That was the question last week’s message invited each of us to consider when it comes to the future of the church. If the church is going to move forward…If we are going to continue impacting our ever-changing culture and community…
What will it take? More personally, the question becomes: What is my next step?
As we look at the life and ministry of Jesus, we see a pattern in how He prepared His followers to carry on His mission. At Eagle, we seek to reflect that same model by encouraging growth in five areas of spiritual formation:
Building, Equipping, Winning, Multiplying, and Sending.
Today, let’s consider what that might look like for each of us.
Build the Believer
Colossians 2:6–7“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Jesus spent the early years of His ministry investing deeply in His followers—teaching them who He was and helping their faith take root. Spiritual growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens best through intentional rhythms of community, Scripture, prayer, and worship.
Here are some ways Eagle helps build faith:
- Small Groups – Growth happens best in community with believers who choose to do life together.
- Worship & Prayer Sets – Prayer is essential to knowing Jesus and strengthening our faith.
- Women’s Discovery Bible Study – Discover the truth of Scripture and how it applies to everyday life.
- Men’s Ministry – Launching soon! More details coming in the next few weeks.
- Eagle Kids – Sunday morning discipleship for children.
- Eagle Students – Middle School Loft (Sunday morning); High School Loft (Sunday 4–6 PM)
Next Step: Where could you intentionally invest in your spiritual growth this season?
Equip the Worker
Ephesians 4:11–12 “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
When we place our faith in Christ, we are not just saved—we are placed into the body of Christ with a purpose. Each of us has gifts and opportunities to serve in ways that strengthen the church and bless others. Serving isn’t just something we do for the church. It’s one of the primary ways God grows our faith and shapes our character.
Where might God be inviting you to serve?
Eagle Kids (Birth – 4th Grade)
- Teaching
- Classroom assistants
- Event help
- Greeters
Eagle Students (5th–12th Grade)
- Life Group leaders
- Ignite Camp
- Sunday Loft volunteers
Worship Ministries
- Vocalists
- Instrumentalists
- Prayer Set leaders
Technical Team
- Camera operator
- Online host
- Slides
- Sound or lighting
Hospitality
- Greeters
- Security team
- Welcome desk
- Coffee bar
Disciple-Making Ministries
- Women’s Bible study leaders
- Small group leaders or hosts
- Mentors
Every ministry provides training to help equip you for the role.
Next Step: Where might God be inviting you to step in and serve?
Win the Lost
Luke 10:1-3, “He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.
Jesus consistently moved toward people who were far from God. As His followers, we are called to do the same. Our greatest opportunity to share the gospel often comes through the relationships we already have—neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and friends. Sometimes the most powerful witness is simply living on mission in everyday life.
One way to grow in this is through our Living on Mission class, which equips believers to have natural gospel conversations in everyday settings.
You might also consider starting a small group in your neighborhood or workplace—creating a space where people who don’t attend church can explore faith and ask questions.
Next Step: Who in your life might God be asking you to intentionally pray for, invest in, and share the hope of Jesus with?
Multiply the Leader
Acts 1:14–15, “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)”
One of the most surprising leaders in the early church was Peter. Yet Jesus invested in him—teaching him, modeling ministry, and preparing him to lead.
Healthy things reproduce. In the same way, the church multiplies when believers step forward to invest in others and help lead new ministries.
Imagine what could happen if:
More small groups were launched in or near your neighborhood.
More Kids and Student ministry leaders stepped forward.
New mentors and disciple-makers were raised up.
Multiplication doesn’t happen through programs alone. It happens when ordinary believers say yes to developing others.
Next Step: Who might God be asking you to invest in or lead?
Send the Called
Romans 10:14–15, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?”
God has given the church a global mission—from our hometown to the ends of the earth. Reaching the world requires sending workers into the harvest. Every believer has a role to play in that mission.
You may be called to:
- Go – Serve on a mission trip or pursue long-term missions.
- Pray – Pray regularly for a specific international worker or ministry partner.
- Give – Support the sending of others so the gospel can reach the nations.
Next Step: What role might God be asking you to play in sending the good news to the world?
What Will It Take?
The future of the church is not built on programs or buildings. It is built on people who say yes to the next step God places in front of them. So, the question returns: What will it take? More personally: What is your next step?
Ted Harris
Associate Pastor