Ways to Grow

DISCIPLE'S PATH
Disciple: A follower of Jesus whose life is centering on loving God and loving others.
Discipleship Path: A structured means by which we grow as disciples.
Mt. Olive UMC: a place of transformation helping us on our journey of faith.

Defining a Relationship: a means to measure your growth as a disciple
Exploring: (acquaintances) I believe in God, but I question if I can know God in a  personally way.
Growing: (Friends) I believe in Jesus and I am working on what it means to get to know him.
Close: (Good Friends) I feel really close to Jesus and depend on him daily for guidance.
Centered: (Intimate Friends) My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life.  It guides everything I do.

Spiritual Growth Markers: indicators that growth is occurring in your journey
Better Choices - Greater Determination - Improved Empathy - Deepening Desire - Growing Influence -
Improved Relationships - Increased Shalom (intimacy with God, others, self, creation)

Faith Obstacles:
Number one obstacle: Its not a Priority.
Number two: Not having or ignoring your church's discipleship path process

Ways to Grow: tools that encourage growth in your Spiritual Growth Markers
Two General Types: Devotional Life & Life of Service
The United Methodist Book of Worship summarizes both types with these five words:
Prayers (or devotional life)  - Presence (attending to gathering in worship small groups etc.) - Service (doing things for others and the church) - Gifts (giving of material wealth) - Witness (sharing ones faith)

NOTE: There is no hard lines as to what is solely devotional or solely service.  Prayer can certainly be service and gifts can certainly be an act of devotion.  These categories on not meant to limit us but simple give us a handle on ways to grow in our faith.

Below you will find tools for various ages that will help you grow as a Disciple of Jesus!

9:30am In-Person in Classroom 3 for 3 years-5th grade

• Masks required for children age 5 and older.
• Temperature check at check-in. Please do not attend in-person if anyone in your household has had Covid-19 symptoms within 48 hours of Sunday morning programming.
• Mt. Olive Kids Live Online option for families at 10:30am. Join Mt. Olive Family Ministry group page (you must join this page to gain access)

10:30am In-Person Godly Play Hour in Godly Play Room for preschool-5th grade age children