Discipleship


Disciples are people in community who – empowered by the Holy Spirit – are growing to love, follow, and lead others to the God who looks like Jesus.

A SPECIAL LEARNING COMMUNITY EVENT

Navigating Human Sexuality in a Third Way

What does the Bible say about human sexuality? What is the historic teaching of the church regarding “homosexuality” and why do many Christian churches and denominations (including our own) still hold to it? Also, what about other views on the matter? And is it possible to navigate our differences within the church in a Jesus-inspired “Third Way” while continuing to hold to the historic view? We believe so… and we’d like you to join us for a special event. 

On Saturday, October 18, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Dr. Paul Rhodes Eddy will lead us in a learning community and discussion. Come learn how we can navigate these matters with a centered-set, Third Way approach that allows us to rise above the polarization, meet people where they are in their journey, and welcome everyone who desires to follow Jesus with us. 

Lunch will be provided.  REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

NOTE: This event will be recorded and made available at a later date. 

PARENTS OF YOUTH: Dr. Eddy will also be offering a conversation and Q&A with parents on Sunday, October 19 from 6:00-8:00 pm in the Youth Room. If you have any questions regarding this Sunday conversation time, please contact Chrissy Hoffner.

<b><span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">About the Speaker</span></b>

About the Speaker

Paul Rhodes Eddy (PhD, Marquette University) is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Bethel University in St. Paul, MN. He currently serves as a research associate with The Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, a growing collaboration of leaders helping churches and organizations create a safe and compassionate environment for LGBT+ people, their families, and anyone wrestling with their sexuality or gender identity. Paul has also authored, co-authored, or co-edited a dozen books, including Understanding Transgender Identities: Four Views (Baker Academic, 2019). He is also a Teaching Pastor at Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN. He lives in White Bear Township, MN with his wife Kelly and their two sons.

Adult Learning Communities 

(Sundays @ 9AM)

As followers of Jesus we are always learning. In fact, the word “disciple” means “learner.” But learning isn’t simply gaining head knowledge. It involves holistic growth of intellect, emotions, and will. As we gain knowledge, we want to apply it to our everyday lives. At Grantham Church, we offer several Learning Communities on Sunday mornings that help us to engage with Scripture and various topics alongside others who are on a journey with Jesus. 

Interested in, or questions about Learning Communities, contact Pastor Melissa Lowther.

EMAIL PASTOR MELISSA

nothing to see here

STORIES FROM THE GENERATIONS: A Combined Youth and Adult Learning Community
SUN, OCT 5 @ 9AM | Fellowship Hall

Scripture urges us to share God’s mighty acts from one generation to another (Ps 145:4). In this combined Learning Community experience, we will hear from young and old as we celebrate God’s goodness and tell of his awesome works. Come to be encouraged and to deepen relationships across generations.

September 7 – November 30, 2025 | Room A1  

This fall, the Philathean class will dig into the Gospel of John and discover how the incarnation of Jesus reveals the heart of God. All are welcome to explore John’s message and consider how the light of Christ transforms us personally and communally. 

Teachers: MJ Fair, Angela Hare, Glen Pierce, John Yeatts 

September 7, 2025 – January 25, 2026 | Room C8-12  

Using six short studies united by the theme of “the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2) as the entry point, the class will dig into issues that inspire, challenge, and/or deepen the Christian’s resolve to pursue God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will.” With a diverse range topics, the course is intended to enhance understanding of the interplay of faith and intellect, of mind and heart. Topics will include: how I spent my summer vacation; artificial intelligence and the Imago Dei; the relationship between doubt, certainty, and faith; sanctified reasoning and avoiding logical fallacies; the relationship between science and faith; and discerning the will of God. 

Teaching Team: Randy Basinger, Kurt Bodling, Ted Davis, and Roger Sider Class Coordinators: Ken & Yvonne Martin  

September 7 – December 21, 2025 | Room C7 

Being part of a local church gives parents a community with whom to face challenges and opportunities together. This class explores Scripture and other resources to help orient our hearts toward Christ. Join this judgment-free environment to share in the realities of family life and grow with others as we seek to live as wise, loving, and gracious followers of Jesus. 

Leaders: Leah & Jason Clarke  

September 7 – December 21, 2025 | Room C9 

The Young Adult Learning Community consists of people in their 20s and current Messiah U students who seek to relate biblical truth to their particular life situations as young adults. The time together includes Bible study with questions that help to understand and apply the text, as well as sharing and prayer. Members are also invited to lead discussions. Join as we seek to grow in our faith together and share it with others. 

Facilitator: Rich Stuebing

Small Groups

Our small groups are communities of about 8-12 people who go beyond the Sunday morning worship experience to apply the Scriptures to life, care for one another, and spur each other on in living on mission with Jesus. Groups meet at various times and locations throughout the week, most meeting twice/month. 

Many of our small groups are sermon-based, meaning they discuss the previous week’s sermon when they are together. In addition to being a safe place for honest sharing and mutual accountability, sermon-based groups create space for questions and applying the truth of the Bible to life. We provide questions that help groups to process the focus of the message and consider how to live in response to it. It’s also a great way for our church to grow corporately in the areas we are focusing on each week.  

To get connected to a group, contact Pastor Melissa.

Contact Melissa
Roger's Story

Roger's Story

Pam's Story

Pam's Story

Intentional Discipleship Groups

Intentional Discipleship Groups (IDGs) are leader-initiated, 3-4 person, same-gendered groups that meet weekly for one year with the intent to multiply. The heart behind IDGs is to grow in obedience to Jesus in the context of an open and honest community, resulting in greater love for the people around us. Read a fuller overview of IDGs here.

If you are interested in exploring being part of an IDG, contact Pastor Melissa

Contact Melissa
Derek's Story

Derek's Story

Katie's Story

Katie's Story

Other Groups

GRANDMOTHERS IN PRAYER

GRANDMOTHERS IN PRAYER

4th THURSDAYS @ 9:30-11AM | C8-12

All Grandmothers are invited for a time of fellowship and prayer for our beloved grandchildren. During the time together we will be using Kay Swatkowski's book, A Grandmother's Prayers, as the basis for our discussions led by various members of the group. In August, we have a sharing and prayer time, then from September-April, we will discuss a chapter from Swatkowski's book and have a prayer time at each meeting. Instead of the regular 4th Thursday morning meetings in November & December, there will be a Christmas brunch on Thursday, December 4. And on May 28 there will be a luncheon at Messiah Lifeways. 

Leader: Velma Yoder  

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

MEN'S BIBLE STUDY

FRIDAYS @ 6:45-7:45AM | Coffee Shop

All men are welcome to join a weekly Bible study as we continue our Fall 2025 study of 1 Samuel, with much discussion and a focus on practical application of biblical truth. We always end promptly at 7:45am to allow time to get to work or other engagements. 

Leaders: Rich Stuebing, John Yeatts  

Discipleship Resources

Prayer is an integral part of our ministry and mission as Christians and spiritual renewal in our region will not come without prayer. Use this 30-day local prayer guide to pray for your neighbors and friends and allow the Spirit to show you how you can join his work in our community.

Prayer is an integral part of our ministry and mission as Christians and spiritual renewal in our region will not come without prayer. Use this 30-day local prayer guide to pray for your neighbors and friends and allow the Spirit to show you how you can join his work in our community.

Prayer Guide
As a companion to our Broken Signposts sermon series, we created this guide in 2023 with weekly spiritual exercises to do at home during the season of Lent.

As a companion to our Broken Signposts sermon series, we created this guide in 2023 with weekly spiritual exercises to do at home during the season of Lent.

Spiritual Guide
In October-November 2023, we invited our congregation to take a short Disciple Survey to help us reflect on our development as disciples, celebrate progress, and identify areas of growth. Take a look at some of the results of that survey.

In October-November 2023, we invited our congregation to take a short Disciple Survey to help us reflect on our development as disciples, celebrate progress, and identify areas of growth. Take a look at some of the results of that survey.

Infographic
Takeaways
Parent &amp; Family Resources

Parent & Family Resources

Check out several resources that help parents and children connect their faith with everyday life issues.

Resources