Spiritual Growth
We want to help inspire you to live the life God dreams for you as we spread His love in ever-widening circles. Following the way of Jesus starts with a decision. Growing more like Him takes (1) intentionality, (2) is communal, (3) requires our engagement, (4) is ultimately accomplished by the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, (5) is for the glory of God, for our benefit and for the service of others. To do this, our pastoral team develops a specific plan to help people follow the way of Jesus, which includes a new spiritual growth theme each Trimester, a Bible reading plan, a recommended reading, and opportunities to commit to community and weekly worship.
TRIMESTER 2 | 2024
Each Trimester we focus on themes around the teaching. Explore our upcoming series launching Sunday, June 2nd.
SERIES 1: LAUNCHES SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND
From David's triumphant victories to his challenging trials, his life journey is filled with timeless lessons we can all relate to. Over the course of this series, we will explore how David's faith, courage, and leadership shaped a nation and continue to inspire us today, as well as discover practical insights that will enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of God's plan. Join us for Being Human, Episodes from the Life of David.
SERIES 2: LAUNCHES SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH
Music is a form of art, and God created art and beauty as a means of communicating his truth, a means for our stewardship of the created world and to be a playground for our imagination, which is a vital part of our given nature. In this series, we will explore the Biblical beauty and truth revealed in the recent music of our time. Join us this summer for Summer Playlist.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN
Orienting our entire way of life around the way of Jesus is the catalyst for our human flourishing. Some routines that have proven to be primarily essential for our spiritual growth are our formed habits around the Spiritual Practices, like scripture reading, engagement in weekly community within a small group, and gathering together weekly as a church to worship God. Use this page to learn more, or engage in each of these practices, resources and opportunities for community and service.
Grow in your life with God.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Spiritual Practices are to spiritual formation what exercise is to strength training - they are a way to grow into power to be transformed into a new kind of person. These practices don't transform us, God does by the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, however; they do create the time and space for God to do the inner work of deep transformation.
LISTENING TO GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE
Lectio Divina encourages us to become receptive to the divine Word in order to form us into the image of Christ. If you desire to incorporate more Scripture into your prayer life and pay closer attention to the movements of God, Lectio Divina might be a place to start.
RULE OF LIFE
The Spiritual Practices are a building block to what is called a Rule of Life, which is a schedule and a set of practices and relational rhythms that center our life around following Jesus. We all live by a rule of life, the question is -- do we know what that is and where it is directing our lives?
This trimester we encourage you to take some time in your current state of life, whether single, married, career-person, stay-at-home mom or dad, etc., and gather with your community to develop your own Rule of Life.
Click below to download our Rule of Life Guide as a template to developing your own. Or consider using this Rule of Life Builder.
RECOMMENDED READING
King David: Pursuit of the Heart of God – By Mike Hilson
Whether you are a parent leading children, a pastor leading a church or a manager leading a business, your leadership is a calling and responsibility from God. King David was one of the most effective leaders in history. His life exemplified times of suffering for his children, his people, and even those nations under his rule, however, his trials became testimonies of grace as he chased after the heart of God.
You can pick up a copy of King David: Pursuit of the Heart of God in the Resource Lounge at the West Orange Campus on Sundays or from any online retailer.
Participate in life together.
LIFE GROUPS
LIFE Groups are small groups of people who come together and share Life In a Family Environment. We have three different types of LIFE Groups to fit your needs:
Message LIFE Groups: Family environments where life-changing discussions occur around a meaningful curriculum.
Learning LIFE Groups: Family environments where deep learning can occur through the guidance of a trained and specialized leader.
Activity LIFE Groups: Family environments centered on a shared interest.
LIFE TEAMS
Discover all the meaningful ways you can care for others, develop new skills or use your gifts by serving on a team. There are many opportunities for you to serve on Sundays and throughout the week. LIFE Teams are small groups of people that serve a vital function of TLCC through the utilization of their unique gifts, passions, and mission, all while in a family environment.
GATHER ON SUNDAYS
Hebrews 10:25 "We should not stop gathering together with other believers, as some are in the habit of doing. Instead, we must continue to encourage each other..." Sunday worship experiences are the primary way we gather as a church to worship together, learn from the teaching, pray for one another, and grow in our faith. We encourage you to commit to attending one of our services at either our West Orange Campus or Online Campus.
QUICK DATES:
July 13th — Outdoor BBQ At Christine’s Kitchen
July 13th — LIFE Group Family & Fun
July 14th — Communion Sunday
July 21st — Baptism Sunday
July 27th — Newark Y Birthday Club
Aug.4th — Summer Playlist Series Launch
August 11th — T3 LIFE Group Training
Aug. 23-25th — +Life Weekend of Service