OC NEXTSTEPS

Following Jesus is a journey, not a destination

NextSteps is how we put following Jesus on the agenda. Every Christian is called to follow him — and following is a journey, not a destination. The best thing we can offer is good travelling companions. Enjoy the journey.

THE BACKGROUND

Discipleship is a journey

“NextSteps” is Openchurch's name for the three initiatives that express what it means to follow Jesus Christ. The biblical basis for Christian discipleship is rooted in Jesus' invitation to all nations to follow him. Jesus taught the crowds — but his model for discipleship was relational, progressive, reproducible, simple and independent of culture.

This process is about a daily relationship with Christ and his church, and a continuing surrender to both. We follow him, and we invite others, out of love for Jesus and for the people around us. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus promises us his presence as we make disciples — and that promise is the cornerstone of discipleship.

Discipleship is a living, mutual relationship with Christ and his church — a walk in the footsteps of the risen Jesus Christ, becoming more like him in thought, word and deed.

OC NEXT STEPS

The three steps

You don't have to take them in order — but most people get the most out of it that way.

STEP 1

Safar 101

Safar means journey. The first step if you want to know more about faith and about following Jesus.

STEP 2

Mikro 201

The next step, where faith becomes something you practise alongside a few others.

STEP 3

OC Groups 301

A settled community that meets in a home — and keeps going.

CONNECT STEPS

Four directions

They aren't about becoming a better person. They're about getting closer to what you were made for.

God

Prayer, the Bible, worship, silence.

Others

Nobody stands alone. Find people to walk the road with.

Purpose

You have a God-given purpose. Work out what yours is.

Church

Help carry the church, don't just visit it.

FOUR CONCRETE STEPS

Choose the one that fits where you are now

New to faith

You don't have to have it all worked out. Nobody does.

Baptism

A yes to Jesus, said out loud and with water. You do not need to have it all figured out first.

New to the church

You already believe. Now it's about finding your place.

Join a team

More than 600 people carry Openchurch. Not one of them had any experience when they started.

Ask for prayer

You don't have to explain everything. Write what you can.

GETTING STARTED

Not sure where to start?

There's no wrong answer. Write a couple of lines about where you're at, and one of us will get in touch.