Four Words
Connect —> Learn —> Grow —> Serve
As I think about the community we are calling Creekstone, there are four words that are standing out as vital. In addition to our key values of grace, community and mission is a process for spiritual maturity. It begins with connecting— connecting as a grace-centered, Jesus-worshipping community on mission in both large (Sunday worship) and smaller contexts (ministry teams, discipleship groups, support groups, classes, etc.). As we connect, we learn—learn the gospel more deeply and about how to know and love each other. As we learn, we grow—in an understanding of the gospel and how the message of grace in Jesus shapes a missional community. And as we grow we will begin to serve—serve each other and our broader community. This is one pathway of spiritual maturity: connect, learn, grow and serve.
However, we can also reverse the order for potentially powerful results, and they really can't be separated. If I serve, I'll connect, grow and learn. The more I begin to learn, the more I'll begin to grow, crave connection in community, and serve. Pretty cool.
So where should you begin? For starters, attend Creekstone on Sunday nights for worship, teaching, fellowship, etc. You will connect to other folks, learn more of the gospel, grow in grace and be fueled to serve. Then, for an opportunity to go even deeper, participate in a smaller context such our women's or men's Bible discipleship/Bible study groups (and more opportunities are in the works, including the Creekstone Study Center!). And finally, sign up for and serve on a Ministry Team. Our goal is that every Creekstone regular would be part of a team, which of course is a great way to serve. And as we prepare for "launch" on Sunday, March 7, we really need all hands on deck! :)
Anyway, I hope to see you on deck on Sunday, as we celebrate the gospel in the presence of God.
