Making Discpleship a Priority in the New Year

As we begin a new year, it’s a natural time for reflection and resolution-making. However, our faith is one area of life often overlooked when it comes to goal-setting. On January 1st, we had a Wesleyan Covenant Renewal Service, an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to God and renew our promises to live following His will, as well as encouraging us to take steps in growing in faith and holiness. So, this year, let’s resolve to grow in our faith to deepen our understanding and relationship with God. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, challenges us to continue growing in faith throughout our lives, to be “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

One way to do this is by committing to regular Bible study and prayer. Setting aside time each day to read scripture and communicate with God can profoundly impact our spiritual growth. James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Consider finding a study group or accountability partner to keep you on track and share your journey. To help you kick start this resolution, we invite you to join our lunchtime small group on Wednesdays, starting February 1st. We will be reading and discussing the weekly narrative lectionary passages to study scripture in a deeper and more comprehensive way.

Another way to grow in faith is by finding ways to put it into action. Look for opportunities to serve in your church, serve on a team, visit the elderly or homebound, or get involved in other church activities that align with your gifting and talents. One team that we are forming right now is a property maintenance team. This team will help us prioritize and budget for the year’s maintenance tasks, help coordinate service and repairs of both the church facility and parsonage and report to the leadership team any areas of concern you may have. As we serve others, we are fulfilling God’s commandment to love our neighbors; Matthew 25:40 says, “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” We also experience the joy and fulfillment of living out our faith.

Additionally, we can grow in faith by being intentional about our relationships with other believers and by being intentional about fellowship in the community of faith. Hebrews 10:25 says, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” As we support and encourage one another, we will strengthen our faith. Keep an eye out for various worship opportunities on Sunday mornings and outside of the Sunday worship hour meant to help us experience the presence of God in new ways.

We hope to see you at our small group on Wednesdays starting February 1st! Please reach out to Pastor Kevin for more information. And also for information about property maintenance volunteer needs. Let’s journey together in this new year, growing deeper in our understanding of God’s word and closer in our relationship with Him, constantly becoming more perfect in holiness and love of God.

Your Servant in Christ,

Pastor Kevin Rutledge