1. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP INITIATIVE ALL ABOUT?
2. WHAT IS A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP?
3. WHAT IS A NEXT STEP ELECTIVE?
4. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERVING ON AMINISTRY TEAM AND BEING IN A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP SERVING TEAM GROUP?
5. I AM IN A SMALL GROUP.  DO I NEED TO BE IN A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP TOO?
6. IF WE HAVE SMALL GROUPS, WHY DOES CYPRESS NEED NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIPS?
7. WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON TAKING NEXT STEPS?
   
   

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP INITIATIVE ALL ABOUT?  TOP
The Next Step Initiative is about taking personal steps toward spiritual growth.  Cypress has challenged you to begin a process of growing spiritually over the next 3 years.  A variety of opportunities will be available for you to take advantage of including events, website resources, Next Step Electives, and Next Step Partnerships.

WHAT IS A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP?  TOP
A next step partnership will consist of four critieria:

1. Prayer
2. Study/Devotional
3. Accountability for Spiritual Growth
4. Community

Knowing spiritual growth happens best along side others, we’ve expanded our existing small groups to include –

Prayer Partnerships:  Two or more people meeting together to intercede for one another, others and the church.

Serving Team Groups:  Two or more people serving within an existing Cypress Meadows ministry incorporating a spiritual growth group within their serving team.

Small Groups:  Three or more people meeting together for spiritual formation and community.

*Brochures with more details about each kind of partnership are located in the Foyer

WHAT IS A NEXT STEP ELECTIVE?  TOP
Next Step Electives are classes and breakouts that will focus on specific topics related to spiritual growth.  They will be offered during New Community starting March 14th.  Watch for the list of upcoming Electives to be announced soon.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERVING ON A MINISTRY TEAM AND BEING IN A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP ‘SERVING TEAM GROUP’?  TOP
Serving on a ministry team is volunteering within a ministry at Cypress – you are not automatically in a Next Step Partnership.  A ‘Serving Team Group’ is a partnership formed by volunteers serving within a ministry team that incorporates the 4 criteria:  prayer, study/devotional, accountability for spiritual growth and community.

I AM IN A SMALL GROUP.  DO I NEED TO BE IN A NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIP TOO?  TOP
If you are in an existing small group – you ARE in a partnership!  However, if you desire to participate in a Prayer Partnership or Serving Team Group in addition to your current small group, you are welcome to do so.

IF WE HAVE SMALL GROUPS, WHY DOES CYPRESS NEED NEXT STEP PARTNERSHIPS?  TOP
Many people enjoy growing spiritually within a small group but Cypress is offering Next Step Partnerships as additional opportunities to grow in different settings.  People also enjoy a one-on-one, focused prayer setting that we have designated as a Prayer Partnership.  Other people currently volunteer within a Cypress ministry team and can deepen their experience by participating in a Serving Team Group.  No matter what the preference, expanding the avenues in which we grow by incorporating prayer, study/devotional, accountability for spiritual growth and community, enables more people within our church to grow spiritually along side others.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ON TAKING NEXT STEPS?  TOP
Next Step Opportunities are on-line with our church’s website. 

Check out www.cypressmeadows.org/nextsteps to assist you in making some personal next step choices.  Next Step Electives and Partnerships information is available on the site.  Partnership brochures are also available at the Information Booth in the Foyer.

….Have you taken YOUR Next Step?