Everyone has a Next Step in their Journey with Jesus. NCC has identified these steps as significant elements that will help everyone follow Jesus. None of these steps are designed to be “boxes to check,” and besides baptism, they are all ongoing aspects or a part of a journey striving to follow Jesus.
When we’re baptized, we’re reminded of what Jesus did for us. When we go down into the water, we’re reminded of Jesus’ death on the cross and His payment for our sins. But when we come out of the water, we’re reminded that three days later, Jesus rose from the dead! As followers of Jesus we too can have forgiveness and the promise of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.
Coming together for corporate worship is one of our core values. Worshipping the Lord through fellowship, singing, teaching, giving, and communion is a vital component of our spiritual growth. NCC encourages everyone to make regular attendance at one of our worship services a priority in their lives. We have multiples services and locations for you to choose from!
Living life with others by your side is one of the best ways to grow stronger in your faith and meet with like-minded people who are trying to tackle all that life throws their way. NCC has many different kinds of groups that help everyone find a place that meets their needs. We encourage everyone to join a Life Group, because it is the best way to get and stay connected at NCC. In addition to Life Groups, we have many other groups to choose from. All groups are designed to help everyone take their next step with Jesus and grow in their faith.
Your spiritual journey will be full of growth from many different avenues. Whether it’s a message at a service, personal Bible reading, an answer to prayer or something someone shares in your Life Group, God uses multiple ways to draw you closer to Him. The discipline of creating regular time to read God’s Word, spend time in prayer, and understanding His love for you is critically important. It is also important to be reflective and recognize what you are learning and then share that with others. Click the link below to share what God is teaching you in your personal devotions with Him.
Tithing is a spiritual discipline. It is part of the recognition that I cannot, nor should I try to live life on my own terms. It is understanding that everything we have is a gift from God. We are not the owners, we are simply the managers – managing what God has given to us to manage. When we learn this truth, it is much easier for us to give back to God a portion of what He has given to us. It is an act of worship. We live a life dependent on God. Jesus talked more about money than anything else. We want everyone to experience the freedom that comes through the spiritual discipline of tithing.
Learning to share your story of how God has worked in your life is a powerful exercise. It is not only a great way to encourage others as they hear about the faithfulness of God in your life, but it is also a tremendous blessing for Christ-followers to live a life that continually reflects on God’s blessing, answered prayer, and redemptive grace that He so freely shares with everyone who puts their faith in Jesus.
Serving in a ministry is finding an opportunity to serve inside the walls of NCC. This could be at a Sunday morning or Thursday night worship service, volunteering in Student Ministries, or working with children in Family Ministry. It takes everyone working together and serving to meet the needs of everyone attending. Jesus was the ultimate example of what it means to be a servant. It is an important next step in our relationship with Him.
Serving on mission is finding an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting and confused world. NCC has several ways that people can meet the needs of our communities. It may be in our food pantry or Community Kitchen. It might be a short-term mission trip or giving rides to seniors for medical appointments. It could be volunteering for summer camp, or helping with after-school care programs. There are several ways for you to serve on mission.
Many people don’t see themselves as leaders. At NCC, however, we believe that God has shaped each of us to uniquely minister to others. Leadership is more about listening than giving answers. It’s more about relationships than Bible knowledge. Leadership is simply a willingness to show up, a willingness to invest in others and understand that we are called to serve others, not be served. Click the link below and let our pastors know that you’re interested in leading!