourage you as a new believer to participate in a baptism service. You can find out more about why baptism is important and even register for the next baptism service.
Take a class we offer called Basics, which is offered regularly. This class is a practical introduction to the basic elements of the Christian life including studying the Bible, prayer, spiritual gifts, and more.
Join a C3 Connect Group. These groups provide a place for attenders to develop friendships, experience community, and better understand what it means to follow Christ. Most groups study the Bible or a book that helps them better understand how to apply their faith in real-world daily living. Groups meet at different times and locations, and new groups continue to form.
If you’re interested in exploring church membership, then you’ll want to be part of the next Discovery 101 class, which is offered regularly.
Growing Deeper
One of the great things about being a follower of Christ is that no matter how long you’ve been a Christian, you still have the potential to grow deeper in your faith. Your only limitations are self-imposed.
Through prayer, Bible study, books, tapes, classes, friendships, small groups, seminars, and so many other avenues, you can continue to grow deeper in your knowledge of and love for Christ.
Your spiritual journey can be an exciting adventure. Continue reading for some of the exciting paths that await you.
Experience C3’s First Wednesday worship service. The service provides teaching from the Bible and a chance to participate in an extended time of worship. It’s also a great way to connect with friends and others in the C3 community.
Try out a small group, which provide a place for attenders and members to develop friendships, experience community, and better understand what it means to follow Christ. Most groups study the Bible or a book that helps them better understand how to apply their faith in real-world daily living. Groups meet at different times and locations, and new groups continue to form.
If you’re interested in exploring church membership, then you’ll want to be part of the next Discovery 101 class.
Read a book called “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This is a classic work about life in Christian community. As with all materials listed in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.
Two other good books to read are “The Sacred Romance” by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge, and “The Spirit of the Disciplines” by Dallas Willard. You might also enjoy reading “The Purpose-Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
Spiritual Gifts For Helping Others
The first thing that happens to you after you become a believer is that your eternity is set. You are heaven-bound!
And in the very next moment, you also receive a gift. We’re not talking about grace here, the ultimate gift. That’s understood. No, we’re talking about a gift (or gifts) from God the Spirit. Hence the name: spiritual gifts.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that every believer receives at least one gift of the Spirit. A spiritual gift can be defined as the supernatural ability to develop a particular capability for ministry. That means these gifts are not of your creation; that they can be enhanced through learning and experience; and that they are not for our individual benefit, but rather for the good of others.
Add in your natural talents and skill, along with things you are passionate about, and you are on your way to finding a fulfilling place to serve God and others. Below are some steps you can take toward using your spiritual gifts.
Wondering where the Bible talks about spiritual gifts? Take a look at these passages: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Ephesians 4:11-13, and Romans 12.
Use the online Spiritual Gifts Questionnaire to reveal what spiritual gifts you have and how strong they are. Taking this questionnaire will give you knowledge about how to serve God, and how you are equipped to serve the body of Christ.
Read the book “LifeKeys: Discovering Who You Are, Why You’re Here, and What You Do Best” by Jane Kise, David Stark, and Sandra Hirsh. This book looks at spiritual gifts, temperament, past experiences, and more in helping you discover the best fit for you. As with all materials listed in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.
Jump in and start serving. It’s a great way to discover what you enjoy doing and what gets you excited. Check the weekly worship program or call the church office to ask about opportunities to get involved.
Reaching Out
Sharing your faith should be a natural and exciting adventure. After all, Jesus told his followers to be sure to tell others about His life-giving love.
So then why do we so often hem and haw when we have the opportunity to talk about Jesus to our friends and family? We’re more than willing to talk about our kids, the big game, or a great restaurant we’ve found. But Jesus? Politics can be an easier topic than religion!
The first thing to know about sharing your faith is that you can throw away any stereotypes you have about evangelism. And the second thing to know is that sharing your faith can be as natural as, well, talking about your kids. Or the big game. Or a great restaurant you’ve found. Continue reading to find out how.
Invite your friends to C3. One of the most significant things you can do for seeking friends is to simply bring them with you to church. You can even use our Web site to invite a friend to church.
Read the books “Becoming a Contagious Christian” by Bill Hybels and Mark Mittelberg, or “Out of the Salt Shaker, into the World” by Rebecca Pippert. These books both provide the biblical basis for why it’s some important for each of us to be involved in reaching out, why it’s important to know your natural style of evangelism, and how you can present the gospel in a clear and compelling way. As with all materials mentioned in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.
Note: Some content on this page used with written permission of James Emery White, Mecklenburg Community Church, Charlotte, North Carolina.
