Hope Circle

The Hope Circle serves as a "template" to describe the faith journey that many people travel at Hope, and is based on Jesus teaching in Mark 4:20.  Please note the image is a circle -- signifying the fact that we never "arrive" at our final spiritual destination this side of heaven.  What's more, the most mature Christians continue to move around this circle again and again -- none of us ever graduates from needing to hear God's Word proclaimed on a regular basis.  As we grow in faith, we continue to live as "seekers" and "believers," not just "followers" and "servant leaders."  Also worth noting is that the most mature Christians are the people on the "bottom" of the circle.  Christianity is not about a quest for more earthly power or prestige -- rather it is a journey toward humility and servanthood -- all for the sake of mission and the glory of God!

Seekers are those who have questions about faith and its relevancy. They may be people who have attended church before but haven't attended in a long time. Others may never have been part of church before. Seekers are interested in learning more and finding out what Jesus is about and why faith in Him matters.

A believer has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
Believers:

• Are learning to pray.
  
• Are getting into the habit of regular worship on the weekends.
• Are interested in learning more about what the Bible says and how to actually live the Christian life.
• Are interested in joining a group, but may not be sure what kind of group they would enjoy and may be hesitant about the time commitment.
• Volunteer occasionally and may be considering helping at a local mission.
• Are learning about giving of both their time and their financial resources
• Are beginning to discover their spiritual gifts.

A follower strives to live with Jesus as the Lord of their life.
Followers:

• Have a daily quiet time with God that includes prayer, Bible reading, and/or private worship.
• Attend weekend worship because they want to. They come to worship because Jesus is there, not to evaluate the worship experience or the sermon.
• Often attend additional services such as midweek Bravo! on Wednesday nights or Immersion on Thursday nights.
• Attend classes regularly to grow in their understanding of God
• Have joined a group to be in community with other Christians, for support and accountability
• Have discovered their spiritual gifts and are exploring ministries where their gifts may be used.
• Pray about what God is calling them to give to the church financially
• Are considering going on a mission trip to serve others in God's name.

A servant leader recognizes the Christian life is one of continuous growth, not one where you "graduate" because you've figured it all out.
Servant leaders:

• Have a daily quiet time with God and don't feel guilty if they miss it, but strive to live their lives as an offering of prayer.
  
• Worship even when they are on vacation or out of town on business and pray for the churches they visit.
• Regularly attend other services and volunteer at them.
• Know and use their spiritual gifts.
• Serve the faith community as small group facilitators, Children's Ministry shepherds, PowerLife mentors, team members, or on mission trips.
• Give cheerfully because giving blesses God and themselves.