This ministry year at Bridgeway, we are blessed with a theme that is also a heartfelt invitation to “Come Home” with no judgment and no questions asked. Many of you felt the sincerity of this invitation and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to return to places of worship physically. For some of you, your return may have felt like a reunion, seeing the faces of those you have not seen in a long while and seeing new ones who have been added to the body. In addition, there is a great celebration of your return from your brothers and sisters in Christ and from God. It’s like the story Jesus told of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The father accepted the repentant son with open arms and had a great celebration of his return back home. In the same way, we celebrate your return home!

So you might be thinking, “I’m back home, now what?” What’s next for me in this season of my life, and what would God have me to do? Where do I even begin? How do I get beyond a “Sunday” existence to a place that is transformative and life-changing? Here are four things that may help you on your journey.

1) Heal
If you have returned home broken, acknowledge this. It is the commencing of your path of healing and resting in the peace of God. In John 14:27 (ESV) Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus offers us a great exchange. He will take our burdens and supply us with His peace that surpasses all understanding. But in order to understand this great exchange, people must realize their weaknesses and depend upon God as the source of their strength and then they will “find rest for their souls” (Matt 11:29).

Some of you may have come home feeling weary, carrying very heavy burdens, and may need help in understanding how to walk in God’s peace, which can supply you with the healing you need to get spiritually healthy.

How Can You Heal?
Tuesday Night Care and Wednesday Night Alive offer specific programs and resources designed to address spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. These include support groups and teaching on topics related to finding peace and healing through faith.

2) Grow
Many have returned home and may need to be reacquainted with Bible study and discipleship. This is a wonderful time to get reacquainted with the Word of God. What is your routine for staying spiritually fit? I heard a saying that you can’t be spiritually fit if you only work out on Sundays. This means the Sunday service, no matter how spirit-filled it is, cannot be the only day of the week when we spend time with God. In 2 Tim 2:15 (KJV), it says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Without continual diligence in the Word, we would not be able to stand firm or maintain and discern sound teaching.

Therefore, as Christ followers, we must be very intentional in growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18) so that we are transformed daily into the image of Christ.

How Can You Grow?
Attending events like Wednesday Night Alive and other spiritual classes at Bridgeway can provide opportunities for believers to deepen their understanding of the faith and develop a closer relationship with Christ.

3. Fellowship
Fellowship is a mutual and deep connection that we, as Christ followers, have with Him that places us in a bonded, Christ-centered relationship with one another. Upon receiving salvation, we are adopted into the family of God (John 1:12; Rom 8:15), making us children of God and spiritual brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. Acts 2:42 (ESV) says, “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” In the Body of Christ, we were never meant to be on an island and all alone. We are commanded dozens of times in the New Testament to have mutual, genuine, and frequent interactions with one another. In fact, the word “one another” in Biblical Greek is allēlōn (al-lay’-lone) which means mutual and reciprocal. In fellowship, we are commanded to love one another (John 13:34-35), exhort one another (Heb 3:13), and be kind to one another (Eph 4:32). Now that you have come home, take your place in this spiritual community of sisters and brothers in Christ.

How Can You Fellowship?
Find fellowship in life groups and other ministries where you can have mutual connection and discuss and apply biblical principles to your lives, share personal struggles and triumphs, and pray for one another.

4) Be the Church
There is a physical building where we fellowship and assemble each week. As mentioned above, our fellowship with one another is so important, as modeled and demonstrated in Acts 2:42-47. But truly, the church of Jesus Christ was never only meant to be an elaborate brick and mortar edifice where we gather, but also a spiritual movement of Christ followers who do the things that Jesus Christ would do if He were here physically on the earth. Therefore, now that you have come home, as you grow, heal, and fellowship, also BE THE CHURCH.

The World Population Review estimates that 166,324 people die each day. It is staggering to think how many of those people did not know Christ. In addition, we are dealing with a new epidemic of loneliness. According to a report from the U.S. Surgeon General, “Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults.” Do you know what this means? It means we have the greatest opportunity to tell others they too can be saved and “come home” to Jesus and be a part of His church.

How Can You Be the Church?
You can participate in Outreach and Missions by helping those in need within our community and world. Training programs like “Sharing God’s Grace” can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively share their faith with others. Also, becoming a Bridgeway Partner demonstrates your commitment to supporting the church’s vision, mission, and activities.

In conclusion, now that you have come home, I encourage you to heal, grow, and fellowship. Then let God use you to be an integral part of the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that is in dire need of knowing that they are loved by Him and need His salvation.

If you need help or support, please contact Care.
If you are looking for activities where you can meet others, check out our Events.
If you are looking for people to do life with, connect with our Groups.