Where are you in your lifelong journey of faith? Whether you feel a bit stuck, are just beginning your trip, or want to find new ways to nurture your continued growth, let St. Mark’s help guide you through six areas of discipleship that are part of how we Welcome, Grow, and Serve.
Personal Growth Resources
Opening our lives to Jesus can take many forms, including through the resources below.
Weekly inspiration: The Wired Word
St. Mark’s subscribes to The Wired Word, a weekly email devotional that some class leaders and participants use for discussions and personal study. Topics are wide-ranging and directly relate scriptures to timely news stories in an inspiring way.
If you’d like to be added to the emailing list, please email Jennifer Cloud-Buckner (grow@stmarkscarmel.org)
Daily Devotionals
- The Upper Room, a bi-monthly booklet of daily meditations. Available in the church entrance and the GROW Connection Tables.
- Pray-as-you-go.org – a meditative time of music and contemplation (6-12 minutes) on that day’s scripture reading.
- d365.org – short, simple 5-step devotionals that take less than 3 minutes to pause, listen, think, pray, and go.
- Lectio365 – an app that helps P.R.A.Y. (Pause, Rejoice, Ask, Yield) daily, available for iPhone and Android.
Rest and Refresh
- Try a daily examen routine, an evening time of gratitude, reflection, and hope for the next day.
- Try praying the ACTS way:
- Adoration of God’s character
- Confession (repentance, remembering Christ’s nature)
- Thanksgiving (gratitude to God for blessings)
- Supplication (asking and petitioning for yourself and others)
- Take a screen-free sabbath for 24 hours. Turn off all devices to open your heart and mind to God’s spirit and to relationship with those around you.
Other Resources
7-Week Group Study Available in January 2023
Foundations for a Lifelong Journey
Postponed to January-February 2023 | 6:00-7:15 PM
Led by Pastor Karla Elliott | Books $15
Discipleship Survey
Survey Background Information
Learn more about the survey from the INUMC website.
Take the Real Discipleship Survey
1) Click on “Use your Church’s Access Code.” 2) Enter INDIANAJOY in the code box. 3) Select “Carmel St Marks UMC (North Central District)” and enter your name, email, and a password of your choice.
Video Tutorial about the Survey
View a tutorial from the conference about how to take the survey.
Get a Personalized Report
When you enter your own name and email on the survey, you will receive a personalized report of your own spiritual growth assessment, next steps, and resources for personal development.
If you have any questions or want to connect with any other groups, please don’t hesitate to contact Jennifer Cloud-Buckner (grow@stmarkscarmel.org), Adult Discipleship Coordinator.