spiritually seeking

Whether or not you consider yourself spiritual, whatever you do or don’t believe about God, at certain points in our lives we sense God’s presence. How we respond to God at these distinct moments patterns the direction our journey takes. The Bible says: "seek and you shall find."

Like in a familiar Looney Toons cartoon, maybe you are standing at that intersection wondering which arrow to follow. By searching here, you are most likely seeking with an open heart and mind. Many learned people have discovered after honest, in-depth investigations that it takes more faith to not believe than it does to believe!

Know that at Lifepoint, you have come to a place where you can ask any questions you might have now or will have in the future. After all, most of the people here at Lifepoint have been on a journey similar to the one you are beginning now.

Pick up a copy of the Bible and start reading the Gospel of John. It doesn’t take that long to read, and it will give you a clear overview of Jesus' life and teachings.

We suggest reading the books "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel if you have intellectual concerns about the Christian faith. This former newspaper legal affairs editor takes a legal approach to viewing the claims of Christ and Christianity.

Be part of a Lifepoint Life Group. Joining a Life group provides you with the opportunity to ask and discuss any questions you have about faith and Christianity. We at Lifepoint celebrate the process of considering Christianity and the claims of Christ. Many people show up with unanswered questions about God, the Bible, truth, and any number of other issues.We want to provide safe places to address those questions without ridicule, condemnation, or pressure.

Talk to a staff person at the church. They will take the time to carefully listen to your thoughts and questions, and can expand on what the Bible says about specific questions you have. Our commitment is to be a resource for you as you seek answers. Call the church office during the day to talk with someone.


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on the fence

You may have been seeking for a while, or even for longer. You now find yourself on the proverbial fence. God is becoming more and more real to you, but...

Just one thing: You still have some major questions that need to be answered. Or maybe you have some lingering doubts that just don’t seem to go away.

Know that these are valid issues and concerns. We're glad you are taking them seriously. Start tackling these obstacles by checking out any of these next steps.

Pick up a copy of the Bible and start reading the Gospel of John. It doesn’t take that long, and it will give you a clear overview of Jesus' life and teachings. Particularly take a good look at what Jesus said to Nicodemus- he was at a similar stage in his spiritual journey that you are now. You will find it in Chapter 3, verses 1–20.

If you would like to go deeper with any of your questions or concerns, you can talk to a staff person at the church. They will take the time to carefully listen to your thoughts and questions, and can expand on what the Bible says about specific questions you have. Our commitment is to be a resource for you as you seek answers. Call the church office during the day to talk with someone.

Sign up for Origins. This class provides you with the opportunity to ask and discuss any and all questions you have about faith and Christianity. We at Lifepoint celebrate the process of considering Christianity and the claims of Christ. Many people show up here with unanswered questions about God, the Bible, truth, and any number of other issues. We want to provide safe places to address those questions without ridicule, condemnation, or pressure.


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returning to church

Growing up, many of us spent time in church. For many of us, we didn’t see a need for or relevancy of what we saw or heard there! And to be perfectly honest, it was hardly the highlight of our week! So when we became old enough to decide for ourselves, we quickly chose to stop attending church.

Yet now, we find ourselves drawn back toward church. It might have been the birth of your kids. Perhaps it's marital issues. Or maybe you're coming because you don't have a spouse or kids. It could be that world events are drawing you in. Or perhaps questions of faith still linger from your youth.

Whatever it is, you've found yourself back inside a church. And at Lifepoint, you've found yourself in a church much different than the one in which you were raised. It's OK to have your guard up as you check out God, Christianity, and Lifepoint. But it's also OK to let your guard down and enjoy church for a change.

And if you're interested in exploring church membership, then you'll want to be part of the next Newcomers class. This class is a prerequisite to join the church. Please sign up on the response card during the Weekend Celebration or call the church office if you're interested in attending. Limited childcare by reservation is available; call the church office for details.


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help for the hurting

Life is tough. And it often comes with stress or heartache. This realization often draws people to God. And it often draws them away.

The death of a loved one. The ending of a marriage. The fading of a dream. The hushed tones of a doctor. All of these greatly impact people—both seekers and Christians. How we handle the hurt impacts our spiritual decisions.

Below you will find resources that can help you during your time of hurting. Know one thing going in-- we don't prescribe easy answers; we can't. Life is often difficult. But as many followers of Jesus would say: "It's tough enough with Jesus; I can't imagine going through this without Him."

Lifepoint provides emotional and spiritual support to people in need through its small groups. That's one of the reasons that we strongly encourage all Lifepoint members and attenders to get plugged in to a Life group; this group can be your lifeline of support, prayer, and practical assistance when the going gets tough.


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I think I'm ready

You've been checking into this idea of Jesus, the Christian faith, for a while now. In fact, you’re wondering what the next step is.

As best as you can understand all of this, you believe you are ready to begin following Jesus as your Leader and Forgiver. Just one thing: you're not sure what to do! We'd love to help.

You have come to a point where you need to act on your newfound belief. Your adoption into God's family is just a prayer away. It can't get any easier than that!

The best thing you can do is talk with a friend who is a Christian, and ask them to pray with you. Or call the church and someone on our pastoral staff will be thrilled to talk and pray with you. You can also pray in the quiet of where you are, by yourself.

And it can be a simple prayer. Something like:

Dear Jesus,

I admit that I have sinned. I have done harmful and hurtful things to others and to you. Please forgive me. I believe that you are the Son of God, and that you became a human to be a bridge from God the Father to us. Because of you, my sins can be forgiven and I can be adopted by God. Jesus, that is my desire. Please forgive my sins and become the leader of my life. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for forgiving me. And thank you for what you have in store for my life.

I love you Jesus. Amen.

If you have just prayed this prayer for the first time, let us know. Also, tell someone you know personally: a Christian friend, co-worker, or neighbor. This will be as exciting for them as it is for you.

And now, it's time to start growing deeper.


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new believer

When you ask Jesus to be your Leader and Forgiver, your eternity changes. And so does your day-to-day life. That's why what you do at this juncture of your journey is extremely important.

If you look to God for direction, you will experience a spiritual growth spurt greater than any physical growth spurt a human can experience. Like physical growth, spiritual growth includes outside elements. Yet unlike physical growth spurts, spiritual growth takes a lot of work on your part, starting with prayer and Bible study.

Below are some great avenues to take as a growing new believer.

Call the church office and talk with a staff member. They will be glad to help you think through next steps for you now that you are a new believer. And, just as importantly, they will celebrate this wonderful event with you!

Pick up a copy of the Bible and read the Gospel of John. Even if you read it as a seeker, re-read it now with your new perspective on Jesus and grace. In particular, be sure to take note of these two specific verses: John 3:16 and John 5:24. You'll want to continue to read you Bible on a regular basis. The other gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) are a great place to continue, before moving on to Acts. As with materials listed in this section, this resource is available at our Resource Center.

The Bible would encourage you as a new believer to participate in a baptism service. You can find out more about why baptism is important and even register for the next baptism service.

Take a class we offer called Origins. It is offered regularly. This class is a practical introduction to the basic elements of the Christian life including studying the Bible, prayer, spiritual gifts, and more.

Join a Life Group. These groups provide a place for attenders to develop friendships, experience community, and better understand what it means to follow Christ. Most groups study the Bible or a book that helps them better understand how to apply their faith in real-world daily living. Groups meet at different times and locations, and new groups continue to form.

If you're interested in exploring church membership, then you'll want to be part of the next Newcomers class, which is offered regularly.


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growing deeper

One of the great things about being a follower of Christ is that no matter how long you've been a Christian, you still have the potential to grow deeper in your faith. Your only limitations are self-imposed.

Through prayer, Bible study, books, tapes, classes, friendships, Life groups, seminars, and so many other avenues, you can continue to grow deeper in your knowledge of and love for Christ.

Your spiritual journey can be an exciting adventure. Continue reading for some of the exciting paths that await you

Try out a Life group, which provide a place for attenders and members to develop friendships, experience community, and better understand what it means to follow Christ. Most groups study the Bible or a book that helps them better understand how to apply their faith in real-world daily living. Groups meet at different times and locations, and new groups continue to form.

If you're interested in exploring church membership, then you'll want to be part of the next Newcomers class


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spiritual gifts for helping others

The first thing that happens to you after you become a believer is that your eternity is set. You are heaven-bound!

And in the very next moment, you also receive a gift. We're not talking about grace here, the ultimate gift. That's understood. No, we're talking about a gift (or gifts) from God the Spirit. Hence the name: spiritual gifts.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:7 that every believer receives at least one gift of the Spirit. A spiritual gift can be defined as the supernatural ability to develop a particular capability for ministry. That means these gifts are not of your creation; that they can be enhanced through learning and experience; and that they are not for our individual benefit, but rather for the good of others.

Add in your natural talents and skill, along with things you are passionate about, and you are on your way to finding a fulfilling place to serve God and others. Below are some steps you can take toward using your spiritual gifts.

Wondering where the Bible talks about spiritual gifts? Take a look at these passages: 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, Ephesians 4:11–13, and Romans 12.

Jump in and start serving. It's a great way to discover what you enjoy doing and what gets you excited. Check the weekly worship program or call the church office to ask about opportunities to get involved.


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reaching out

Sharing your faith should be a natural and exciting adventure. After all, Jesus told his followers to be sure to tell others about His life-giving love.

So then why do we so often hem and haw when we have the opportunity to talk about Jesus to our friends and family? We're more than willing to talk about our kids, the big game, or a great restaurant we've found. But Jesus? Politics can be an easier topic than religion!

The first thing to know about sharing your faith is that you can throw away any stereotypes you have about evangelism. And the second thing to know is that sharing your faith can be as natural as, well, talking about your kids. Or the big game. Or a great restaurant you've found. Continue reading to find out how.

Invite your friends to Lifepoint. One of the most significant things you can do for seeking friends is to simply bring them with you to church. You can even use our Web site to invite a friend to church.

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