One of the most critical parts about making a spiritual growth plan is discernment. We do this on 2 very important levels, the personal and the corporate levels. As we move throughout the spiritual goals map in the coming sections we will see that there are personal and corporate levels to each of our 4 growth areas.
The personal: This is the discernment that happens between you and God. Taking all of the prayer time, scripture reading, your understanding of tradition, reason and experience you ask the question, “Where is God leading my next steps?”
The corporate happens with people you trust in your life, who want the best for you. At FaithPoint we encourage everyone to surround themselves with these trusted individuals through Life groups. These are the small ministry groups that come together to be more faithful followers of Jesus, and share life together. Take a listen to a little audio clip from Pastor Chris about the changes we are making to our small group Life Group ministries importance of Life Groups for every person (click to play and listen while you work or multitask):

More resources for Personal discernment and Life groups:

A wonderful first step if you are looking to try out a Life Group is our own page on this site for active life groups that you may want to connect with.

The United Methodist Church (FaithPoint’s denomination) was grounded early on through the use of Life Groups called class meetings. The founder of the Methodist movement John Wesley was insistent that you needed these groups to grow spiritually and so you could be encouraged to grow.  There have been a number of books and resources about this kind of meeting.  Below are a few that would be good to check out:

Why?: Making Sense of God’s Will
How Is It With Your Soul: Director’s Guide for Use With This Day (How Is It With Your Soul?)
The Class Meeting: Reclaiming a Forgotten (and Essential) Small Group Experience

Glorifying God is one of the critical parts of remembering where our focus is to be directed.  It also allows us to stay mindful that the world is not all about us, but about something bigger than ourselves.  This something bigger is God.  We find our story wrapped up in this story of cosmic redemption that is all of creation.

listen to some further thoughts about our glorify area and then check out some of the resources we have linked to

The Dangerous Act of Worship: Living God’s Call to Justice
Worship on Earth as It Is in Heaven: Exploring Worship as a Spiritual Discipline
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
Prayer
Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Disciplines (Pocket Classics)
Sabbath as Resistance:
Wonder, Fear, and Longing: A Book of Prayers
Sanctuary of the Soul: Journey into Meditative Prayer (Renovare Resources)

Growing in our relationship with God and in following Jesus is critical.  It is most commonly associated with Bible Study but incorporates all areas of our lives.

Listen to some of Pastor Chris’ thoughts and check out some of the resources below

Making Sense of the Bible: Rediscovering the Power of Scripture Today
The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines
Celebration of Discipline
Devotional Classics: Revised Edition: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups
The Spirit of the Disciplines

I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference
Enough, Revised and Updated: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity
The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

The Go ministries at FaithPoint are critical to who we are and why we exist.  We are reaching wide into our community to share the Good News with those who have not heard it, have walked away for a season or who need to rediscover what a vibrant faith is lived like.  In serving the community and not just one another we are able to see what matters and serve in a way that blesses the community and deepens our understanding of God.