# Welcome to the Hosanna! Highway

"Seek his will in all you do,
and he will direct your paths..."

(Proverbs 3:6)

Life is a journey. Eternity the destination. Will you spend it with or without God?

The highway can be frightening. The journey long and sometimes lonely. There are forks in the road, crossroads to pass, construction zones, and detours. There can also be waysides at which to rest and take nourishment.

But with a map, a compass, and an adventurer's heart, the highway can lead us home. Hosanna! offers the Highway as a map. Jesus is the compass, the Bible our guide, and the Holy Spirit our traveling companion.

Who We Are

How to Get Home

Getting Started

Developing as a Disciple

Finding Your Spiritual Gifts

From Here to Eternity

"He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. "

Psalm 23:3, KJV

The Hosanna! Highway will assist you in walking along a path of righteousness which is pleasing to God.

We created this Highway for several reasons:

• As Christians we are called to believe, belong, and become. The Highway is designed for each of us to “mature and become more like Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) Maturing in the faith doesn’t just happen. We need to know how to grow.

• People are in different places on their faith journey. Some are wise in the faith - some are like children. The Highway affirms you wherever you are and shows you what might be the next step for you.

• Our Purpose Statement is: “We of Hosanna! invite you into a lifelong journey with Jesus Christ which leads to a new community and a changed life.” This is the map for that journey.

We are building a strong congregation by emphasizing: Worship - the weekly celebration of the entire community of faith, Small Groups - little “churches” where scripture, prayer and compassion are learned and practiced, and The Hosanna! Highway - a pathway for personal spiritual growth. Please make prayerful consideration of your next stop on the Highway.

### Tips for the Road:

• We encourage “car pooling.” Take classes or a workshop with your small group or a special friend.

• We have Highway Helpers who are ready to assist you and answer your questions. Call Janeé at 952-898-9416 or visit the Information Station in the Atrium.

• None of us will ever arrive at complete spiritual maturity, but along the way God has prepared for us blessing upon blessing. (John 1:16) Enjoy the journey!

Plan early. Pack light. Expect miracles.

Bill Bohline, Senior Pastor

"The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day."

# [Who We Are]

"So it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do... God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well." Romans 12:5-6
| • What was God thinking when he created me? • What are my spiritual gifts? Are they really operative for me today? • What is my calling in life? Am I wasting my life in the wrong job or the wrong volunteer ministry at church? • Do I really know myself? Where your God-given gifts and the deep needs of the world intersect, there lies your calling.

• We are a people of prayer. We believe in the power of prayer and the reality of miracles. (John 14:12,13)

• We are a people of God’s Word. We ground our lives on the unfailing truth of the Bible and take it with us to all Hosanna! activities. We are a learning and growing church. (2 Timothy 3:16)

• We are a congregation with a heart for kids. We strive to provide fun, safe, and Spirit-filled activities for young people. (Mark 10:13-16)

• We are a church of small groups. Life change is the business of the church and life change happens best in small groups. (Matthew 18:20)

• We are an exuberant worshiping church. We come into his presence with joy! (Psalm 47)

• We are a Spirit-filled church. We welcome the Holy Spirit, his gifts and his power. (Acts 1:8, Ephesians 5:18)

• We are a progressive evangelical church with a solid, traditional message and a contemporary expression. (Isaiah 40:8, Mark 2:21-22)

• We are a church which reaches out to both inner city and global mission fields, meeting human needs and sharing the Good News. (Matthew 25:31-46, 28:19-20

• We rejoice in grace, the central theme of our Reformation heritage. We strive to be a grace–filled community. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

# [How to Get Home]

"And a main road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness... it will be only for those who walk in God’s ways." Isaiah 35:8 "I will make a pathway in the wilderness for my people to come home." Isaiah 43:19

## • Pick a place

## • Find a pace.

## • Run the race.

Our Travel Guide is published quarterly. This brochure lists classes offered and also has “road markers” which will help identify in which area of the Highway the class fits. For example, the icon here indicates the blue area.

Philippians 3:20 tells us what we already feel deep in our hearts – our citizenship is in heaven. We don’t ever belong fully in the lives we are now living and struggling through on this earth.

The Lord knows this, loves us, and calls us to come home. He has made a pathway for that very purpose (Isaiah 43:19) and invites us to begin the journey.

Even as the people of Israel were led through the Red Sea, the wilderness, across the Jordan and into the promised land, the Lord leads us through four areas of growth in our Christian walk:

Getting Started. Knowing the Lord. Joining a church.
Developing as a Disciple. Prayer. Bible. Worship. Witness.
Discovering Spiritual Gifts. Learning who God made you to be.
From Here to Eternity. Reaching your full potential.

The journey leads home, into the very presence of God. The whole trip is accompanied by his grace and blessing. Genesis 9:13 says, “I have placed my rainbow in the clouds as a sign...of my permanent promise...” Claim that promise now and journey through all four aspects of Christian growth, in whatever order the Holy Spirit leads you.

Jesus is calling, “Come home.”

# [Getting Started]

"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7
• Which ramp leads to the way, the truth and the life? • Are you wondering if you want to be on the path of righteousness? • Find calm and peace in prayer, the ultimate rest stop.

Getting started is often the most difficult step on a journey. You feel in your heart that it is "time to seek the Lord," (Hosea 10:12) but you wonder where to ask questions about the Christian faith and how to go about "belonging" to a church like Hosanna? If you’re ready to "join in the journey," Green is the Highway Zone for you!

## Alpha is the best place for most people to start their journey at Hosanna! It is a ten-week experience in New Testament Christianity. You can explore or re-acquaint yourself with the core teachings of the Christian faith, make new friends and experience God’s presence in a personal and powerful way. Call 898-9417, e-mail: kime@hosannalc.org or pick up an Alpha brochure at the Information Station.

## New Connections is an orientation for all who would like to join the congregation. Our Senior Pastor will share the vision and direction of the congregation and invite you to become a partner.

## Small Groups. Consider forming or joining a group with some of the people you meet and befriend at the New Connections or Alpha classes. Or call the Group Development and Support Coordinator at 898-9165 or email: sherir@hosannalc.org for help in getting started with an existing group.

Resources for personal and group use:

All resources listed here and on the following pages are available at Daily Bread Books.
• Surprised by Faith and any other books by Don Bierle
• Life Lessons Series, Bible study guides by Max Lucado
• Growing Strong in God’s Family, a study guide by Nav Press
• Questions of Life or Searching Issues by Nicky Gumbel, an Alpha resource
• Letters to a Skeptic by Greg Boyd
• Who Moved the Stone by Frank Morrison
• God Calling by A.J. Russell
• Answers to Tough Questions by Josh McDowell

##

##

# [Developing as a Disciple]

"Come, be my disciples." Mark 1:17 Now is the time to get into gear with life-changing Christian habits.

## • Would you like to learn practical ways to make your prayer life and Bible reading better?
• Need some help in moving ahead on your spiritual highway?
• Merge your faith with others.
• Caution: Spiritual challenges ahead.

So, you’re a Christian with a personal faith in Jesus and you’re a member of the congregation. What next? Now is the time to deepen your knowledge of the Bible, develop a disciplined prayer life, learn how to lead others to Christ and develop Biblical habits of generosity.

Hosanna! offers a variety of classes for adults. Watch for the quarterly Travel Guide with up-to-date information on all the latest opportunities. Register at the Information Station, online, or call 898-9416 with any questions.

## Wednesday Teaching and Worship

Consider joining us on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. for spirited worship and in-depth Bible teaching. Dinner is served at 5 pm and child care is available. Bring your Bible!

## Re-commit to a small group.

Jesus said, "For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." (Matthew 18:20) God’s plan is that we grow spiritually in the context of community. In a small group you will develop your prayer life, learn more about God’s Word, and grow in your faith. Call 898-9165 to get into the right small group for you.

It’s time for Cursillo!
Please call the Director of Prayer and Care Ministries at 898-9143 and ask how to sign up for this retreat. Cursillo is a great opportunity to deepen your faith.

## Resources for personal and group use:
• Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels
• Weaving a Life of Prayer by Marsha Crockett
• Books by Joyce Meyer or Kay Arthur
• The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard
• Master Your Money by Ron Blue
• Basic reference texts:
• Halley’s Bible Handbook
• Strong’s Concordance
• Navigators’ Topical Memory System
• The Prayer Series (audio tapes) by Pastors Bill Bohline and David Housholder

# [Finding Your Spiritual Gifts]

## "So it is with Christ’s body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has different work to do...God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well."

Romans 12:5-6

• What was God thinking when he created me?
• What are my spiritual gifts? Are they really operative for me today?
• What is my calling in life? Am I wasting my life in the wrong job or the wrong volunteer ministry at church?
• Do I really know myself?

### Where your God-given gifts and the deep needs of the world intersect, there lies your calling.

What is a spiritual gift? It’s an ability that enables Christians to function in the body of Christ with ease and effectiveness. In the New Calling class you’ll evaluate your strengths and discover your spiritual gifts. (I Corinthians 12, Romans 12) You will leave the class with a profile of your areas of giftedness from a Biblical perspective. Call 898-9165, or email Sheri to register for the class.

Following the class, some of you will be invited to lead small groups. Others will be invited to join one of the myriad of task teams actively building the body of Christ at Hosanna! Using your gift and serving means that you are honoring God’s creation in you. Trust what God has created in you and use your gifts!

### Resources for personal and group use:

• Building Your Church (Walking with God Series – study guide)
• Discovering Your Natural Talents by Bradley and Carty
• Finding God’s Will, a pamphlet by J.I. Packer
• Life Keys by Kise, Stark and Hirsh
• Personality Plus by Florence Littauer
• Christian Disciplines by Oswald Chambers
• Discover Your God–Given Gifts by Don and Katie Fortune
• The Color Code by Taylor Hartman, Ph.D.
• The Path by Laurie Beth Johnson

# [From Here to Eternity]

"And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us, looking to Jesus..." Hebrews 12:1 "...when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about me everywhere..." Acts 1:8

• Are you bored by classes that keep going over the basics?
• Looking for something new?
• Do you hunger for advanced learning and a higher, closer relationship with God?
• Do you sometimes feel called into ministry, missions or leadership of some kind?

We’ll take you as far as you want to go.

Remain grounded in God’s Word as you reach out to serve others.

At this point along the Highway, you have come to understand more about the person God created you to be. God will continue to teach you wonderful things as you grow in faith and love. As you serve God’s people and develop your gifts, you are learning to let your strengths balance someone else’s weaknesses. This is God’s plan for the church. Honor your creator by dedicating your life to God’s service. Don’t hold back!

Many opportunities are offered for this area on the Highway. More information is available by calling 898-9165 or 898-9416.
• Advanced Study on a book by book basis is offered through Precepts, Bible Study Fellowhip and Community Bible Study.
• Elijah House Training. Advanced training for people who want to know how God changes lives. Participation can lead to a calling in counseling.
• Hosanna! Ministry Teams enable you to serve practical needs with others of like mind.

Prayer Ministry meets weekly for exuberant worship, learning and communing with God. Call 898-9143 for more information.

Support Groups. Perhaps you are in unique life circumstances. Several small groups meet weekly to provide Christian care for healing, support, and recovery. Visit Prayer and Care Ministries for a detailed list of support groups offered at Hosanna! Group members and potential leaders are welcome.

Resources for personal and group use:

• Growing Strong in God’s Family and Spiritual Disciplines by Richard Foster
• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chamber
• Experiencing God by Blackaby and King
• Serendipity study guide series
• Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Catch the Vision 2000 by Bill and Amy Stearns
• Faith to Faith by Gloria and Kenneth Copeland