Tools for growth
the art of following jesus
Jesus invites each of us to come close and follow Him. Being a disciple of someone, means becoming a learner or a student of the one you are following. For us, we are disciples, or followers of Jesus.
This new focus for our church, The Art of Following Jesus, is a 12 week devotional and spiritual pathway, highlighting the words and ways of Jesus, that will deepen your understanding and practice of being a disciple of Jesus.
View the materials for The Art of Following Jesus here.
A Weekly call to prayer
Prayer guide for a weekly call to prayer. This guide was created for Friday prayer at 9am, noon, and 5pm, but it can be used for any day and time that you choose.
Find the Prayer Guide here.
Closing the distance
Spiritual Gifts Assessment
Each of us play an integral part as we live and serve in the family we call the River Church, our community, and building the next generation of people to follow Jesus. Now is YOUR CHANCE to discover how God has uniquely gifted YOU to contribute to the exciting work in the kingdom of God! Have you ever been curious to discover what gifts have been especially endowed to you by the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 2:10 says that “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works he created in advance for us to do.” Take your spiritual gifts assessment and send us your results! giftstest.com
Have you already taken the test and want to know more about your gifts?
View a definition of each gift here.
Daily Holy Spirit Prayer
Dear God,
Let me be one of your chosen ones. I know that many are called but few are chosen. Choose me to do Your Will.
Dear Jesus,
Show me The Way. Show me what I should do and say, every minute of every day.
Dear Holy Spirit,
Give me whatever gifts I need so I can fulfill God's Will in Jesus's Way.
I especially request:
_______________,
_______________, and
_______________.
Thank you dear God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
Amen
Arise & Build Discipleship Tools
A disciple is a learner, a follower of Jesus, with the intention and practice to do what he modeled for us to do. Discipleship in relationship is an open, real, and honest spiritual dialogue with one another about being formed in Christ. When building and forming our lives after Christ we often benefit from some tools that can assist in the process. Discipleship is an intentional practice, we don’t get it right the first time. Use these tools alone, with a friend, or in your small group. Seek out help from a mentor.
If we pay attention, moments will come our way where God is breaking into our lives, wanting to speak and prompt change. We call these Kairos Moments. Use this tool to help process these divine moments. Spiritual growth happens when we stop and with a few close partners answer two questions: what is God saying to me right now; and what does He want me to do about it? As we respond and get answers to these questions, the trajectory of our life will change. We call this change discipleship.
The Bible encourages us to “pray without ceasing,” but we often need a bit of help in how to pray consistently and effectively. The A.C.T.S. Prayer Tool is a guide to help us grow and mature in our conversation with God. It is a simple process where we start by adoring God, then move into confessing ways we rebel and resist Him, which leads into thanksgiving for His mercy and supply, and finally to supplication, which is a fancy word for bringing our daily requests before Him. Prayer is the foundation to walking with and following after Jesus.
