--- title: "ConnectStep" author: "Grace Church" url: "https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/5/connectstep" --- But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. —Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) # Introduction ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Intro.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_intro-CeL4YW.jpg) Welcome to ConnectStep! This book is designed to help you: - discover Grace Church - identify the unique gifts that God has given you - connect with the life of the church through groups, serving, and missions At the end of the ConnectStep class, you’ll be given the opportunity to join our church through membership. We hope that this short class will help you encounter God, deepen your faith, and equip you to use your gifts to fill the city with Jesus, wherever you call home. Let’s begin! > Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. —Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) Discover who we are, where we've come from, and where we're going. # Our History ![ConnectStep_Writebook_History.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_history-JSlIOu.jpg) > Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. - Psalm 127:1 (ESV) All great stories start with an idea from God and are birthed from small steps of faith. More than thirty years ago, in 1988, Randy and Sarah Thornton planted Grace Church in their living room. For ten years, the congregation remained under one hundred people as they met in homes and storefronts. After a season of fasting, praying, and seeking God, Pastor Randy felt God say, "I didn't call you to plant a church—I called you to take the city." From that point, Grace Church began growing rapidly as it focused on filling the city with Jesus. The church expanded the Southern Pines campus in 2008. God has been faithful to build His church, and since the Thorntons first obeyed God's voice, Grace Church has grown from a small group gathering to a multisite church with an online presence where thousands of people seek and worship God together each week. Today, Grace Church is called to see at least ten cities renewed and restored for the glory of God, and we believe that God will accomplish this work in exactly the same way He began it: by working in and through people who are willing to hear the voice of the Lord and take small steps of faith. Did you know that you can be a part of this incredible journey? # What is the Church? Before we talk about Grace Church, let's make sure we have a clear understanding of what God says about the Church. Our definition comes directly from His Word. In the Bible, the Greek word for "church" is *ecclesia*, which means "called out, assembly." We are called to live in a way that honors God and stands apart from the world—that's the "called out" part. We are also called together with other believers—that's the "assembly" part. Simply put, the church is believers gathering together to seek and worship God. We don't just *go* to church; we *are* the church. Church isn't a building, a location, or a sermon; it's the people of God living together as a family. Church is the place where you belong and come alive in authentic community. It's also where we are commissioned by Jesus to "make disciples." # Vision: What Motivates Us Our vision as a church comes from what God told the exiled Israelites in Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV): "But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." Our vision is to **Fill the City with Jesus**. Filling the city with Jesus includes praying for our city, serving in our city, and looking for opportunities to bless and serve our neighbors as Jesus did. As a church, we focus our efforts on equipping the saints for the work of ministry so that this vision can be fulfilled. ## Where Is Your City? **Your city is based on relationships**. The Lord has placed you in the midst of other people. It is within the context of those relationships that you are called to be the light, to share good news, and to point people to hope in Christ. Together, we seek the welfare of our city when we pray on its behalf and love our neighbors from a sincere heart. ![My-City-Diagram-v2.png](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/my-city-diagram-v2-FUGgzA.png) _Your city includes every place where you have relationships and influence. Consider all the people in your life in each sphere of influence. Write down their names._ # Mission: What We Do Our vision is realized through our single-fold mission: to make disciples. Every ministry, group, and event at Grace Church is unified by the mission to make disciples. This is the Great Commission—it’s the call of every believer. Although our vision is unique, the mission of every church—including ours—is the same because it is given by Jesus: **“Make Disciples.”** > Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. —Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) # What Is a Disciple? ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Disciple.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_disciple-8IcJ9X.jpg) ## A disciple is someone who: ### Strengthens themself in the Lord To be strengthened in the Lord means to enter His presence in confidence because of what Jesus accomplished. (Hebrews 4:15–16) The access you have to the Father gives you strength. Practicing the spiritual disciplines helps you to draw closer to God, which deepens your faith and strengthens you in the Lord. These spiritual disciplines include daily Bible reading, prayer, engaging in worship, service, being in community, and journaling. > But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. —1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV) ### Manages their household Managing your home starts with strengthening yourself in the Lord. When you faithfully steward the time, talents, and resources God has given you, they can be poured into others in your city. This responsibility applies to all Christians—whether married, single, or with children. Managing your household includes practical matters like finances as well as intentional rhythms rooted in the spiritual disciplines. It also includes the culture of the home. Just as plants need certain conditions to grow, the conditions of your environment can be either conducive or hindering to growth. >He must manage his own household well. —1 Timothy 3:4 (ESV) ### Makes disciples This is what we are called to do as Christians. Jesus defines discipleship as giving to others what God has given to you: “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8b NIV) What you have learned from God as His student, you teach others. What He has fed you with, you give away to others who are hungry. You have received God’s gifts freely, so freely give. (Matthew 10:8b) > And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”—Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV) # Ten-City Renewal: Where We Are Going ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Vision10.jpeg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_vision10-B0k3ZB.jpeg) **One day, Moore County will be known for a lasting, sustained movement of the Presence of God. We are seeking revival in our hearts for the renewal of our city and beyond.** God has given Grace Church the audacious task of seeing ten cities renewed for the glory of God. In 2023, our church received a prophetic word indicating that we were to expand and grow to fill “at least ten cities.” We are believing what God has spoken, and we are seeking Him as we partner with Him in city renewal. Filling the city with Jesus becomes real, practical, and personal when you realize that the city He wants to renew is your city. The city where God has placed you is the same city that He has the heart to renew, save, redeem, and restore. But how? Great question—**the answer is in and through you.** God desires for you to be filled with Him so that you bring the Presence of God everywhere you go in your city. You carry the Kingdom with you as you pray and seek God. Every relationship becomes sovereign in nature, divinely orchestrated to give to others what God has given to you. To disciple the people in front of you is to see cities renewed. **This incredible adventure will take all of us to see accomplished.** ## Vision 10: Seeing Cities Renewed The vision to see at least ten cities renewed came from God, and we want to be faithful to what He’s spoken over us. To hear the story of this vision and how it came to be, visit [gracechurchsp.org/vision10](https://gracechurchsp.org/vision10) # Big Church & Small Church > And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. —Acts 2:46–47 (ESV) Grace Church is a thriving multisite church with a growing number of campuses as well as a large number of people who join us for live streamed messages each week. As our family grows, we seek to be true to God’s Word in all that we do and to follow the New Testament model for church described in Acts 2:46–47. The believers in the early church gathered at the temple (big church) and broke bread in their homes (small church). They did life together and lived joyfully, and the fruit was that their city was being filled with Jesus: “And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47 ESV) To see our current locations, [visit our website.](https://gracechurchsp.org/#locations) ## Big Church: Worship Experience Worship Experience is where we gather as a church family to encounter the Presence of God, to hear God’s Word, and to worship together. ## Small Church: Groups Groups are the place where we break bread in homes and seek God together. There, we find community, encouragement, admonition, correction, and life-on-life discipleship. Big church and small church go hand-in-hand. Both are important as you grow as a disciple of Jesus. We love the simplicity of the Gospel, and that’s why our church life is ordered around Worship Experience and Groups. # Meet Our Lead Pastor ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Lead-Pastor.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_lead-pastor-4vyTm0.jpg) ryan peterson desires to see people come fully alive through the freedom of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. He has aheart for the Presence of God, and he loves spending time with God through Word, prayer, and worship. His personal encounters with the Lord have provoked a deep hunger to help others encounter God in the same way. As Lead Pastor of Grace Church, he desires for the church to steward the Presence of God by seeking Him, honoring Him as holy, and walking with Him in steadfast faith and obedience. He consistently points people back to the simple practices and values described in the Bible, such as meditating on God’s Word, prayer, and community. ryan has been walking with Jesus since 2004, and since that time, the Lord has directed his steps on an unexpected journey of faith. In 2006, he moved from Kansas to direct a private tennis facility. While attending Grace Church, his hunger for the Lord drew him to volunteer, enroll in Bible school, and give up a tennis career to join the Grace Church staff. In 2009, ryan graduated from Grace College of Divinity (now Manna University) and was ordained as a pastor. Since then, he has discipled men in groups, led Young Adults, and grown in his hope to see lives transformed by Jesus. In 2022, ryan became Lead Pastor of Grace Church and has since earned a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation from Regent University in 2023. ryan has been married to Rebekah since 2008, and they have three lively children. He enjoys time with his family, mountain biking, almost anything outside, reading books about Jesus, the brilliance of the local church, and all things concerning spiritual formation. # Our Leadership ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Leadership.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_leadership-tBrQ54.jpg) Although the Bible does not give us a straightforward design for how the local church should be structured, there are a few elements of governance that are consistent from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Grace Church follows those biblical consistencies in our leadership structure. ## Grace Church is: ### 1. Person-led. God has called Pastor ryan to be our Lead Pastor in the same way that He called other men to lead other great moves in Scripture (e.g., Moses, David, Daniel, and Joshua). ### 2. Pastored by Pastor ryan and the Lead Team. The Lead Team oversees the day-to-day ministry and operations of the church. This team includes campus pastors, staff pastors, and nonpastoral staff who serve the congregation and are responsible for the administration and development of the spiritual life of the church. A team assisted Moses in his responsibilities. (Exodus 18:13–26) In the New Testament, different leaders focused on unique aspects of the ministry. (Ephesians 4:11–12) >And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11–12 (ESV) ### 3. Governed by Elders. The Elders are the governing body of the church. The Elders, along with the Lead Pastor, oversee the church. These Elders are appointed, by the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, to serve by deciding on policy development, finances, and oversight of the spiritual health of the church. > So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. —1 Peter 5:1–3 (ESV) ### 4. Strengthened by Oversight. Grace Church’s Oversight Team loves our pastors and provides spiritual protection to the church. The Oversight Team provides accountability for the church by being personally connected to the Lead Pastor, and they can be called upon to help in specific accountability matters relating to the Lead Pastor if requested by the Elders. The team meets frequently with Pastor ryan to ensure pastoral health in soul, marriage, family, relationships, and church, as well as adherence to the Word. > Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood. —Acts 20:28 (ESV) # Knowing God & Being Known: Living Life Fully Alive > But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. —Daniel 11:32b (KJV) >I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. —John 10:10b (ESV) We are here to have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus: This is a gift from God. Knowing God was the Apostle Paul’s greatest desire. As he wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8aESV) Knowing God comes through spending time with Him through the spiritual disciplines, such as prayer and reading the Bible, which is His Word. > And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. —John 17:3 (ESV) Our proximity to God determines the depth of abundant life we will experience. Through the adventure of knowing God, **we become deeply human and fully alive**. Although we should devote quiet time to studying Scripture, seeking after God doesn’t mean we become monks in a castle studying His Word all day. As disciples, our calling is to engage with the city around us to bring the Kingdom of God in truth and grace through acts of powerful love. The evidence that you know God is when other things become less important, the audacious becomes attractive, and you do great exploits (deeds or acts for the Kingdom). The people of the Bible have shown us that by knowing God we have a courage and acapacity that is not just human in origin. From our relationship with God comes extraordinary strength, courage, faith, hope, and love. # Doctrine ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Doctrine.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_doctrine-7mG25m.jpg) >Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. —1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV) Doctrine determines direction. Doctrine is what we believe and how we live out those beliefs. What we believe matters deeply because it affects the entire course of our life. Biblical theology and doctrine help us learn about God—His character, ways, heart, and desires—which gives us vision for how we should conduct our lives so that we can truly say, “on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10bESV) ## Essential Beliefs **1. Salvation is a gift from God to man. **Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s ultimate sacrifice can man be saved from sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ by faith. **2. The Bible is God’s Word to all people, at all times in history.** The Bible was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it was inspired by God, it is true without error, and its message remains intact. **3. The Holy Spirity is an equal part of the Trinity.** He lives in every Christian and provides the power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. We believe that baptism in the Holy Spirit is an additional impartation that follows salvation. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is usually accompanied by the gifts of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, etc. We believe these gifts are presently available to all who believe, but they are not essential for salvation. We believe that when Christians have been baptized with the Holy Spirit, they should begin to take on His nature and fruit, becoming helpers and comforters, leading others into truth, and testifying of Jesus. **4. Water baptism is an important step of faith in the believer’s life.** When we are baptized, we are publicly confessing Christ as our Lord and Savior. Water baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward reality of a transformed heart. >We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. —Romans 6:4 (ESV) # Values: The Things We Hold in Honor A _value_ is something that has worth and importance. How we live reveals what is important to us. At Grace Church we center our worship and life on the Presence of God. ![ConnecStep_Writebook_Values-Circle.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connecstep_writebook_values-circle-BdlQus.jpg) Our values are expressed during our Worship Experiences, in our Groups, and throughout the life of the church. ## Our Values Our values come from God’s Word. The Scriptures below highlight what we value and why. ### The Presence of God >“And He said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to Him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.’”—Exodus 33:14–15 (ESV) ### The Word >“My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.”—Psalm 119:20 (ESV) >“Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. —Proverbs 30:5 (ESV) >“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” —2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) ### Prayer >“These I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”—Isaiah 56:7 (ESV) ### Discipleship >“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”—John 13:35 (ESV) ### Worship >“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship Him.”—John 4:23 (ESV) ### Intentional Community >“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”—1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) >“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 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.”—Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV) ### Service >“Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”—Matthew 20:28 (ESV) ### Extravagant Generosity >“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”—2 Corinthians 9:7–8 (ESV) Connect with the church and opportunities to Fill the City with Jesus. # Community ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Community.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_community-FwoZM9.jpg) >So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. —Ephesians 2:19–21 (ESV) Being the church means living in an authentic community with a small group of people where we know others and are truly known. Jesus didn’t just teach about community: He lived it. Jesus surrounded Himself with people that He poured into, who in turn poured into others. ## Community Block Building a community block is an essential aspect of discipleship. A community block is a simple way to identify the people who are walking with you as you become a more mature disciple of Jesus. Who are the people discipling you (fathers and mothers)? Who are you doing life with (Christian brothers and sisters)? And who are you discipling (sons and daughters)? Who are Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy in yourlife? - **Paul:** More-mature believers who can mentor, encourage, and guide you in your walk with Christ. - **Barnabas:** Believers you do life with on a regular basis. - **Timothy:** People you are mentoring and encouraging in the faith. If slots in your community block are missing, pray that God would bring new people into your life and seek them out through groups and serving. ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Community-Block.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_community-block-xO9JwY.jpg) Your community block includes the people who are walking with you on your journey as a disciple of Jesus. It is more important than ever to be in an **authentic community**. > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. — Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) >So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. —1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV) # Groups Groups are the place where big church becomes small, where we can experience intentional community, and where we can be discipled by others. Groups are a great way to fill your community block. The church is made up of all ages and backgrounds, and we believe in creating groups that are multigenerational and include people from all walks of life so that we can learn from each other and grow together. ## Type of Groups ### Sermon-Based These groups gather to discuss the sermon from each week and use the Sermon Discussion Guide to go deep into the message and draw out personal, practical application. If you’ve never been a part of a group before, we recommend you start here. ### Care We offer a variety of Care groups that are designed to help you find hope, healing, and restoration in various aspects of life. Examples of Care groups include re|engage (a marriage group), GriefShare, DivorceCare, Financial Peace University, Celebrate Recovery, and Freedom in Christ. ### Community/Topical Some groups focus on a specific topic, such as prayer or prophecy, while others gather around a specific book of the Bible. We encourage our people to follow the Lord’s leading when starting a group. # Giftings > For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. —1 Corinthians 12:12 (ESV) > Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. —1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (ESV) Did you know that God has given you gifts to help build up the church? God wants all of us to discover the gifts He’s given and use them to serve others. This is one way that the Holy Spirit empowers us to fill the city with Jesus. Discovering your gifts helps you to understand God’s purpose for your life, to grow in relationship with Him and with others, and to walk in the calling He has given you. Living in community and serving provide two avenues for you to cultivate your gifts and discover how God has uniquely created you to bless others and build His church. ## Discover Your Gifts Discovering and developing the gifts that God has given you is a lifelong adventure. We want to help you on that journey. Follow the link to take a short assessment to help identify your spiritual gifts. www.gracechurchsp.org/discover-your-gifts # Serving ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Serving.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_serving-pW9fqI.jpg) >As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. —1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) Serving provides an opportunity for us to use our gifts to build up the church and to show God’s goodness and kindness to others. Serving also creates a place where real life-on-life discipleship can happen. Your gifts and skills are valuable to God: He gave them to you for a reason, and we want to help you find a place to put them to use. At Grace Church, we encourage two main avenues forserving: - **Serve Projects.** Identify practical ways to meet the needs of your city. - **Serve Teams.** Find an area where you can use your gifts within the church. ## Serve Projects Serve projects are an opportunity to seek the welfare of your city by doing practical activities to bless others. Ask God to reveal ways that you could help your neighbors right on your street or in your neighborhood. Dream up ideas with your group—ways that you can serve your city together. Serve projects can be big or small—the important thing is that they make the love of Christ real to those we serve. ## Serve Teams There are many areas and departments where you can serve. If you have skills and giftings in an area other than what’s listed below, let us know, and we will help you get connected! - **Administrative volunteers** support the smooth functioning of all office-related operations. Midweek options available. - **The Baptism Team** facilitates baptisms across campuses through setup, teaching, and baptizing people during services. gKids serves children ages six weeks through fifth grade. A variety of classroom, nonclassroom, and administrative opportunities are available.* - **GStudents** serves sixth through twelfth grade. The heart of GStudents is for students to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.* - **Guest Services** creates a welcoming and excellent experience for all guests. Information Technology supports device network connectivity during services for gKids check-in. - **Local Missions** support missions efforts right here in Moore County through planning and on-the-ground help. - **The Photography Team** captures beautiful images from services and events to tell the story of what God is doing. - **The Prayer Team** prays during the worship and the message for each service and also prays with people during response. - **The Production Team** is responsible for all audiovisual elements within each Worship Experience. - **The Safety Team** provides a safe environment for all guests and families during services.* - **The Worship Team** serves and equips the local church by leading others to praise, worship, and experience Jesus. Interview and audition required. - **Young Adults** equips young adults, ages eighteen to thirty-five, to be disciples who make disciples. _*background check required_ ## Joining a Serve Team We want it to be easy for you to find a team that matches your giftings and enables you to serve with joy. Here are the steps you can expect when joining a serve team: **1. Express interest.** Let us know where you’d like to serve by attending ConnectStep or by filling out the [Serve Interest Form](https://gracechurchsp.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/647/responses/new). There’s no obligation or commitment to serve by expressing interest. **2. Schedule a First Look.** Once you express interest, a member from the department will reach out to schedule a brief meeting called a First Look so you can see what the serve area is like first-hand. **3. Attend the First Look.** When you go to your first look, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the people you’ll serve with, ask questions, and decide if it’s a good fit for you. If it is, you get to join the team! If it’s not, we’ll help you find an option that works better for you. **4. Begin serving.** Once you choose a team, you’ll be added to the schedule and begin serving! Many departments use a rotation and others are as-needed. # Missions ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Missions.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_missions-j1uTp5.jpg) > In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16 (ESV) Filling the city with Jesus goes beyond our church and extends to the farthest reaches of the world. Grace Church partners with local, regional, and international Christ-centered churches and ministries seeking to advance God’s Kingdom. We contribute a portion of our tithes and offerings to our mission partners so that they can carry the Gospel to their city. In addition to partnering with other ministries financially, we also support a variety of local and international missions through volunteering and practical support. For example, we’ve supported bed builds for children without beds and backpack drives that provide an opportunity for families in need to hear the Gospel. We are always looking for ways that we can serve our neighbors as Jesus calls us to. # Join the Family ![ConnectStep_Writebook_Join-the-Family.jpg](https://resources.gracechurchsp.org/u/connectstep_writebook_join-the-family-HhuZWl.jpg) >God sets the solitary in families. —Psalm 68:6a (NKJV) To be a part of a family means you belong, you are welcomed, and you are loved. The Bible is a story of God’s people being formed into a family and also being transformed by that family. Being a part of a family gives you an opportunity to practice looking more like Jesus. Authentic community is found in both the giving of your time, gifts, love, service, voice, and resources as well as your ability to receive from others. Becoming a member of the Grace Church family means you will belong to a family. It means you will make a commitment to be connected relationally and to be the church. It means you will live authentically as you move toward maturity and unity. It means that you will invest yourself in Grace Church’s calling: to be a family and to help fulfill the church’s vision of city renewal. # Membership Agreement Fill in the following with one of these four words: _Protect_, _Share_, _Serve_, or _Support_. Take time to read the Bible verses that correspond to each commitment. As a member of Grace Church, I agree to do the following: **1. ________________________ the unity of my church** by loving others, not gossiping, resolving conflict Scripturally, and following leaders. - Romans 15:5 - Ephesians 4:29 - Matthew 18:15–17 - Matthew 5:23–24 - Hebrews 13:17 **2. ________________________ the responsibility of my church** by praying for the church, inviting others, and welcoming new guests. - 1 Thessalonians 1:2 - Luke 14:23 - Matthew 25:35 **3. ________________________ in the ministry of my church** by discovering my gifts and using them for the good of the entire church. - Mark 10:45 - 1 Peter 4:10 - 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 **4. ________________________ the testimony of my church** by regularly attending, living according to the Bible, and giving (tithing). - Hebrews 10:24–25 - Acts 2:42 - Leviticus 27:30 - 1 Corinthians16:2 - 2 Corinthians 9:8 ## Next Steps Thank you for joining us for ConnectStep! We hope that this class has helped you grow as a disciple of Jesus. We invite you to take the following next steps: **1. Join the Family:** Sign and submit the Membership Agreement. **2. Join a Group:** Find group resources and check out the current group offerings at www.gracechurchsp.org/groups **3. Join a Serve Team:** Learn more about our Serve Teams and get connected at www.gracechurchsp.org/serve/ **We are excited to help you take the next step in your journey!**