Prepare for Session 1: Growing in Christ

Before we gather for Session 1, take a few minutes to prepare your heart and mind. This first session will introduce the basic goal of The Dialogue: growing in Christ through Scripture, prayer, worship and response, and community.

Preparation Video

Before the Session

Please read 2 Peter 3:18 slowly. As you read, pay attention to three words: grow, grace, and knowledge.

Grow — to become more mature, steady, and fruitful in Christ.

Grace — God’s favor, power, and help at work in us.

Knowledge — not only information about Christ, but a deeper relationship with him.

Spiritual growth is not simply becoming more religious or more active. It is becoming more mature in Christ by the grace of God.

Reflection Question

Before we meet, take a few minutes to consider:

Where do I most desire to grow in Christ right now?

You may want to think about areas such as prayer, Scripture, patience, obedience, faith, love, courage, holiness, relationships, or trust in God.

Prayer Before We Gather

Pray this simple prayer each day before our first gathering:

Lord Jesus, help me grow in your grace and knowledge. Show me where I need to mature, and help me become more responsive to your work in my life. Amen.

During the Live Gathering

In the live session, we will explore what spiritual growth means, why it matters, and how God forms us over time. We will also make room for questions about growth, maturity, spiritual habits, and the purpose of The Dialogue.

After the Session

After Session 1, return to this page and take a few minutes to reflect on what stood out to you.

Consider:

What is one area where I sense God inviting me to grow?

Then choose one simple step to practice before the next gathering. This might be reading a short passage of Scripture each day, praying for a few minutes in the morning, asking God for help in a specific area, or paying attention to one habit, attitude, or relationship where growth is needed.

The goal is not to do everything at once. The goal is to take one faithful step toward growth in Christ.