A Lifelong Journey

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. 

Discipleship Pathway
Personal Growth

 Discipleship Pathway

What does it look like to be a disciple at St. Mark’s?
As we connect with each other, connect with God, and help others connect in six key areas of discipleship (Worship, Hospitality, a Life Opening to God, a Daily Life Embodying Jesus, Service, and Generosity), we fulfill our mission to Welcome, Grow, and Serve:
  • Through a life of hospitality and a life of worship, we Welcome all people and the presence of God into our lives.
  • To Grow in our knowledge and grace, we open our lives to God and seek to embody Jesus’s example in our actions, attitudes, and responses to others. 
  • With our gifts and our time, we Serve our neighbors locally and globally by continuing to build a life of generosity and a life of service.

Personal Growth Resources

To GROW in our knowledge and grace, we open our lives to God and seek to embody Jesus’s example in our actions, attitudes, and responses to others.
Opening our lives to God 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 

These resources combine scripture and prayer. 
  • 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, Refresh, and Connect with Others

  • Take a screen-free sabbath for an hour, for an evening, a day, a weekend… Turn off all devices to open your heart and mind to God’s spirit and to being fully present in relationship with those around you.
  • Join the rest of the St. Mark’s community, where ever you are, in praying a daily breakthrough prayer at 8:00pm. 
  • Choose a breath prayer for brief sacred pauses in your day.

    Spiritual Gifts

    Our time and energy are multiplied when we serve in ways that match our God-given gifts, talents, and abilities. Learn more about your spiritual gifts through a  Spiritual Gifts Inventory available from UMC Discipleship Ministries.

    Journaling and Prayer

    • Try a daily examen routine, an evening time of gratitude, reflection, and hope for the next day. 
    • Read a brief scripture passage using the lectio divina method. 
    • 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)

    Other Resources 

    If you need other resources for personal Bible study, prayer, and spiritual practices that help you rest and refresh in God’s presence, email Jennifer at grow@stmarkscarmel.org.

    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.