Discipleship Pathway at Hyde Park
Hyde Park United Methodist is intentional about helping people become and grow as disciples of Christ. Our Discipleship Pathway is a framework that lays out how we believe this happens.
Five Foundational Elements:
A “follower of Jesus” — what does that mean?
Looking at our relationship with Jesus
God’s, the church's and the individual’s
Through which God changes us and we grow closer to him
- prayer and meditation
- reflection on scripture
- financial generosity
- invitational evangelism
- corporate worship
- small group community
- gifts-based service
5. God’s plan
Our response becomes part of his redeeming work in the world
Find more about each aspect of the Discipleship Pathway by clicking the links above, or contact Justin LaRosa, director of discipleship ministries, at 813.253.5388.
Worship is the central act of the church in which the gathered congregation celebrates God’s presence, proclaims the good news of God’s love in Christ, experiences God’s grace in the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and is empowered to participate in God’s transformation of the world. The primary focus of worship is on God and on what God has done and is doing in and through his people. It is also the “open door” through which we welcome all persons into the community of faith.
Exploring
- Come as you are! Everyone is welcome to experience the worship of the church at their own level of participation. We never manipulate or force a person to respond, but do everything we can to help each person feel welcome among the church family.
Getting Started
- Make worship a part of your weekly pattern.
- Grow in your participation in worship through singing, prayer, and receiving the Holy Communion. All are welcome to receive the bread and cup (grape juice) on the basis of their faith in Christ, regardless of their membership in this or any church.
Going Deeper
- Prepare for worship by sharing in the scriptures of the Daily Discipleship Journal.
- Allow yourself to be drawn more deeply into the music and prayers.
- Listen deeply for the way the Spirit of God may speak to you through the scripture and sermon.
- Make more meaningful connections with the persons with whom you worship.
Centering on Christ
- Allow corporate worship to be the high point of daily patterns of worship in prayer and scripture.
- Enter into worship with a longing for the Spirit of God to move your heart and mind so that your attention is drawn away from yourself and into the presence of Christ.
- Allow the sacraments to become an experience of the real presence of the living Christ in the bread and cup.
- Allow the seasons of the liturgical (worship) year to mark the rhythm of your spiritual journey.
Resources
Books
“This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion,” by Gayle Felton
“Remember Who You Are: Baptism as a Model for Christian Life,” by William H. Willimon
“Patterned by Grace: How Liturgy Shapes Us,” Dan Benedict
Websites
General Board of Discipleship (Worship information)
General Board of Discipleship (Baptism information)