I believe change is good.  I also believe change is godly…when it’s initiated by the Holy Spirit.  We’re introducing a change to the way we do discipleship here at the Oasis, making it more intentional and more comprehensive.  When I say discipleship, I’m referring to the process of learning and living in the ways of Jesus.  In Matthew 28, Christ doesn’t command His followers to convert people – He commands them to make disciples!

In our teaching and preaching, we’ve always tried to honor this command.  And in our Fresh Start 101 and 201 courses (under the excellent leadership of George & Cheryl Demetros), we’ve been able to lay a solid biblical foundation in many hearts and lives.  But I am convinced that at this time, God is leading me to both expand and intensify my efforts to equip you for the work of your ministry.  This is a season for your building up and encouragement in spiritual things!  I have been fortunate to come across materials that helped me focus our efforts into four dimensions of instruction:

Fresh Start 101 – membership: what it means to be in relationship with the Body of Christ

Fresh Start 201 – maturity: what it means to grow up into Christ

evolve301 – ministry: what it means to join in the work of Christ

evolve401 – mission: what it means to have the heart of Christ

All of this material will be covered under the heading, evolve.  This name is drawn from one of the core values of our church that specifically addresses the importance of the continual transformation of the believer: “evolutionary.”  This concept is based in the passage we find in 1 John 3:2, “Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared…”  Of course there are many more verses that let us in on the notion that in order for us to manifest the “in Christ/new creature” concept, we need to change.  We need to grow (Ephesians 4:15).  We need to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).  And all of this is possible, because of the activity of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

My prayer is that you’re hungry for more of God.  I know you want to have a deeper, more intimate relationship with Christ, and I know that you want to be a participant in His work in this earth!  We want IN on what God is doing!  evolve301 is designed to equip to do just that.  I have no doubt that God created us to be doing and experiencing so much more than we are, and my desire is to see our potential for Kingdom greatness unleashed in the Hudson Valley.