Therefore go and make disciples of all nations
MATTHEW 28:19
At Westport Road Baptist we believe each believer should be continuing to learn and grow in their faith. One of the ways they do that is by following a discipleship pathway. This process helps you not only to grow in your faith and serve the church body but eventually come to a point where you can help others as they grow in their faith. This process is a cycle that should continue throughout a believers life and is outlined below.
STEP 1
WORSHIP
- Participating in worship is a vital way for a church member to grow their faith. Engaging in corporate worship through singing, prayer, Scripture reading, and sacraments allows individuals to encounter God collectively and personally.
- To deepen this experience, members can seek to attend services regularly, participate actively in worship elements, and reflect on the messages shared. However, worship is not about our personal experience alone, but also encourages others as we worship our Savior and Creator together.
STEP 2
BELONG
- No one can walk through life alone. Belonging in a community helps us continue to walk towards Jesus on our journeys of faith. Joining a small group and/or Sunday School Class, attending church events, joining Wednesday night Bible studies, or engaging in fellowship activities helps cultivate connections with others in our community.
- By sharing their experiences and being open about their faith journeys, members can be supported, feel valued, held accountable, and pour into others.
STEP 3
COMMIT
- Commitment to the church's mission and values is essential for personal faith development. Members can participate in this step by becoming involved in church governance, joining committees, tithing, and attending membership classes to understand the church's goals more deeply.
- By making a conscious decision to prioritize church life—whether through regular attendance, participation in discussions, or adherence to shared values—members solidify their dedication and accountability, ultimately deepening their spiritual commitment and growth.
STEP 4
SERVE
- Serving others is an opportunity to reflect God’s love back to His people. Members can participate by volunteering for church ministries, outreach programs, or community service initiatives.
- Identifying their unique skills and passions allows them to serve in ways that resonate personally, whether it's serving our children and youth, helping with church events, supporting those in need, or going on missions. Through service, members not only meet practical needs but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living their faith in action.
STEP 5
INFLUENCE
- Influence is an opportunity to be God's witnesses to a broken world. We can be an influence by sharing the gospel and demonstrating the love, kindness, integrity, and grace of Jesus in our daily lives. The way we live is an opportunity to encourage others follow Jesus.
- Sharing personal stories of faith and engaging in gospel conversations encourages others to seek deeper connections with God. By being a living testament to their beliefs, members help extend the church's influence beyond its walls and bring the Kingdom of God into their daily lives.