Thinking on my walk tonight about students in our ministry who recently accepted Christ. What are the steps in someone’s spiritual journey? I’ve heard many stories this past year of life change, and while each of the stories are unique there are definitely some common themes.

Here’s what I feel I keep hearing in stories of life change:

A reputation - He is different from everyone else. She lives out what other just talk about at church. I’ve heard good things about your youth ministry. The reputation is critical to moving someone forward in their spiritual journey. If a non-believer feels someone’s reputation is inconsistent with their faith, it stands in their way. The reputation of your youth ministry as a whole is also in play – what your community thinks about your youth ministry can be a dealbreaker or a big win right from the start.

A request – Dude, come with me to church tonight – its not like what you think. Killball is awesome, you’ve got to be on my team. In every case there was some sort of invitation. An invitation to a service project. An invitation to the weekend or to a small group. An invitation to cross the threshold.

A relationship – We’re friends – you can tell me anything. Here’s my story. Friendship evangelism is how we reach out in our context, but the importance of friends sharing not just Christ but their lives with their friends is critically important in seeing someone step across the line of faith.

What are other common themes you’re seeing?

JG