Discipleship Highway
Each ministry area at Stonebridge UMC is designed to offer ways in which we can become dedicated disciples of Christ by celebrating, studying, serving and sharing His love with others. To help us further understand where each of our individual faith journeys fall in dicipleship, the program ministries staff has designed the "Discipleship Highway."
The "Discipleship Highway" is a metaphor for our journey with Christ. Each person encounters Christ in different ways and at different times. Some people are cruising on the highway when they first come to Stonebridge UMC, while others come to our church at the very beginning of their journey, simply realizing that there is a road ahead. The highway map is meant to help you find your place on your journey with Christ, and provide suggestions on how to carry you continuously forward forward along the road of faith. Recognizing the road signs helps us get to our destination quicker with fewer wrong turns and lost ways. Somethimes, however, we may take a detour that leads us off the straightaway. Don't let that frustrate you! The highway is always there and God, through His forgiveness and grace, is ready to travel it with you.
Frontage Road
Riding alongside the highway. "I am curious about God and what He could mean in my life. I have not yet made a commitment to follow Christ." Many times we are curious about God's love for us, but we aren't yet ready to commit to the next mile marker.
On Ramp
Just beginning to get onto the highway. "I am seeking to kow more about God and what it means to be a 'disciple'. I want to learn and experience how to read the Bible, be a part of a church and what it means to have a personal relationship with God." Those currently on the On Ramp understand God's love for them and are eger to learn more about Him.
Getting Up To Speed
Committed to being on the highway. "I intend to grow my relationship with God by studying the Bible and practicing spiritual disciplines. I want to identify and actively use my spiritual gifts to serve the church and the community." Getting up to speed means you feel Christ's love and are committed to staing on His path for your life, without slowing down.
Cruisin' in the HOV
Well on your way to your ultimate destination. "I understand that God is in the driver seat and I am a passenger." But to really qualify as a 'High Occupancy Vehicle' we should not be the only ones in our vehicle. Together we'll make stops at the Frontage Road and the On Ramp, and then Get Up To Speed to encourage, lead, model and metor individuals at other places on the highway.
We pray that you join us in finding out where each of us is on our individual faith highway, determine how we can travel to the next phase of the road, and unite along the way with others in our church family as we all make the journey on the Discipleship Highway together.
Helpful areas to get you started:
Adult Ministry Children's Ministry Sports Ministry Music Ministry Missions Ministry