Get Ready - Get Set - Grow!

A deeper relationship with God is closer than you think.

Have you ever asked yourself how to stay motivated to grow deeper in your relationship with God? Even when you feel stagnant, weary, or confused? What can you do to get back on track when you hit a spiritual rut?

What's Next? consists of 5 sessions where we hear from bestselling author and pastor, Chris Hodges. We will learn about four steps to spiritual maturity and how each step is part of both a linear path and a cycle leading to deeper levels of faith. No matter where you may be on your spiritual journey, What’s Next? is the guide you need to find your footing and discover the joy that comes when walking the road of richer faith.

While we recommend going through this series in-person, below you will find  some content to work through each session in your own time.

*We provide the book for in-person registrations.

GET THE BOOK IN-PERSON REGISTRATION

Pair this 12-day devotional as part of your journey. Easily accessed within the YouVersion Bible app on your mobile phone.

WHAT'S NEXT? DEVOTIONAL

For Individual Study

God is the only one who can know you at your deepest levels. He made you and knows the purpose for which you were designed. He alone holds the book on your life and knows the number of your days. You can never find fulfillment and true, lasting joy apart from knowing Him. You cannot begin to know what step to take next in your life without Him. Knowing God is the key to life.

Start with reading the introduction to the book What’s Next? by Chris Hodges.

WATCH VIDEO SEGMENT

Use these questions to reflect and journal:

Do you see yourself as being closer to the beginning, middle, or end of your faith journey? Is your answer based on the amount of time you’ve known the Lord, the experiences you’ve encountered, or something else? Explain.

Is your present vantage point from a valley (low point) or from a mountain summit (high point)? Or do you feel as though your path has plateaued and you’ve been on solid ground for a while?

What do you consider the greatest obstacles or biggest challenges to moving forward in your spiritual journey? How have these barriers hindered your progress in the past?

Within the four areas of growth, which one best describes your present focus? Knowing God as your loving Father? Finding freedom from old struggles, habits, and though patterns? Discovering your purpose as you serve God and advance his kingdom? Making a difference for eternity as you invest your time, treasure, and talents in God’s purpose? Explain.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being “far away” and 10 being “very close,” how would you rate where you are in proximity to God? Why did you choose this score? Where would you like to be in your relationship with God?

Additional resources to provide more reflection time:

Watch The Way series with Pastor Chris

Listen on Spotify

Wherever you are, whatever you're going through, the fuel for your spiritual journey comes from a real, dynamic, personal, close relationship with the living God. -Chris Hodges

Start with reading chapters 1-3 of the book What’s Next? by Chris Hodges.

WATCH VIDEO SEGMENT

Spend a few moments to quiet your heart before God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you make the most of this study time.

Use these questions to reflect and journal:

What stands out the most as you reflect from the last session to now? Have you noticed your approach to knowing God change or shift?

After reading chapter 1 in What’s Next?, how would you explain baptism to someone who is unfamiliar with the Christian faith? How is baptism similar to a wedding ring? Do you agree with the analogy? Why or why not?

If you have been baptized, how would you describe the event and its significance to you as a follower of Jesus? What did your baptism convey to your family, to your friends, and to others in your church community?

If you have not yet been baptized, what is holding you back? Do you have questions that linger about the meaning of baptism? If so, write them below.

In addition to baptism, what are some other events, spiritual milestones, or special moments that have helped you know God at a deeper level?

Additional resources to provide more reflection time:

Why Jesus?

Why Baptism?

Why the Bible?

Why Prayer?

Listen on Spotify

Every human being wants to be free, to enjoy the ability to choose for themselves where and how they live out their lives... It's in us to be free - God put the longing there. -Chris Hodges

Start with reading chapters 4-6 of the book What’s Next? by Chris Hodges.

WATCH VIDEO SEGMENT

Use these questions to reflect and journal:

Spend a few moments to quiet your heart before God and ask the Holy Spirit to help you make the most of this study time.

What one issue, habit, relationship, or past event continues to limit your freedom to be all that God made you to be? What does it mean for you to surrender this area to God at this point in your journey?

How have you limited the way you see yourself, your life, and your relationship with God because of past mistakes and old baggage? What needs to happen for you to break free and begin, or continue, to live in the freedom you have through the power of God?

What habit or sinful behaviour continues to bind you the most on your faith journey? How have you tried to address it? How can you experience God’s freedom in this particular area?

What would your life look like if you were living in the fulness of God’s freedom? How would you describe it? How would you feel differently than you do now?

Additional resources to provide more reflection time:

Why the Family?

Why Spiritual Growth?

Why Honesty?

Why a Helper?

Listen on Spotify

God has designed you specifically for the calling He has put on your life... You already have what it takes. You just have to unlock it!
-Chris Hodges

Start with reading chapters 7-9 of the book What’s Next? by Chris Hodges.

WATCH VIDEO SEGMENT

Take a few moments to look back on your life and how you have ended up doing what you are doing now. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you discover a clearer sense of how God made you and what He wants you to do with your life.

Use these questions to assist in your reflection:

Do you know your divine purpose? Have you discovered what God placed inside you to share with others? If so, what is that purpose?

What gives you the most joy in life? When do you feel most alive, excited, and eager to serve? How have you found this personal passion to be related to God’s purpose in your life?

Complete the following sentences as specifically as possible:
My purpose in life is…
I know this because…

In addition to your passions, pursuits, and personality, God will often use your experiences to reinforce your purpose and equip you for future service. What experiences in your life has God used to shape your purpose for His Kingdom?

When have you endured a disappointment, frustrating conflict, or devastating loss only to see God use it later to help you serve others? How has He redeemed your pain for His purposes?

Additional resources to provide more reflection time:

Why Purpose?

Why Spiritual Gifts?

Listen on Spotify

God calls each of us to be an agent of healing in a broken world. If we're willing to listen and pay attention, he reveals such opportunities every day. -Chris Hodges

Start with reading chapters 10-11 of the book What’s Next? by Chris Hodges.

WATCH VIDEO SEGMENT

Spend a few minutes today in God’s presence, worshipping and thanking Him for how much He loves you and wants you to grow. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see where you need to continue focusing your efforts so you can be all that God wants you to be and made a difference.

Use these questions to guide this time of reflection:

How have you grown or changed the most since you started this study? What has contributed to this progress?

What have you enjoyed the most or found the most helpful in reading What’s Next? What difference will this insight make as you move forward in your spiritual growth?

How has your experience in the group influenced your progress? Who in the group has encouraged or inspired you the most? How will you let that person know how much he or she has blessed you?

Is there anything you know now that you didn’t grasp before you started this study? How will this new insight stimulate your spiritual growth moving forward?

What do you feel is required of you to continue knowing God at a deeper level?

Additional resources to provide more reflection time:

Why Serve?

Why Eternal Reward?

Why Responsibility?

Listen on Spotify