What is the prize we seek as Christians? Toward what end are we running? If the finish line is not clear, we may run aimlessly, even in the wrong direction (1 Corinthians 9:26)! Though there are many aspects to successfully running the race, the prize is ultimately the character of Christ and intimacy with Him! Matthew Henry put it beautifully:
We should not rest contented without knowing the transforming power of the gospel, by the working of the Spirit, bringing us to seek to be like the temper and tendency of the glorious gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and into union with Him. We behold Christ, as in the glass of his word; and as the reflection from a mirror causes the face to shine, the faces of Christians shine also. – from the Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:18
At Grace Point, we focus on helping Christians through three levels of transformation as found in Romans 12:2:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NLT)
A transformed mind: Having a solid and expanding knowledge of God and His Word allowing us to better understand life from a biblical point of view. - A transformed life: Learning the practical ways of living out a maturing Christian life, allowing us to live based on a transformed worldview.
- A transformed heart: Being molded more and more into the likeness of Christ, allowing us to love God with all our heart, soul and mind.
Our Strategy
Grace Point’s discipleship strategy includes three components designed to help people in the three levels of transformation. Each component is based on relationships. The size of the group decreases with each component, allowing deeper relationships to form. These deeper relationships stretch us, strengthen us, and form the bonds that are vital to our spiritual growth.
Corporate: we provide corporate discipleship opportunities including worship services, men’s and women’s Bible studies, and Grace Point University. (Acts 2:42-47)
Life Groups: we support Life Groups that are practicing the five purposes of the church, striving to multiply themselves and being led by well trained and supported leaders. (Acts 2:42-47, Hebrews 10:24-25)
D-Groups: we encourage more intimate Discipleship Groups producing mature, multiplying disciples. These include one-on-one and one-on-a-few discipleship relationships. (Proverbs 27:17)
Though the church plays an important role in helping people mature as Christians, our dream is that they will mature into believers who know how to feed themselves in their growing relationship with Christ (Hebrews 5:12-14).
We also recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in this transformational process. The Church can help and individuals must pursue, but both will ultimately fail if the Holy Spirit does not work to transform lives (Colossians 1:29, Philippians 2:13)
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