The purpose of our Spiritual Growth Path is to help people develop the habits essential for spiritual growth. While many classes, groups, and studies are offered at St. Mark’s, the Spiritual Growth Path represents the essential core which we encourage every St. Mark’s partner to take. As Pastor Perry put it in a sermon, “It’s as easy as ABC.” The ABC’s are:
ALPHA
Alpha is the first component – an 13 session introduction or review covering the basics of Christian faith and life.
BASICS
The Basics series consists of five short term classes focusing on developing the six habits of growing disciples: worship, connect, grow, invite, give, and serve. To put that another way, the purpose of basics is not simply to share information, but to catalyze life-change!
· Basics 1: Welcome to St. Mark’s will focus on connecting with Jesus, with a Small Group, and with the mission and values of St. Mark’s. This course plus Alpha, is the full New Partner program. (3 sessions)
· Basics 2: The Path to Spiritual Growth will focus on developing the life-giving habit of a daily quiet time with God for Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. (3 sessions)
· Basics 3: Contagious Christianity will help participants develop and commit to a lifestyle of sharing their faith in Jesus in a natural way and inviting others to worship and follow Jesus also. (8 sessions)
· Basics 4: Financial Peace University will help participants learn to manage 100% of their financial resources for God’s glory. (13 sessions)
· Basics 5: Using Your Spiritual Gifts will help people discover, develop, and use their God-given gifts in a personally and spiritually fulfilling ministry. (3 sessions)
CROSSWAYS
Crossways is an ambitious two-year long (60 session) overview of the entire Bible from Genesis through Revelation. Crossways provides the overall Big Picture of the Bible. After Crossways, you’ll have a context to help understand how every other Bible study fits in as part of the whole Biblical story.