Next Steps at Chisenhall Fellowship
Faith grows through movement.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore Christianity or rebuilding after stepping away from church, the next step is usually simpler than it feels.
We think about growth in four movements.
Start by Visiting on a Sunday
Simply gather with the church. Sunday mornings are where:
Scripture is taught clearly
You hear about Jesus and our church
You begin to discern whether this is a place you can grow
There’s no pressure to sign up or commit. Come, listen, and take it in.
Step One - Find Your Family
People grow best in real community, not in isolation.
At Chisenhall Fellowship, that happens primarily through Home Groups.
These groups are where Scripture, prayer, shared meals, and honest conversation shape everyday life.
If you want to move beyond attending and toward belonging, this is the step.
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Authentic community is the goal
Home Groups rely on Jesus blessing a meal, Bible study, and prayer time to develop community. Most meetings last about 90 minutes on a week night.
Meals and childcare are included
Home Groups share the responsibilities of providing meals (usually on a rotation), and employ childcare workers for on-site care.
New groups are always starting
New Home Groups start 4 times a year, last for 8 weeks, and are always open. It’s OK to jump into a Home Group mid-semester. There’s always room. You can find our current groups listed, and request to join one, or come on a Sunday and look for the Start Table (you’ll know it when you see it).
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Home Group Purpose
Build open communities of 8-25 people in homes
Help people find starting points for community
Home Group Method
Shared meals, Bible study, and prayer over 90 minutes
On-site childcare at no cost
8 consecutive weeks, 4 times a year, come when you can
Getting Involved in a Home Group
Sign-up online or in person
Multiple leadership roles
Step Two - Find Clarity
Clarity comes from learning how to hear and respond to God’s Word.
For many, this happens through:
Consistent Sunday teaching
Serving on a Ministry Team
The Gospel Course and Membership process
This step is about understanding what you believe—and why it matters.
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Every Christian can make disciples, but most have barriers to this idea. Here are the most common barriers:
1. “I’m not even sure I’m a Christian.” The Gospel Course teaches salvation, and how to know you belong to Jesus.
2. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin.” The Gospel Course outlines spiritual growth, and helps you figure out where you are in your process.
3. “I’m not mature enough / not gifted for evangelism.” The Gospel Course dispels the myth that making disciples is only for missionaries and pastors. It’s actually for anyone following Jesus, and He has created you to make disciples in very specific ways.
4. “I’ve tried before and failed.” The Gospel Course helps make sense of other (sometimes painful) ministry experiences, and offers a focus that invites you to discover how you’re created to make disciples.
5. “I just don’t want to make disciples.” The Gospel Course will help you understand the most basic part of following Jesus: doing what Jesus did. Jesus made disciples, and so do we. If there’s no desire to obey Jesus, then you are probably just a fan; not a follower.
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What Will I Learn?
In Gospel Course, you will focus on three big truths. #1 What is the gospel anyway? #2 How do people grow spiritually in the gospel? #3 How does a church work together to help everyone grow spiritually?
What is the Commitment?
Gospel Course is completely free. We provide materials at no cost. We ask that you commit to four Sunday mornings over one month, that you are on time, and that you are ready to learn.
How do I sign up?
Use the form below to sign up for Gospel Course. Again, it’s free, and it’s probably for you (especially if you’re reading these questions and answers).
Step Three - Find Your Identity
As clarity grows, questions of identity surface:
How am I wired?
What responsibility do I carry?
How does faith shape my work and relationships?
We believe identity is formed through obedience over time, not personality tests alone—but tools like assessments can help illuminate how God has made you.
This step takes patience and intentionality.
Step Four - Find Your Calling
Every Christian is called to invest in others.
Calling doesn’t usually begin with a title—it begins with walking with people, teaching them to obey what Jesus has commanded.
At Chisenhall Fellowship, this is lived out through:
Discipling relationships in Life Groups
Leadership development through opportunities like Leader Lab
Our hope is to see people equipped to serve faithfully in the church, their families, and the world.
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Trusted people in a safe space
Life Groups are closed groups of 2-3 people of the same gender, focused on helping each other grow in Christ. Leaders ensure a safe environment with trust and boundaries.
Grow by using spiritual practices
Life Groups use homework and accountability to train people in the Way of Jesus. We use our Life Group Field Guide to track progress, keep up with assignments, and remember to pray.
Groups set their own schedule
Life Groups meet every other week for 5 months at a time, and each group manages their own day, time, and location. Life Groups can choose to continue meeting for two additional 5-month sessions.
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Life Group Purpose
Train people in the way of Jesus in closed groups of 2-3 people
Help people become disciples who make disciples
Life Group Method
Meets every other week for 5 months
Life Group sets their own schedule
Field Guides with homework and accountability
Getting Involved in a Life Group
Discussion and invitation
One leader
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Find everything you’ll need as a Life Group to invest in the journey.
Interested in a Life Group?
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