Dear sojourner,

The most important journey anyone can take is a spiritual journey with Jesus.  He said in Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Like any other journey, it can be perplexing.  We, the church, can assist in pointing to the Way, the Truth, and the Life - Jesus Christ Himself.  Becoming a disciple of Jesus is a life-long journey with the triune God -  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -  that offers real relationship, salvation, meaning and purpose to life, satisfaction of the soul, and restoration into the likeness and image of Christ in which we were originally created. The Pathway to Discipleship is an intentional plan developed to help the church welcome, build, and deepen discipleship.  It is centered on Wesley’s understanding of discipleship as a journey of grace.  As with any journey, it is important to determine where you are now and where you desire to be. 


Once your starting point has been determined, the Pathway has been constructed to point you to practical ways to grow and live out your faith.  That part of the Pathway is based on our church’s vision statement to connect in small groups, grow as disciples, serve others locally and/or globally and lead others to do the same.  It certainly is not an all-inclusive list.  Invite God to lead as you make decisions that will determine your individual-specific plan.  But know you won’t be going alone! As we map out the route, our hope is to help guide you, along with other sojourners, on a path that leads to an intimate relationship with Jesus, transformation of the heart, and a life lived in the likeness of Christ. Let’s get packing!!


     On the Journey with You,


Rev. Stephanie Kidd

Director of Discipleship


2022_Discipleship_Path_Booklet.pdf


“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”—Matthew 7:14


pathway navigation

Click on the graphics below to determine where you are in the journey as well as find helpful tips for your current stage. As always, please contact Rev. Stephanie Kidd (skidd@firstshreveport.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

  • stage one:

    Exploring

    christ

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  • stage two:

    transforming

    in christ

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  • stage three:

    maturing

    in christ

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  • stage FOUR:

    centering

    in christ

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Below you will find a collection of helpful resources for this journey! We are always looking for ways to walk beside you and equip you as you grow in Christ. 

  • TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

    Location:

    First Methodist Church Sanctuary

    500 Common Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

    Get Directions

    Meeting Times:

    Sunday Mornings -8:30 & 11:00am


    CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

    Location:

    Emmett Hook Center

    550 Common Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

    Get Directions

    Meeting Times:

    Sunday Mornings - 11:00am


    Most services last somewhere around an hour long, and are not age-distinct. Our traditional services are more formal in attire while our contemporary service tends to be more casual. We have all ages attending our Sunday morning services, so no matter what your preferences are, you're welcome to attend! Childcare is available on Sundays in the Children's Ministry Center.

  • CORNERSTONE

    Adults 40’s – 50’s E&A Building 316

    Contact Monique Cunningham –mocunningham@comcast.net

     

    Cornerstone is an interactive class format focused on Bible study using roundtable discussion that focuses on putting scripture into practice in everyday life. This is done through DVD presentations facilitated by class members and guest speakers serving in the local or global mission fields.

     

    CO-WED

    Mature Adults • Sanctuary 102

    Contact Richard Jones – rjones53@outlook.com

     

    The Co-Wed class is a tight-knit group of believers who take part in contemporary and traditional lessons brought by a rotating group of teachers. Classes involve lectures, interaction, discussion, and sharing. Members get together for class socials on a regular basis. This class supports and takes part in many local and global ministries with their gifts and time.

     

    CROSSROADS

    Adults 50’s • Hunter 103

    Contact Jessica & Nick Russo – nerusso@yahoo.com

     

    This class incorporates an interactive Bible study and discussion that focuses on putting scripture into practice in everyday life. Members of this class are in various stages of life and welcome open and honest discussion of relevant issues facing today’s Christ followers.

     

    DESIDERATA

    Adults 60’s & 70’s • Sanctuary 103

    Contact Tom & Louise Eason – tmaneason@aol.com

     

    This friendly group seeks to grow in their relationship with God and each other by engaging in lessons based on Bible studies, current life issues and social concerns. Desiderata includes a variety of Sunday morning programming, including outside speakers and class members, takes part in quarterly socials, and supports a variety of local and global ministries.

     

    EMPOWER HOUR

    Adults 20’s & 30’s, Parents with Young Children • Sanctuary 106

    Contact Ginny Lamb - virginia.b.lamb@gmail.com

     

    Join the Empower Hour as they discuss Scripture and how to apply it in the world of family and parenting.

     

    FAITH, FELLOWSHIP & FRIENDS

    Adults 30’s & 40’s, parents of elementary-teens • E&A Building 313

    Contact Molly & Patrick Vance – mollylovevance@gmail.com

     

    Members of Faith, Fellowship & Friends seek to grow in faith through scripture-based study with a focus on building friendships in an open and inviting environment. This group experience offers participants a chance to grow in their faith while enjoying fellowship with each other.

     

    FRIENDSHIP

    Adults 50’s-70’s • E&A Building 315

    Contact Rusty Palmer – Rpalmer864@aol.com

     

    Friendship is a community of believers committed to studying the Bible from the perspective of the culture and times during which it was written and strive to engage contemporary culture through a biblical world view. This is done through DVD presentations, facilitated by class members, invited lecturers, book reviews, or guest speakers serving in the local or global mission fields.

     

    LIFESPEAK

    Adults 30’s-40’s • Hunter 102

    Contact Lindsey Lewis – llewis82@gmail.com

     

    Lifespeak is a facilitator-led Bible study that engages in roundtable discussion and uses study guides to promote the life application of our faith and walk with Christ. This class is heavily involved with local and global missions and promotes fellowship through a variety of social events for men, women, and families.

     

    MARINERS

    Adults 60’s & 70’s • E&A Building 314

    Contact Jennifer Owens – jpowensyid@aol.com

     

    Join the Mariners as they take part in Bible study, as well as discussion and presentations on related current religious topics. This is a social and service-oriented group that hosts socials monthly and supports members of the class as they take part in local and global missions.

     

    NEW BEGINNINGS

    Women 60+ • Dawson 313

    Contact Lucille Godwin – jgodwin733@aol.com

     

    New Beginnings is an open and inviting group of women who join together to study scripture each week through the Adult Bible Study series. They enjoy fellowship through outreach projects and monthly lunches and are heavily involved in the life of the church community.

     

    QUESTERS

    Adults 60’s & 70’s • Sanctuary 107

    Contact Lounelle Black – lounelleblack@gmail.com

     

    Members of Questers take part in lively discussion surrounding theological and social issues for personal enrichment and spiritual growth. Topics of interest are often presented by experts in their field.

     

    THE SEEKERS

    Mature Adults • Dawson 314

    Contact Hoyt D. Bain – hoytcharlcie@aol.com

     

    The Seekers class starts each Sunday with a time of fellowship and coffee followed by a welcome and singing two hymns from The Cokesbury Hymnal. They have a variety of outstanding teachers who present topics which incorporate Bible study into everyday life. The class supports mission projects in the Shreveport-Bossier-Barksdale community and holds well-attended social outings throughout the year.

     

    WOMEN OF FAITH

    Women 30’s-60’s • E&A Building 317

    Contact Jody Thurmon - jthurmon@aol.com

     

    Women of Faith is a Sunday School Class of Women of all ages seeking Fellowship and Bible Study. The Bible is taught using a variety of methods including DVD, Lecture and Group Discussion, in order to grow our faith and fellowship in Christ and develop lasting friendships with one another!

     

    YOUNG ADULTS & COLLEGE

    Young Adults 20’s • Sanctuary 105

    Contact Maddie Russo – mrusso@fumcshreveport.org

     

    This is a class filled with young people and led by young people! Join Director of Young Adults, Maddie Russo, to connect, converse, walk through Scripture, drink good coffee, and talk about Jesus.

  • *Please also reference the "GROW" section of your current pathway stage for a list of recommended books & studies!


    Helpful Articles:

  • Music can be such a transformational and helpful way to enter into worship and awareness of God's movement and presence in our lives. Please click the link below to open up a curated Spotify playlist of songs that we find worshipful and helpful in our journey. You'll find many of the songs are recent songs from our worship services.




  • EXPLORING CHRIST (Prevenient Grace)

    • Genesis 1:1-31
    • Genesis 3
    • Psalms 139
    • Jeremiah 31:3
    • Ezekiel 34:11-16
    • Luke 15:20-32
    • John 6:44-47
    • John 16:13-15
    • Romans 5:6-11
    • Romans 8:31-39
    • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
    • 2 Corinthians 7:9-11
    • 1 John 4:10, 19
    • Revelation 22:17
  • TRANSFORMING IN CHRIST (Justifying Grace)

    • Jeremiah 31:3, 31-34
    • Matthew 11:28
    • Matthew 16:24-26
    • Luke 15:20-24
    • Luke 19:1-10
    • Luke 22:14-20
    • John 3:16
    • John 13:34-35
    • Romans 3:21-28
    • Romans 5:6-11
    • Romans 12:1-2
    • 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
    • Ephesians 2:4-10
    • Ephesians 4:17-24
    • 1 John 4:7-12
  • MATURING IN CHRIST (Sanctifying Grace)

    • Matthew 22:37-39
    • Matthew 25:31-40
    • Matthew 28:18-19
    • John 15:1-12
    • Romans 5:5
    • Romans 8:15-17
    • Romans 12:6-8
    • 1 Corinthians 12-14
    • Galatians 5:22
    • Ephesians 3:14-19
    • Philippians 2:1-12
  • CENTERING IN CHRIST (Entire Sanctification, Perfect Love)

    • Acts 15:9
    • Romans 6
    • Romans 8:21
    • 1 Corinthians 10:13
    • 2 Corinthians 7:1
    • Galatians 2:20
    • Ephesians 4:13
    • Philippians 3:12-15
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
    • Hebrews 4:1
    • Hebrews 6:1
    • 1 Peter 4:1-2
    • 1 John 3:9
    • 1 John 4:17
    • 1 John 5:18