:: SoulTrek Overview

 

I grew up playing soccer and I continue to have a love for the game.  As a youngster I would kick the ball against the garage door, shooting ‘on goal’ again and again.  Over the years I have run my share of sprints, worked through numerous drills, participated in many scrimmages, listened to my coaches and teammates and played in many games.  I have been a referee and a coach, have had the opportunity to play pick up games in countries around the world and have cheered on my favorite teams during World Cups, Olympics, UEFA Championships and other matches.  I have experienced victory and defeat, both personally as a player and vicariously as a fan.  But there is still a lot about soccer that I do not know.  I have room to grow and more lessons to learn, and although I don’t have any ambitions of playing for the US National team, I still love the game.

 

To improve as a soccer player one must study the game, practice the skills, listen to others, experience the flow, condition the body, play with others… one must be intentional and take action.  The same is true with anything in which we seek to grow, whether sports, business, school or marriage. 

 

As you can probably imagine, the same is true in our relationship with Jesus Christ.  If we are to develop as Christ-followers then we must be intentional and active in regard to our spiritual formation. 

 

This is the heartbeat behind SoulTrek, spiritual formation in the Way of Jesus.  Here you will find a collection of experiences, studies and groups to guide you as you seek to grow as a Christ-follower.  There is no one-size-fits-all approach to growing in our relationship with Jesus.  We understand that and would not try to impose a cookie-cutter approach to spiritual formation.  However we also recognize that there are characteristics, practices, experiences and truths common to living a life that honors Christ.  So, to help us all as we journey with God we offer SoulTrek and invite every one of you to engage.  By design, this will always be a work-in-progress.  We are counting on your insights, input, ideas and feedback as SoulTrek develops.

 

But it is really up to you now.  What will you do with your life?  Will you take the first steps of your SoulTrek?

 

No more excuses.  Be intentional.  Take action.  See what God does in your life, in your relationships, in your world.

 

Trekking with you,

 

Jason Daye

leadpastor :: scottsdale family church 

 

 

.: What is SoulTrek?

 

At its most basic, SoulTrek is a collection of courses, events, ministry groups, online communities, book studies, small groups and other experiences to help each of us develop as Christ-followers.  Yet SoulTrek is much more than that.  It is an invitation to a life-long adventure of growing with God.  SoulTrek encourages us to be intentional in our focus on spiritual formation in the Way of Jesus by providing opportunities, tools and support for our journey. 

 

.: How does SoulTrek work?

 

Every person is unique.  There is not one single way to grow as a Christ-follower.  As such, SoulTrek seeks to be descriptive rather than prescriptive.  We do not enforce a cookie-cutter approach to discipleship.  Instead we invite you on a journey of exploration, providing you with opportunities to investigate at your own pace.  A variety of groups and experiences are available. 

 

Although our personal growth experiences may vary, there are some core characteristics in the life of a devoted Christ-follower.  SoulTrek offers six core spiritual formation courses that emphasize these common characteristics.  We believe everyone should participate in these core courses during their time at SFC.   

 

.: 3 Primary Life Connections

 

Before moving right into the six core characteristics we need to take a moment to consider the bigger picture of spiritual formation.   We are committed to creating environments that help people take their next step on their spiritual journey with God.  Specifically we focus on helping people ask the question “What’s My Next Step?” in relation to:

                  

                   :: Connecting to God

                    :: Connecting to Others

                   :: Connecting to Opportunities to Make a Difference

 

We focus on these three primary Life Connections of a Christ-follower – connecting to God, to others and to opportunities to make a difference.  These life connections are the substance of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  Spiritual formation is experienced as we grow in Christ, taking our next step in these areas of connection and developing the characteristics of a Christ-follower.

 

 

.: 6 Core Characteristics of a Christ-Follower

 

Scripture reveals the core characteristics of a person focused on embracing God’s mission and growing as a Christ-follower.  While a dynamic relationship with Jesus cannot be reduced to a formula, these serve as a conduit as we connect to God, to others and to opportunities to make a difference in our home, our city and beyond.  These six core characteristics represent the DNA that describes our priorities as Christ-followers.  

 

                   :: worship - Celebrating God’s Presence

         

                   :: discipleship - Developing God’s Character  

 

                   :: community - Sharing God’s Life

 

                   :: outreach - Revealing God’s Hope

 

:: service - Extending God’s Love 

 

                   :: stewardship - Honoring God’s Blessings

 

 

.: The SoulTrek Experience

 

In addition to other events and experiences, Core Courses that focus on the 6 Core Characteristics of a Christ-Follower will be offered both through our online community at www.SoulTrek.org and in a variety of groups meeting in Scottsdale.  All are encouraged to engage in the core courses, ministry groups, mission projects, 10wk Trek, retreats and other experiences.  This is your opportunity to be intentional about your relationship with God and allow the Spirit to shape you as you journey in the Way of Jesus.

 

A great place to begin is with the SoulTrek Spiritual Development Plan (ST:SDP).  The ST:SDP guides you through a personal assessment relating to your life in Christ.  It can be found by clicking here or under the ST:SDP tab on the SoulTrek online community at www.SoulTrek.org.  You can also pick up a copy at the Welcome Center in the lobby of Scottsdale Family Church. 

Another helpful next step is to begin the 10wk Trek with a trekking partner.  You can learn more about the 10wk Trek by clicking here or on the 10wk Trek tab on the SoulTrek online community at www.SoulTrek.org. 

Perhaps you would like to join a small group.  Please click here or on the Groups tab on the SoulTrek online community at www.SoulTrek.org for details about online groups currently meeting.  You can also contact the SFC office at 480.614.0001 or info@sfcaz.org to learn about our offline groups.