Disciple or discipleship is a term often used in a conversation about spiritual growth. Since a disciple is a follower or learner, then believers in Jesus Christ are disciples, and the process of following Jesus is called discipleship.
BEGINNING STEPS
Discipleship begins when a person makes the decision to become a follower of Jesus Christ – a Christian. At Park Place we teach there are four steps or actions a person must follow:
Step 1: Realize and confess that you are a sinner
– Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Step 2: Realize the consequence of sin and that Eternal Life comes only through Jesus Christ – Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Step 3: Realize that Jesus Christ loves you and has paid the penalty for your sin
– Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Step 4: Realize that you must confess Jesus as Lord and receive His Gift of Salvation (Eternal Life) by faith
– Romans 10:9-10 & 13
“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”
“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
At Park Place we believe a maturing follower of Jesus Christ – a disciple – actively and passionately worships God, lives by God’s Word, contributes to God’s work, and impacts God’s world. We believe spiritual growth is not attained through a program, but through an ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ that is lived out in every aspect, function, and stage of life.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible study is as vital to spiritual growth as water and air are to physical growth. At Park Place, Sunday morning Bible study is the core ministry activity from which all other ministries and events derive life and purpose. Every member of Park Place is encouraged to participate in both individual and group Bible study.
The basic group study, known as Sunday School, meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Classes are available for preschoolers, elementary-aged children, students, and adults. As the Bible teaching and reaching ministry of the church, Sunday School has a double purpose: teaching God’s Word and the meaning it has for life today; and seeking and inviting people who are not actively participating in Bible study.
In addition to Sundays, Bible study opportunities are also provided Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. for children and students, and 6:30 p.m. for adults.
Short-term and special interest Bible studies, such as Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby, A Woman's Heart by Beth Moore, and Go Fish by Andy Stanley, are offered throughout the year.
Empowering Kingdom Growth: The Heartbeat of God, by Dr. Ken Hemphill, has taught us how to become the hands and feet of Jesus to our community.
SCRIPTURE MEMORY
Scripture memory is a function of the spiritual growth process. At Park Place both children and adults are encouraged to participate in an on-going process of memorizing God’s Words. Scripture passage for May 2008 is:
Exodus 20:7
"You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name."
For additional information concerning spiritual growth contact the pastor's office at pastor@hopecity.com.
