Seven Peaks

SEVEN PEAKS
A Brand New Way to Grow at MPCC

The Rocky Mountains, the Grand Tetons, the Appalachians, and the Seven Peaks of MPCC. What do they all have in common? The opportunity to reach new and exciting heights. Although Mount Pleasant doesn't have breath taking mountain views, we at MPCC have developed a way for you to discover the beauty and power of the spiritual summit through what we are calling the Seven Peaks.

Throughout the Bible, the mountain peak has always been associated with God's presence and spiritual growth. Moses met God on a mountain and discovered his life mission. Elijah learned about both God's mighty power and tender encouragement on mountain peaks. Jesus routinely went up on top of the mountain to hear from God and to teach his disciples. It was on the mountain that people took next steps in their walk with God and saw the new horizon of God's plans for them. The Seven Peaks will help you do the very same thing.

The Seven Peaks are seven separate growth journey's that are specifically designed to encourage people to grow in some of the most important areas of faith. Each peak provides easy ways to grow whether someone is a new believer or a lifetime follower of Christ. This includes classes, groups, articles, suggested readings, audio teachings, service opportunities, and personal study tools. The Seven Peaks is a refreshingly simple way to take your next step and reach new spiritual heights.

Look for these symbols in newsletters, bulletins, and on the website. They will be key markers that let you know what spiritual peak specific events, ministries, and resources relate to. Also listed is a description of each peak.

	DEVELOPING A HEART TO GLORIFY GOD THROUGH WORSHIP Glorifying God through worship is the heartbeat of the Christian faith. Worship, whether private or corporate, helps us connect with God and deepens our relationship with Him. The act of worship is ultimately an expression of a life completely surrendered to God.
	EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY IN GROUPS LARGE AND SMALL It is nearly impossible to grow as a Christian by yourself. God designed us as humans to do life together. Simply put we are better together. Together we can reach greater spiritual heights. We grow better together. We worship better together. We are better Christians, families, and churches when we are together in community. If you want to grow in faith, being a part of a group of believers is essential.
	SERVING WITH YOUR GIFTS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST You were created to serve God. God has shaped you to serve. Serving is not what we do after we become mature Christians it is an integral part of what we do to become a mature Christian. Volunteering your time and gifts to impact other people with the love of Christ is life changing and will help you grow in profound ways.
	DISCOVERING GROWTH THROUGH STUDY AND PRAYER A major part of personal Christian growth is actively integrating spiritual disciplines into one’s life. For centuries Christians have found the practices of prayer and Bible Study to be life changing. This peak will help you to better understand the Bible, more fully communicate with God through prayer, and develop an overall depth of intimacy with God.
	EXPRESSING GENEROSITY THROUGH GIVING Managing money and possessions is often one of the most complicated aspects of life. How we handle our wealth is a key indicator of spiritual growth. Jesus gave thirty-eight parables in the gospels and sixteen relate to how to handle our money. In the Bible there are over five hundred references to prayer, less than five hundred references to faith, but there are over two thousand references to money and possessions. Cultivating a spirit of generosity is a major issue for spiritual growth. When we take steps of generosity through giving, God will bless us in profound ways.
	SHARING THE GOOD NEWS WITH OTHERS Jesus invites the entire Church to join him in his mission of sharing the good news with others. Many people in our lives do not yet know God’s message of salvation and God encourages you to share it with them. There is nothing more exciting and maturing than introducing others to the message of God’s grace. Maybe it is being a witness to other people at the gym or sharing your faith to those that live in your neighborhood. Maybe it is simply inviting family or friends to experience the worship and community of MPCC. Seeking out and encouraging others to become growing disciples is our mission as believers.
	SHOWING COMPASSION BY GOING TO THOSE IN NEED The first command of the Great Commission is to “go.” Compassion was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry and is a critical part of growing as a disciple. The Bible challenges us to reach out with compassion to three people groups: people within our local community, people in our part of the country, and people in other parts of the world. When we cultivate a selfless attitude to those in need, we will discover how God develops greater character and maturity in us while making an eternal impact on those around us.

Beginning your Journey

Are you ready for the journey up the mountain peak? The trek ahead of you will be filled with adventure, growth, and experiences that will lead you on to maturity as a follower of Christ. The starting place for your journey up the seven peaks is grace—God’s loving and guiding nature. By God’s grace your feet will be set on the right path and you will be given strength to take your next step. At times the mountain journey will be rugged and steep requiring you to be stretched as you grow in faith. Other times, the journey will consist of rolling pathways, breathtaking views, and refreshing streams that bring renewal and joy. No matter what leg of the trek you are on, God’s grace is present. As you explore the seven peaks you will discover new heights of God’s loving kindness for you.

Accepting God’s grace is the best way to begin your journey. By simply inviting Jesus Christ to be your guide and Savior, you can embark on a new relationship with Christ that will change your perspective on life and secure an eternity with God in heaven. Let God’s grace be your guide along this journey and he will show you the beauty of the spiritual summit.

You can receive God’s grace and invite Him on your journey by praying this simple prayer:

Jesus, I do not want to walk through this life apart from you any longer. On my own I end up on dead end paths that lead to sin and death. Forgive me for straying from you. I invite you into my life and believe through your death and resurrection that you have opened a pathway to true life and eternal salvation. I commit to following you all the days of my life and ask you to be my guide. I give you this journey of mine. In your name I pray. Amen.