The Path

There is a Path, unseen with the human eye. But not only is this path real, it is more meaningful and consequential than any trail, road, or track made with the hands and inventions of man.

This Path is our Christian Formation — the alignment of our being, feeling, and doing with the will of Christ through intentional spiritual development and discipleship.

While it is filled with ups and downs, the ultimate destination is to be truly and deeply transformed by Christ in every area of our lives. These are areas and domains that affect not only us, but also the hurting world around us.

Read below to learn about each stage of the Path, and get resources to help you on your journey.


Glossary of terms:

Christian Formation: the alignment of our being, feeling, and doing with the will of Christ through intentional spiritual formation and discipleship over 7 Stages.

Spiritual Formation: the transformation of our inner world (being), over time, that invites others to experience Jesus (feeling) through our service.

Discipleship: the process by which a follower of Jesus will learn and obey his teachings, imitate his life and ministry, and make disciples who make disciples(doing).

Christian Formation: the alignment our being, feeling, and doing with the will of Christ through intentional spiritual formation and discipleship over 7 Stages.

Awareness of God

Awareness of God - awakening to the existence of a higher power that leads to faith in Jesus Christ.

  • Description: Awareness → Submission (Faith)
  • Critical Relationship: Jesus-focused Friend
  • Growth Step: Begin Early Disciplines (Bible
    Reading, Daily Prayer)

Resources For Stage 1:

  • How To Read The Bible Like A Seminary Professor - Dr. Mark Yarbrough
  • Christian Beliefs: 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know - Dr. Wayne Grudem
  • The Prodigal God - Tim Keller
  • The Bible Project
  • The Jesus Storybook Bible - Sally Lloyd-Jones
  • The Bible Recap

watch the full message for this stage

Life of Discipleship

Life of Discipleship - learning what it means to be a follower of Jesus which results in a distinct life.

  • Description: Early Disciplines → Being Discipled
  • Critical Relationship: A discipler/Disciple-focused mentor
  • Growth Step: Become a member of a local church.

Resources for Stage 2:

  • Counterfeit Gods - Tim Keller
  • Good Faith - David Kinnaman
  • Praying Life - Paul Miller
  • Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes - Richards and O’Brien

watch the full message for this stage

The Productive Life

The Productive Life - Working for God from love within the local church for the sake of others.

  • Description: Membership → Make a Disciple
  • Critical Relationship: Be discipled and have a disciple.
  • Growth Step: Make a Disciple and Middle Disciplines (Generosity, Vocation, Service)

watch the full message for this stage

The Inward Journey

Journey Inward - courageous introspection within community that leads to internal transformation.

  • Description: Introspection → Soul Work and Counseling
  • Critical Relationship: Soul Care Worker(s) and Healthy community.
  • Growth Step: Look deeper, Later Disciplines (Silence, Solitude, Fasting, Simplicity)

Growth Step: Journey deeper, Later disciplines (e.g.: Silence, Solitude, Fasting, Simplicity, Family History Inventory)

watch the full message for this stage

The Wall

The Wall - An existential crisis that produces conflict between the will of God and our own life plans. The other side leads to either greater trust or lowered trust in God.

  • Description: Acknowledge Crisis → Resolution
  • Critical Relationship: A Forerunner
  • Growth Step: Renew Faith and Become A Forerunner

Resources for Stage 5:

  • A Grace Disguised - Jerry Sittser
  • Meaning of Marriage - Tim Keller
  • Where is God When it Hurts? - Philip Yancey
  • Problem of Pain and A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
  • The Return of the Prodigal Son - Henri Nouwen
  • The Care Ministry

watch the full message for this stage

Life of Love

Life Of Love - The abundant life that reflects Jesus to others clearly and consistently.

  • Description: Deep Trust in Jesus → Invitation (others to Jesus)
  • Critical Relationship: Meaningful Community, Disciples, Jesus- focused Mentor
  • Growth Step: Give Your Life Away

Watch the full message for this stage

Legacy Living

Legacy Living - Setting a life in order and leaving behind blessing.

  • Description: Joy In Jesus → Dying Well
  • Critical Relationship: Spiritual Family (church and disciples) and Reconcilied Relationships
  • Growth Step: Leave A Legacy of Blessing and Provision

5 Domains & Theological Vision

Below you will find what successfully navigating "The Path" can form you into in each of the 5 Domains of your life.

  • Spiritual - A humble and compassionate child of God who prioritizes Jesus above all else and willingly accepts any discomfort that may follow.
  • Relational - A brave and selfless learner who fosters safe and supportive relationships.
  • Emotional - A transparent and inquisitive follower of Jesus with emotional maturity who understands their boundaries.
  • Intellectual/Mental - Humble: Self-effacing and counting others better than themself.
  • Physical - An active temple of God who expresses gratitude for and treats their present body with kindness.