Next Steps Wheel
We are often asked what are the basic goals for a Christian? People ask, “I want to make sure I am honoring God, or doing my best. What does that look like?” In order to serve you and others in this church we came up with this image that helps describe the basic parts to a growing and maturing follower of Jesus.
Each part of this wheel is equal in importance and represents many facets of Christian living. Connect, Grow, Serve, and Share are things we need to use as a tool to determine basic health and maturity as a Christian.
Connect with Jesus through Salvation. This is the first part of connect and the most critical. Without a saving faith in Jesus the rest is just empty religion. Jesus brings our worth and rescue. Make sure, if you have done nothing else, you have started with saying yes to Jesus.
Connect also describes the action of moving closer to others that are like-minded in following Jesus. We move closer to other Christians by uniting in membership with a local church. We connect by learning more about the church and its mission when we attend and engage others in the New Member Class.
Grow is a word that indicates change. God will change your life as you seek to know Him more. We encourage all members to grow closer to God by being a regular part of a Home Group or other small group study provided by Pin Oaks. In those groups you will practice the basics of a growing Christian: You will fellowship (do life with other people), you will study the Bible, and you will pray. These are habits all maturing Christians should practice.
Serve is a word that we often equate to others who help us with needs. Serving from a biblical perspective is not much different. The biggest difference is that we are to faithfully serve on a regular basis in the same manner Jesus served others. Sacrificial service should be at the heart of every Jesus follower. Pin Oaks has a growing list of ways you can practice this part of Next Steps and keep your faith moving in the right direction.
Share is a word that is associated with an ownership stake in a company. We are inclined to share with others because of what we “own” in Jesus. Jesus has changed our life and it is the greatest honor to be able to share how others can have that change as well. Not only do we encourage every member to learn how to share what Jesus has done for them. But we also encourage them to share this process with their friends who are new to the faith and new to Pin Oaks.
Salvation: The main thing!
Matt Ennor on Youtube.
Baptism: What is this about?
The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a believer to communicate to the world their heart-felt commitment to Christ. People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? I’ve already been baptized. Do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked?
Take a few minutes to read this page about BAPTISM.
Small Groups: Why should I go?
Small Groups are Christ-centered communities that encourage spiritual growth and forge long-lasting relationships. They are a great tool for those that want to know others better, grow in their knowledge of Jesus, or have an excellent way to serve other people on a regular basis.
The Bible is always at the heart of each week. Some groups will use a popular book as the basis for their study, some will use video teaching from popular authors, while others may use the sermon-based curriculum. Either type of group is sure to help you learn more about God, lead in our church through service, and make new friends.
Different groups follow different schedules. Each week’s agenda is really up to the group and its leaders. Some groups hang out late and play games, others have kids and call it quits around “junior’s” bedtime. Rest assured as these groups evolve there will be one for every person.
Membership: A big commitment.
Church membership is a covenant relationship between individual Christians who share the same basic beliefs. These Christians take the step of church membership because they are deeply committed to:
- supporting and encouraging one another in their spiritual growth
- working together to share Christ with others
- seeking together to bless their local area and the world for God’s glory
Jesus referenced the local church several times and half of the New Testament is made up of letters that the Apostle Paul wrote to specific churches regarding roles and responsibilities and commitment to a local church body.
Why Join If I Am Already Involved?
Membership is intentional and evokes a greater sense of ownership, commitment and accountability from both you and the church.
- members vote on the approval of recommended candidates on Full-time Staff Teams.
- members vote on the annual financial budget
- members are eligible to serve on our Admin Teams (finance, personnel, selection teams)
- members serve as Home Group leaders and as teachers in various ministries.
What is Required for Church Membership?
- Members must have a personal relationship with God by placing their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10)
- Members must have been or be willing to submit to Believer’s Baptism (Matthew 28:19)
- this takes place after salvation and it is an outward expression of an inward change
- represented by immersion because it follows the pattern in the Bible.
- is symbolic in nature – union with Jesus in his death (the old life gone) and resurrection (new life has begun).
- Members agree to our membership covenant.
* we encourage all perspective members to attend our Discover Pin Oaks class which is an orientation designed to help you get the best possible start as a new member of Pin Oaks. The class is led by Pastor Phil Morgan and is held on a Sunday afternoon at least once a quarter, and as regular as every month.
Volunteer: How do I help out?
First, check out the volunteer teams below, and complete a Volunteer Application so we can know a little bit more about you. You can also find out more about Pin Oaks’ volunteer opportunities by emailing Pastor Phil Morgan or attending Membership Class.
Pin Oaks has many areas of ministry that are made up of multiple volunteer teams who serve on Sundays and during the week. Sign up for one of the teams below and someone will contact you about your next step.
- First Impressions
- You never get a second chance to make a great first impression. The First Impression teams love creating welcoming environments for every guest at Pin Oaks. From greeting people in the parking lot to serving a great cup of coffee this team is made up of the first people our guests will likely meet on a Sunday. Email Matt Tucker for more information.
- Worship & Technical Arts
- From operating cameras and sound to trouble-shooting computer issues, the Creative and Technical Arts teams use their skills in media production and technology to keep Pin Oaks worshiping without distraction. You may also have talents in singing or playing an instrument and want to join the other members who are helping lead our weekend service in music. Email Amy Hobbs for more information.
- Children’s Ministry
- Children’s Ministry teams exist to unveil God’s love to the children and families of Pin Oaks Christian Fellowship. Volunteers serve on Sunday mornings with infants to 5th graders, or during the week by following up with first time guests. Email Heather Surdukan for more information.
- Student Ministry
- This ministry is for volunteers who have a heart to see High School and Middle School students grow and fall in love with Jesus daily. Student Ministry teams serve during the Wednesday night student gathering, Rooted. For more information about how you can plug in to Student Ministry email Blake Grundy.
- Small Groups Ministry
- Small Groups that are sermon based, book based, or video based all need leaders. It is the place where people truly connect with each other and the instructions we find in the Bible. We consider group ministry to be critical to our overall mission of helping people know Christ more deeply. Our groups are widely varied between small groups for couples, younger and older groups, mixed generation groups, men’s groups, and women’s Bible study. To volunteer please email Matt Tucker.