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 WELCOME TO YOUR EXCITING
FAITH JOURNEY IN CHRIST!
This information has been designed by the leadership and pastors of Gurnee Community Church to be a guide for clarifying, understanding, and setting personal direction for your personal Faith Journey in Christ. This information will assist you in better understanding the values and characteristics of followers of Christ and it will assist you in determining and owning these values for your self.
Everyone at Gurnee Community Church is on a personal Faith Journey together and this page can will assist you on this most exciting journey of your life. The purpose of this Faith Journey Roadmap is to assist you in growing in your relationship with Christ. It is our belief that as we incorporate individual and corporate spiritual disciplines into our lives we grow to be more like Christ.
The seven Spiritual Disciplines we have chosen as a church to emphasize:
- Worship
- Prayer
- Biblical Study
- Community
- Evangelism
- Service
- Stewardship (Generosity)
God is working through these disciplines to transform us into the likeness of Christ His Son and to guide us towards our 3 Key Purposes:
1. Serving Gurnee and Beyond with the Love of Christ
2. Growing in Christ by Nurturing One Another
3. Worshipping God in All That We Do
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THE PROCESS OF GROWING IN CHRIST
At Gurnee Community Church, our Faith Journey is defined by four directives Jesus gave to all people.
- Come, and you will see. (John 1:35-51)
- Come, follow me. (Matthew 4:18-22)
- Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:34-35)
- Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you! (Matthew 28:19-20)
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WHAT IS A FAITH JOURNEY?
At Gurnee Community Church we consider everyone - member, guest, or friend of our church - to be on a Faith Journey both as individuals and as part of the community.
The purpose of one’s Faith Journey is to become more spiritually mature and more like Christ. Of course, this is a goal we can never fully achieve until we are united with Christ in heaven. However, as we incorporate all the spiritual disciplines into our lives we discover greater spiritual maturity and are more fully devoted to God. This is the mission of Gurnee Community Church for all its members.
Together we define our Faith Journey and share a common objective with these statements:
Definition:
My Faith Journey is a lifelong adventure of transformation by which my faith grows from spiritual birth toward spiritual maturity in Christ, who is the rock solid foundation of a relationship with God.
Common Objective:
My heart for God is ever growing towards spiritual maturity as I desire to know God’s perfect love, to become more like Christ; and to live all aspects of my life through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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THE STAGES OF THE FAITH JOURNEY
Spiritual Birth: My Faith Journey begins when I come to faith and choose to follow Christ. In this action, my heart is repentant of my sin and God grants me complete forgiveness. I am a new Child of God. (John 3:3)
Spiritual Life: My Faith Journey continues as God fills me with the Holy Spirit and I discover His grace (Romans 8:11). Through the Spirit in me, God points me in the right direction (John 14: 15-17). I discover Jesus’ purpose for me is to become more like Him in all aspects of my life. I seek to do this as Jesus commanded me to:
- Love the Lord your God (Matthew 22:37)
- Love your neighbor as you do yourself (Matthew 22:39)
- Go make disciples of all people (Matt. 28:19)
Spiritual Growth: My Faith Journey goes deeper as I pursue a growing faith in Jesus Christ as a way of life. I grow spiritually and become one of Jesus’ disciples by intentionally engaging in Spiritual Disciplines (1 Tim. 4:7-8). While Spiritual Disciplines are a thread that runs through all the stages of my Faith Journey, during the spiritual growth and maturity stages the disciplines are of high priority. At GCC, we emphasize seven Spiritual Disciplines:
- Worship
- Prayer
- Biblical Study
- Community
- Evangelism
- Service
- Stewardship (Generosity)
Spiritual Maturity: I am reaching full devotion to God because the disciplines are helping me to know God’s perfect Love. I am becoming more like Christ, and living by the power of the Spirit. I am a disciple of Christ (Philippians 3:7-11).
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 HOW THE SPIRITUAL DISICPLINES
ROUND OUT MY LIFE
The 7 primary Spiritual Disciplines outlined on the following pages are those that Gurnee Community Church values in order to help the Christian become a whole person.
The more people of faith discipline their lives in all these areas, therefore letting God work in them, the more they grow towards maturity and full devotion to God. The practice of spiritual disciplines fits us for running the spiritual race of faith to receive the crown of Christ which the apostle Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 when he says, “We do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (v.25). Spiritual Disciplines are the means we use to reach our goal of spiritual maturity!
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 The Discipline of Worship
Definition: Worship is focusing on and responding to the worthiness of God through heart and mind.
Worship is how we fulfill Jesus’ commandment to love God. Ongoing participation in community and private worship is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ.
Supporting Verses:
Psalm 95:1-7 “Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” (vs 6-7)
Matthew 4:10
John 4:23-24
Hebrews 10:25
Practicing this Discipline:
• Attending Sunday Worship Services Regularly
• Attending Special Worship Services
Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday
• Participating in GCC Ministries of which worship is a part:
ALPHA, Retreats, Confirmation, Youth Group, Small Groups, C.O.O.L. Journey and C.O.O.L. Beginnings
• Worshiping by providing liturgy assistance
• Participating in Worship Ministries: Choir, Ensembles, Instrumentalists, Children’s Choir, Kids Praise, Drama, Liturgical Dance, etc.
• Worshiping and/or meditating privately
Questions to ask myself to assess my Worship discipline:
How am I “focusing on and responding to the worthiness of God” when I worship?
What does worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth mean to me?
Beyond worshiping on Sunday morning, in what other ways do I worship daily?
How am I able to be in a spirit of worship privately?
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 The Discipline of Prayer
Definition: Prayer is an intimate and ongoing interaction with God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Prayer is fulfilling Jesus’ commandment to love God. Prayer is the way we directly communicate with God. Prayer is vital to building a relationship with God and receiving the spiritual support necessary for doing God’s work.
Supporting Verses:
Matthew 7:7-8 Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
James 5:13-16
Luke 11:1ff
Colossians 4:2
Practicing this Discipline:
• Praying while participating in GCC ministries all of which include prayer as an integral part of their activity:
Prayer Ministry Team
Worship Services, Ministry Teams, Small Group Meetings, Christian Education, ALPHA, Walk to Emmaus, Children’s and Youth Ministries, Gatherings of Fellowship and Service.
• Recognizing that of all of the Spiritual Disciplines, prayer is the most intimate and personal. Realizing that nothing can replace disciplined personal prayer.
Questions to ask myself to assess my Prayer discipline:
How do I speak with God regularly?
When I pray do I include other types of conversation with Him outlined in the A.C.T.S. prayer?
A.C.T.S. = Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving,
Supplication
How am I able to hear God and be spiritually nourished when I am praying?
How frequently do I have an attitude of communion with God throughout the day?
How am I able to incorporate Bible reading and meditation into my prayer?
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 The Discipline of Bible Study
Definition: Biblical Study includes individual exploration and group Bible-based courses undertaken for the purpose of understanding God’s love, character, and commands in order to better apply them to everyday life.
Biblical Study fulfills Jesus’ commandments to love God and our neighbor and his commission to make disciples by teaching them everything He has commanded. Participation in regular Biblical Study is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ because the Bible is the authoritative living Word of God.
Supporting Verses:
Romans 15:4 Paul writes . . . “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Psalm 119:105
Practicing this Discipline:
• Biblical study is an element of Sunday Worship
• Participating in Adult Sunday Morning Classes
• Participating in Bible Study groups: Disciple, Tuesday Women’s Bible Study, Man-to-Man
• Participating in a Growing Together Small Group
• Participating in ALPHA, Walk to Emmaus
• Participating in Children’s C.O.O.L. Journeys and C.O.O.L. Beginnings
• Participating in Confirmation and Youth Group Meetings
• Taking time for personal Bible reading and study
Questions to ask myself to assess my Biblical Study discipline:
Am I reading the Bible enough to help me have a growing relationship with God?
How do I find direction for my life in my regular study of the Bible?
In what ways have I been able to follow God’s purposes and apply the truth of the Bible to my life?
What additional resources do I own such as commentaries, study guides, and Bible dictionaries? Do I use them to help me better understand God’s Word?
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 The Discipline of Community Life
Definition: Community is growing together in a common faith through vital Christian relationships.
Community fulfills Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbor and His commission to go make disciples. Participating in community life is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ because Christians need one another for encouragement, support, care, and accountability. We grow in our relationship with God as we grow in our relationship with one another.
Supporting Verses:
Acts 2:42, 44, 46-47 (The earliest church community) “Devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All believers were together and they had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Hebrews 10:25
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Practicing this Discipline:
• Participating in a Growing Together Small Group
• Participating in Adult Sunday Morning Classes
• Participating in Bible Study groups: Disciple, Tuesday Women’s Bible Study, Man to Man, ALPHA, Walk to Emmaus
• Participating in Children’s C.O.O.L. Journey and C.O.O.L. Beginnings
• Participating in Confirmation and Youth Group Meetings
• Serving on Ministry teams, boards, and leadership teams
• Joining in Fellowship Groups: Dinners for 8, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Elderberries,
Questions to ask myself to assess my Community discipline:
What close relationships with other Christians do I have and how do they influence my life’s direction?
Do I belong to a group of Christians, for example, a Small Group that meets regularly?
Do I seek God in prayer for direction when I gather with other Christians?
How am I held accountable for my life actions by other Christians?
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 The Discipline of Evangelism
Definition: Evangelism is living, sharing, and preaching the Gospel with other people.
Evangelism fulfills Jesus’ commission to go make disciples. Evangelism is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ because, as we reach out to share the truth of the Gospel message with others, our faith in Christ is bolstered and strengthened.
Supporting Verses:
Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 16:15
Matthew 5:15-16
John 17:18
Practicing this Discipline:
• Inviting friends to worship, small groups, and other church events
• Participating in Youth Mission Trips, Vacation Bible School, Kid’s Praise
• Distributing Outreach Cards
• Attending ALPHA, Bible Study and Small Groups
• Participating in Service Projects
• Attending Evangelism Meetings
• Building relationships with non-believing friends and neighbors
Questions to ask myself to assess my Evangelism discipline:
How do I try to live each day so that others will see the love of Christ in my words and acts?
Do I make simple and sincere invitations for others to join me in worship and fellowship?
How often do I share my faith with people who are not Christians?
Who in particular am I praying for to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?
How can I invest time in another person, group, or family member who needs to know Christ personally?
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 The Discipline of Service
Definition: Service is intentionally giving of one’s self. Putting the needs of those we serve above ourselves.
Service fulfills Jesus’ commission to go make disciples and His commandments to love God and others. Service is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ as we use our God-given spiritual gifts for ministry with in the church and for outreach and mission to the world around us.
Supporting Verses:
Philippians 2:3-11 Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself . . . Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . . . taking the very nature of a servant.”
Matthew 20:25-28; 24:24-27; 25:40
Practicing this Discipline:
• Volunteering to assist with various ministry activities: Ushers, Greeters, Sound Team, C.O.O.L. Journey Teachers and Shepherds, Youth Advisors, Chaperones, Group Leaders, Office Assistants, Nursery, etc.
• Serving on a Ministry Team or Board
• Volunteering or participating in community service activities: PADS, Habitat for Humanity, highway clean-up, Meals on Wheels, CROP Walk, Relay for Life, and various local missions
• Volunteering to help Christian missionary efforts nationally and Internationally: Mission Mazahua in Mexico, Youth Mission Trips
Questions to ask myself to assess my Service discipline:
Have I discovered my God-given Spiritual Gifts for ministry by taking a Spiritual Gifts inventory or class?
When do I regularly pray for God to show me opportunities to serve Him and others?
Where am I serving in the church and/or community?
Do I see the needs of others as more important than my own?
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 The Discipline of Generosity
Definition: Stewardship is an understanding that everything we have belongs to God and is entrusted to our care. It is joyfully sharing our God-given time, talents, and treasures in the church and with the world, to accomplish God’s purposes.
Stewardship fulfills Jesus’ commandments to love God and love our neighbor, and Jesus’ commission to go make disciples. Stewardship of our time, talent and treasure to the church is vital to a growing faith in Jesus Christ.
Supporting Verses:
Luke 12:48 Jesus said, “From everyone who has been given much, much more will be demanded”; and “from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Mark 12:41-44
1 Peter 4:10
2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:7
Practicing this Discipline:
• Tithing regularly to the ministry of the church
• Informing the leadership of the church of your God-given talents and abilities
• Serving on the Stewardship Ministry Team
• Serving as a Trustee
• Giving of your time to any board or ministry team
• Sharing your God-given talents when called upon
• Attending the Good Sense Budget Course
Questions to ask myself to assess my Stewardship discipline:
Do I consider myself the “owner” of my resources, or the “steward” of God’s resources?
What is my understanding of the idea of “first fruits”?
Where am I spending my time, talents, and treasure?
Do I have a plan to approach, meet, or exceed tithing 10% in my church?
Have I informed the leadership of the church of my God-given talents and abilities?
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RESOURCES
For further understanding of the Spiritual Disciplines consider these resources:
Spiritual Disciplines in General
Richard Foster Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
Rick Warren. The Purpose Driven Life
Donald Whitney Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Way of Life
Dallas Willard The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives
Worship
Jack Hayford Worship His Majesty
Henry Nouwen Making All Things New
Robert Webber Worship is a Verb
Prayer
Richard J. Foster Prayer, Finding the Heart’s True Home
Bill Hybels Too Busy Not to Pray
Joyce Meyer Knowing God Intimately
Bruce Wilkinson Prayer of Jabez
Biblical Study
Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz Knowing the Bible 101
Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart How to Read the Bible for All Its Word
R.C. Sproul Knowing Scripture
There are numerous Bible study guides, videos, and books for use in Bible study. There are many Biblical reference materials, commentaries, Bible dictionaries, etc. available for Biblical study help.
Community
Gilbert Bilezikian Community 101
Dietrich Bonhoeffer Life Together
Bill Donohue and Russ Robinson Becoming a Church of Small Groups
John Ortberg Everybody is Normal Till You Get to Know Them
Evangelism
Mark Mittelberg Becoming A Contagious Christian
J.I. Packer Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Lee Stroble The Case for Christ
Service
Eddie Gibbs Church Next
Mike Halcomb The Volunteer Mission Experience.
Bill Hybels Making Life Work
Generosity
Randy Alcorn The Treasure Principle
Ben Gill The Joy of Giving
Dick Towner Good Sense Budget Course
Wayne Watts The Gift of Giving
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Your Spiritual Journey
There is much more to the spiritual life. At Gurnee Community Church we encourage everyone to experience the Joy of the Journey. Everyone is welcome no matter where they are on the path that leads to Christ. The ministires of Gurnee Community Church all serve to help support anyone in any spiritual life stage.
More Disciplines: There are many other spiritual disciplines that help us in our spiritual growth. While they are not outlined here, Gurnee Community Church recognizes that we may explore and value other spiritual disciplines for our own spiritual growth. Some of the other disciplines include: fasting, journaling, meditation, retreat, Bible reading, sacrifice, care giving, frugality, etc.
Our Pastors are also eager to serve you in anyway that will help you on your Journey of faith. Check out the Ministries section for opportunites for spiritual growth.
The material in this page was developed by a team of our Elders in 2004.
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