Why We Built a Pathway, and Not a Program
If you grew up in church or have spent much time in a local church in the past, you’ve probably encountered a lot of programs. Programs are familiar, neat, and oh-so-predictable. They start at 7, end at 8:30, and have a handout. They’re easy to announce, easy to track, and often easy to forget.
Though, when it comes to discipleship, and how people actually grow in faith, we knew we need something different. That’s why we built a pathway, not a program.
Discipleship Doesn’t Fit in a Neat Box
Programs tend to operate like conveyor belts: step on here, complete a few activities, and voilà, out comes a disciple. However, real spiritual growth doesn’t work that way. The Way of following Jesus is not a straight line. It’s not a set of classes or a checklist. It’s a lifelong process of being transformed into the likeness of Christ, through joy, pain, community, solitude, and seasons of clarity and seasons of doubt. That’s why we needed something flexible, formational, and human.
Pathways Are Rooted in Real Life
A pathway makes room for the journey. It acknowledges that people are in different places, with different needs, experiences, questions, and wounds.
It asks:
- Where are you right now?
- What’s God doing in your life?
- What’s your next step?
Instead of pushing everyone through the same template, a pathway helps you identify where you are. It offers clear direction, meaningful support, and an opportunity for real community as you grow.
Programs Can Start and Stop. A Pathway Walks With You.
One of the most significant differences between a pathway and a program is that programs have end dates, whereas a pathway continues because formation is ongoing.
That means we’re not offering a quick fix or a short course. We’re committing to walk with you, no matter your pace. Whether you’re exploring faith, rebuilding after a hard season, or thriving and pouring into others, there’s a place for you on the pathway. And more than that: there’s a way forward.
People Need Direction, Not Pressure
Our pathway is about information, not pressure. The Faith Stage Assessment gives individuals the information they need to take steps to grow at their own pace. A path doesn’t say, “You should be here by now.”
It says, “Let’s start where you are, and walk together toward what’s next.”
Programs Produce Participation. Pathways Cultivate Transformation.
Ultimately, our hope isn’t just that people get involved, but that they begin to take steps toward growth where they are. We are all being formed into something. Our hope with this process is that we will all be formed in Christ, formed in community, and formed for the sake of others as well. That’s what the pathway is for. It’s not some new flavor of the month. It’s not a one-size-fits-all, ‘grow or your money back’ program. But it is real, intentional, and built for the long road of faith, where Jesus walks with us every step of the way.
Want to see where you are on the pathway?
Try the Take our Faith Stage Assessment
Need someone to walk with you?
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