Mapping Spiritual Journey with NYC Leaders

In order to know where you’re going, it’s a good idea to know where you are. One of the best ways to know where you are is a good map. The NYC LMC District is seeing growth in many of our churches right now, and opportunities for re-inventing and re-launching in others. But these are the beginning of movement, and we need to press in together to see where Jesus may be leading us on the road ahead.

To do this, we’re using a allegorical tool called The Journey Map. Its based on Jesus own ministry, the historical development of Christian movements, and hundreds of case studies of discipleship that led to multiplication. The Journey Map helps individuals and groups:

• position themselves on their spiritual journey
• discern what actions are critical
• learn and practice essential skills
• manage change towards greater incarnation of Jesus and manifestation of his Kingdom both inwardly into our souls and outwardly into the world.

Through tagging and typing spiritual experiences common to individuals and groups, the positions on the map are like containers where insights, stories, skills, and resources can be gathered, making people’s journey richer and more effective.

The Journey Map has been used to:

• guide a process for effective design and deployment of mission and values with churches, organizations, and businesses
• empower discipleship leading to new Bible studies, mission groups, and church plants
• help youth and adults find their way on the spiritual journey of personal and leadership development

The Map is a framework for mission and ministry developed by Executive Director Ben Cheek and collaborators. It’s a great tool for churches, youth groups, families, and Christian business and organization leaders to use to journey together in rich and effective ways.

We’ll be using the map in the next few months of District meetings to synergize our collective journey, explore practices and resources, and sensitize ourselves to Jesus’ leading for mission.