What is Your Next Step?

…But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead… –Philippians 3:13

These words have two powerful truths:

1. Your Past Does Not Control You

When Paul uses the word “forget” it doesn’t mean he couldn’t recall his past from memory. Like when you walk into a room and can’t remember what you went in there for or where you left your phone or your keys. The word “forget” means not that the past isn’t there but that it no longer has control over where you are headed. Just sit with that for a moment. Is your past controlling your future?

2. Your Future is Worth the Struggle

The next action word Paul uses is “straining”. He is pushing forward. Like a runner stretching out to cross the finish line first. Paul is saying that he is not idly waiting to react to whatever the next big thing is. He is stretching himself forward. He is proactively taking the next step. Just sit with that for a moment. What is your next step?

What is Your Next Step?

• Commit to studying Core52 weekly and/or join a Core52 study group.
• Find freedom from your hurts, habits, and hang-ups by joining Celebrate Recovery.
• Find a place to serve inside/outside the church regularly.
• Make regular church attendance a priority.
• Begin to give back from the time, energy and resources God has given you.

What is Aldersgate’s Next Step?

We are committed to “making disciples” (Matthew 28:19) by connecting them to God, loving God and our neighbor, and impacting the world. To do this, you will repeatedly hear two catchphrases as we take our next steps.

1. “20/20”
   We desire to be a part of planting 20 new expressions of church this decade. They may look different than what you know but they will always consist of worship, community, and prayer. Are you being called to lead one of these expressions?
2. “Close the gap”
   It’s more than just about attending church, it’s all about being the church. We desire to “close the gap” between sitting and consuming to rising and participating. What is your next step?

I challenge you to take some time, glance in the tiny rearview mirror and thank God that what’s behind you doesn’t control you. Then look out through the giant windshield and ask God where you are headed.

Ryan