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Ministry Introduction

In today’s culture, it’s easy to overlook the importance of discipleship and its role in the spiritual health of individuals and the church. According to recent Barna research, nearly 40% of Christians are not involved in any form of discipleship activity. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly disengaged from the church, with two-thirds of U.S. 18–29-year-olds who grew up in church having abandoned it in adulthood. This data highlights a critical need for intentional discipleship that fosters spiritual growth, addresses the spiritual gaps in believers’ lives, and equips them for long-term faithfulness.

The rapid cultural changes and the decline in church attendance demonstrate that it’s not enough to just attend church services. Discipleship requires a focused, long-term commitment to growing in faith, building a deeper relationship with Christ, and learning to live out the gospel in every aspect of life. It’s not just about gaining knowledge but about the transformation of the heart that results in action. Therefore, the Abide and Abound ministry initiative is designed to meet these needs—providing the tools, accountability, and guidance necessary to pursue a lifelong, fruitful walk with Christ.

The Why, A Vision for Discipleship

We believe that true discipleship is the foundation of a healthy, vibrant church. This process goes beyond just attending church or participating in group activities; it’s about making Jesus the center of our lives and living out His commands. Discipleship helps us grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ, renew our minds, and bear fruit for His Kingdom. This program is rooted in biblical truth and is designed to lead people from the initial stages of faith to a mature walk with God, all while walking in community with others.

The How, The Path to Spiritual Growth

This journey of discipleship is rooted in Scripture and modeled after the growth process of a plant. As we explore the key stages of spiritual maturity—starting as a seed, growing into a plant, maturing into a tree, and abiding as a vine in Christ—we will learn how to cultivate our faith in a way that is fruitful, deep, and sustained by the Holy Spirit.

  1. The Seed: This is the beginning of a disciple’s journey. It’s where faith is planted, and the believer responds to the gospel call for salvation. Just as a seed needs good soil to grow, the heart must be prepared to receive the Word of God and bear fruit.
  2. The Plant: The early stages of growth where disciples learn and grow in spiritual disciplines, begin to establish roots, and strengthen their relationship with Christ.
  3. The Tree: This represents maturity. A disciple who has deepened their roots and now bears fruit—both in personal transformation and in service to others.
  4. The Fruit: The tree ultimately produces fruit, representing a believer who is living a life of multiplication—investing in others and making disciples.

Curriculum Overview and How to Use It

The Abide and Abound ministry will run from August to May annually. Sessions will be held weekly on Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with breaks during major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Spring Break, and Easter. The program will include Bible readings, memory verses, reflective journaling, and service projects that deepen participants' understanding and application of the gospel.

Program Breakdown

  • Semester 1: Abide (September – December) focuses on the early stages of discipleship, including salvation, spiritual disciplines, and perseverance.
  • Semester 2: Abound (January – April) builds on the foundation laid in Semester 1 and focuses on the fruit of the Spirit, service, and multiplication of disciples.

Meeting Frequency

  • Weekly Meetings: 1.5-hour sessions every Sunday evening.
  • Annual Duration: From the 1st week of September to the 2nd week of December, then the 3rd week of January to the last week of April, following the academic year with many breaks during holidays.

This is not just a program to attend; it’s a call to embark on a lifelong journey of growing and abiding in Christ. By the end of this ministry, participants will have grown in their relationship with Christ, strengthened their convictions, and developed a deeper understanding of what it means to live as part of the body of Christ. This ministry is not just for personal growth but also for multiplying disciples in the Kingdom of God.

Next Steps & Application Process

We are excited that you are considering joining the discipleship journey at Grace Community Church. To take the next step toward growth in Christ, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Fill out the Discipleship Program Application – Complete the Discipleship Program Application form. This will help us understand your spiritual journey and goals and how we can best support your growth. Email your completed application to micah.powell@gracegreatbend.org
  2. Commit to Weekly Meetings, Assignments, and Personal Growth – Discipleship is a process that requires intentionality and dedication. By joining, you agree to commit to weekly discipleship meetings, complete assignments that will encourage spiritual growth, and engage in the personal disciplines that will strengthen your relationship with Christ.
  3. Engage in Personal Discipleship & Mentoring – Growth in Christ happens within the context of relationships. As part of the program, you’ll be paired with a mentor who will walk alongside you in your journey, providing guidance, accountability, and encouragement. Be prepared to actively engage in this mentoring relationship, both in formal meetings and in your everyday life.
  4. Participate in Group Fellowship & Worship – Discipleship is not just an individual pursuit; it is a communal journey. At Grace Church, you will be expected to engage in regular group fellowship and corporate worship, as these experiences are vital to your spiritual development.
  5. Stay Committed to Ongoing Growth - Discipleship doesn’t have an endpoint; it’s a lifelong journey. By joining this ministry, you commit to growing yourself and encouraging others in their walk with Christ, helping create a thriving disciple-making culture within our church.

Once you have completed the application and committed to the steps outlined above, you will be officially welcomed into the ministry and paired with a mentor. We look forward to walking with you on this transformative journey!