What is Wholehearted?

The definition that we use at The Rock Church for "wholehearted" is being completely and sincerely devoted. When we say it's our mission to turn the people of Maine into wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ, we want people to become completely and sincerely devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It's not so much about learning what to say and do on Sunday as walking out your life every day in accordance with the lessons learned from The Bible.

The Wholehearted Process is our way of guiding people to become sincere Christians - literally becoming more like Christ. Through this four step process, you will learn more about your faith and different ways to apply it to your everyday life. It's called Wholehearted Living, and it's the lifestyle of connecting, maturing, serving, and sharing.

Please read below to learn more about the individual classes that will be coming soon to the Rock in Winter Harbor that you can take advantage of as well.

Class 101- Membership-(connecting)

We call this class “The Connection” because it is your way of connecting to The Rock Church through membership.  This class, however, is about much more than membership, it is about building relationships.  We believe that loving relationships are the first key to a real and healthy Christian life.  This class focuses on 2 primary relationships we all need in order to be healthy; our relationship with Christ, and our relationship with Christ’s Church .  
 
Your relationship with Christ begins when you are born again.  Jesus then commands us to be baptized in water.  Now that we belong to Christ, he wants us to be involved in loving relationship with a local group of believers which Jesus calls “My Church”. We call this belonging.

After 101 is finished, it's only natural to want to learn more and explore your faith, which is why we've been offering The Alpha Course.  Alpha is a small group study that helps to address Christianity from the perspective of someone who's new.  However, it can also be extremely beneficial to those who have been saved for some time.  Take a look at Small Group Opportunities for more information.

It is the desire of our hearts for you to experience the love and concern The Rock Church has for you.  We care about you, and are here to equip you as you continue in spiritual growth.

Class 201- Maturing-

Class 201 is an introduction to Spiritual Maturity.  During this class we focus on three habits that every Christian needs to incorporate into their lifestyle in order to grow to spiritual maturity.  As a result of taking this class, you will understand what habits you will need  to grow spiritually and you will be equipped with a few tools to help you begin these three habits today.

The first habit is that of Time - spent in prayer or in reading the Word each day.  As it says in James 1:25, "But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does."  It's important to spend some time each day reconnecting with God to improve your relationship and also to be more knowledgeable about what the Lord's plan for your life might be.

The second habit is that of Tithe - which is actually more of an issue of the heart than of the wallet.  In essence, this is a practice in humility, since we know that all blessings in our lives come from the Lord, it's only fair to give back a portion of what He's given to us.  As it says in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" it's a demonstration of where we are in our spiritual journey.

The third habit is that of Teaching - where we receive the lessons of Christ on a regular basis.  Essentially, this ties in with going to church and reading The Bible, but it also extends beyond that into small group settings.  There, we can discuss subjects amongst each other and find new ways to look at things and expand our view of faith.

Class 301- Ministry-(serving)

Class 301 is an introduction to Discovering Your Place in Ministry.  During this class we focus on five areas in the life of every believer which are key indicators in God’s equipping for ministry.  As a result of taking this class, you will understand determining factors in your spiritual and emotional makeup which reveal God’s purpose for you.

At The Rock, we focus on an individual approach to ministry rather than an institutional approach.  We will focus on Five Personal Factors that have combined to shape the "real" you.  By identifying the specific traits you possess in each of these areas, the ministry God has designed you for will become crystal clear!

Through discovering your spiritual gifts and your "heart" (the center of your motivations, desires, and inclinations) your spiritual shape will become clear.  Then, by incorporating your abilities and personality, you'll begin to see opportunities for you to serve in some way - whether it be as a member of a small group, maybe making a meal for someone who's sick, or just praying for those in need.     

God is consistent in His plan for each of our lives.  He would not give us inborn talents and temperaments, spiritual gifts, and all sorts of life experiences and then not use them!  By reviewing and studying these factors, we can discover the ministry He has for us... the unique way God intends for us to serve Him.

Class 401- Missions-(sharing)

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" - Matthew 28:19

This class is the fourth of The Rock’s four basic classes in the Wholehearted Disciple Making Process.  Since these classes build on each other, you must first have attended the Connection Class 101, Spiritual Maturity Class 201 and SHAPED for Serving Class 301.  Those who complete Class 401 have fulfilled all the requirements at The Rock for being recognized as wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ.

Now that you've learned how to connect, habits to encourage spiritual maturity, and ways in which you can serve, it's time to learn how to share all of these lessons with others.  You will learn to share your testimony and how to communicate the principles taught within The Bible to others.  Not only does this also increase the depth of your own knowledge, but it prepares you for the moments when others have questions regarding your faith.