Navig8 to Life
Navig8 to Life: People Discovering Real Life
September 7th - November 9th, 2008
I came so they can have real and eternal life,
more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
-John 10:10 (The Message)
Register Online Now
Navig8 To Life Video
Jason Nelson, Executive Director of Discipleship, talks about the countdown to our Navig8 To Life study.
Tell Me More about Navig8 to Life
What is Navig8 To Life?
Why do we Navig8 to that life?
Why Navig8 instead of Navigate?
What does it mean that this is a church-wide study?
What about other ongoing groups like Disciple groups, Men's Bible Studies, etc.?
What about "Follow Me?"
What are the 8 Characteristics?
How will this study help us?
When does the study begin?
What days and times will it meet?
When and how do I register?
What is the next step once Navig8 to Life is over?
How Can I Help?
What if I have more questions?
What is Navig8 To Life?
Navig8 to Life is a nine-week all church study designed to help each of us develop a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a mature follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus came offering us real and abundant life. Our goal as a church is to help people understand both what that life is and how to fully experience it. This study meets participants where they are in their faith journey and helps them navigate to that real, eternal and better life Jesus offers. During this time, the worship services will also be themed to support the spiritual characteristic studied the week before.
Why do we Navig8 to that life?
We say we “Navig8” to it because, while we understand salvation to be a gift given by the grace of God, we also understand the attaining and experiencing of this life to be a journey. In many ways it is a life-long journey. Like a good navigator, our job is to regularly remind people what the destination is and help them stay on course and avoid the wrong turns that will send them in a direction away from this life. Just as the navigators of old used the tools of compass and stars in guiding ancient travelers, we have tools in guiding our travelers on their journeys. Our tools include study of the scriptures, the support and direction of small groups, and the opportunities for outreach our church offers.
Why "Navig8" instead of "Navigate?"
We say we “Navig8” to life because we have identified eight characteristics unique to a follower of Jesus. The more we understand and grow in these eight characteristics the more fully we are able to experience this real, eternal and better life Jesus came offering.
What does it mean that this is a church-wide study?
All Sunday school classes and existing HomeGroups are invited to participate in this study. Whether or not these groups and classes participate is completely their decision. In addition, all those not presently in Sunday school classes or HomeGroups will be encouraged to sign up for short-term small groups that would be created specifically for this purpose. Our worship services will be themed to lift up the same characteristic that has been studied the preceding week. That means the first worship service related to Navig8 to Life would be on September 14th. The last one would be on November 9th.
What about other ongoing groups like Disciple groups, Men’s Bible Studies, etc.?
Every ongoing group is a significant part of the ministry of our church. Like the Sunday school classes and HomeGroups, members of those groups will need to decide whether and how they will participate in Navig8 to Life. As many of the members are in Sunday school or a HomeGroup, it would be very easy for them to continue their planned studies and still be a part of this church-wide study.
What about "Follow Me?"
November 16th will be a closing celebration. All participants, as well as any members and regular attendees who did not participate, will have an opportunity to offer their commitments for 2009 with regard to their own spiritual growth. These commitments would be similar to the ones we have received in connection with Follow Me (ministry, prayer, financial, study). For this year, Navig8 to Life will take the place of Follow Me.
What are the 8 Characteristics?
Rev. Morris Matthis wants Christ Church to place a special emphasis on creating, growing and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ, and over many years, he has developed a list of the eight characteristics that he believes are unique to such a disciple. A mature disciple:
- has an assurance of his/her own salvation.
- knows his/her own faith story and is ready to share it.
- knows, understands, and applies the Scriptures to his/her life.
- is articulate about his/her own faith.
- uses his/her spiritual gifts in ministry, and manifests the Spirit’s fruit.
- regularly practices the disciplines needed for spiritual growth.
- practices financial stewardship and gives joyfully and generously.
- has the heart of a servant.
How will this study help us?
Each participant will learn about the 8 characteristics of a mature follower of Christ and, through self evaluation, identify areas of strength and areas where growth might occur. It also will help our congregation to be more intentional in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We also hope that, as a result of this study, we might see new Sunday school classes started, more HomeGroups created, and more small groups formed.
When does the study begin?
Navig8 to Life will launch Sunday, September 7th, and will conclude November 9th. November 16th will be a closing celebration with an opportunity to offer our spiritual growth commitments for 2009, recognizing that the end of the study is just the beginning for a better life.
What days and times will it meet?
We hope everyone at Christ Church will get on board, so all Sunday School classes and HomeGroups are encouraged to participate, and numerous new short term small groups will be established to accommodate varying schedules. Let us know what days and times work for you.
When and how do I register?
Registration begins May 11th and continues throughout the summer. “Passports” (registration cards) will be available at designated locations at church, including Sunday School classes and online here. Look for special registration tables in the Gathering Hall, the Ministry Center and in the Family Life Center on Sundays, May 11th and May 18th.
What is the next step once Navig8 to Life is over?
After completing the study, pariticipants will complete a self-evaluation to help them identify those areas where spiritual growth needs to occur. The results will give individuals and groups direction as they seek to mature in their faith here at Christ Church.
How can I help?
We are currently identifying a dynamic crew to help launch Navig8 to Life. Please prayerfully consider how you might help us in the coming months as we prepare to set sail on a journey to a better life. Our first team meeting will be held early in May, so let us know soon that you want to be part of this exciting challenge for our congregation. For more information about the available opportunities, please contact Jason Nelson at 281.980.6888, ext 4770.
What if I have more questions?
Please contact Jason Nelson at 281.980.6888, ext 4770
or Lynn Taylor at 281.980.6888, ext 4773.