06/20/26 Gathering: Write down the vision

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy by Lingering in God’s Presence

Apostle Garth taught that the journey toward spiritual intimacy begins with a deliberate choice to linger in God’s presence. This means moving beyond surface-level faith or outward religious activity and entering a space of inward devotion. Like a couple savoring silent moments together, believers are invited to dwell quietly with Jesus, listening attentively rather than rushing through prayers or worship.

This kind of intimacy is illustrated in the Song of Solomon, where lovers find their secret place to connect deeply and without distraction. Similarly, Jesus calls His followers to find their “secret place” of prayer and stillness (Matthew 6:6). This practice helps us hear God’s voice more clearly and prepares our hearts for unexpected moves of God, much like John the Baptist recognized Jesus’ arrival by being spiritually alert.

Why Stillness Matters

• Stillness allows us to hear God’s voice rather than just our own thoughts or the noise of daily life.

• It deepens our awareness of God’s presence, making us more sensitive to His guidance.

• It nurtures a heart of repentance, essential for living in the kingdom today.

• It helps us live in the present moment, embracing the truth that the kingdom of God is not just future but here and now.

  
  

Psalm 24 reminds us that only those with clean hands and pure hearts can stand in God’s holy place. This purity comes from ongoing repentance and a willingness to seek God’s way over our anxieties or distractions.

Vision Casting for Prayer: Supporting the Persecuted Church

Spiritual intimacy naturally leads to compassion and intercession for others, especially those who suffer for their faith. The vision shared for increased prayer support for persecuted Christians worldwide highlights the urgency and importance of this calling.

Understanding the Reality of Persecution

Organizations like Open Doors provide sobering statistics: millions of believers face imprisonment, violence, and discrimination simply for following Christ. These realities are not distant stories but urgent calls to action for the global church.

Scriptures from Hebrews and Romans connect the suffering of the persecuted church to biblical narratives, reminding us that suffering for faith is part of the Christian journey. Hebrews 13:3 encourages believers to remember those in prison as if they were suffering alongside them. Romans 8:26 speaks of the Spirit helping us in our weakness, interceding with groanings too deep for words.

The Champion's Plan to Pray for the Persecuted

• Monthly country focus: Each month, we will concentrate prayer on a specific nation where persecution is intense. Use information sheets to guide your prayers with facts and stories.

• Engage with resources: Visit the Open Doors website to read testimonies, learn how to give, and find ways to support persecuted believers.

• Grow in Spirit-led prayer: Move beyond duty-driven prayer to authentic intercession inspired by the Holy Spirit’s groanings (ex. Exodus 2 / Romans 8)

Road to Emmaus Bible Reading: Fall

Starting this September, the Road to Emmaus program offers a nine-month journey through the Bible. Participants will read about five chapters daily, dedicating roughly an hour each day to Scripture. The goal is not to rush through the text but to approach it with a heart open to intimacy with God. This daily discipline encourages deeper understanding and personal revelation.

Weekly Zoom discussions will provide a space to share insights, ask questions, and build community. These conversations help participants process what they read and apply it to their lives. The program emphasizes that reading the Bible is not just a duty but an opportunity to encounter God personally.

Key features of the Road to Emmaus initiative:

• Daily readings of approximately five chapters

• Weekly group discussions via Zoom

• Encouragement to set aside about an hour daily

• Focus on developing intimacy with Scripture and God

• Community building through shared experiences

  
  

This initiative suits anyone looking to grow in their faith through consistent Bible engagement and meaningful fellowship. By committing to this journey, participants can expect to gain fresh insights and a stronger connection to God’s Word.

Discipleship School Announcement

The Champion's House has plan to launch a new discipleship school -- designed as a three-year spiritual formation pathway. While not accredited, the school aims to equip students with a deep love for God, a heart for service, and the ability to demonstrate His love in practical ways. The first year’s curriculum is ready, with more details to be shared by the end of summer.

This school offers a structured environment for those seeking to grow in faith and prepare for possible ordination. It focuses on spiritual disciplines, biblical teaching, and hands-on ministry experience. The goal is to nurture mature disciples who can lead and serve effectively

This school is ideal for individuals committed to long-term spiritual growth and ministry leadership. It provides a clear framework for developing skills and character needed for effective discipleship.

Champions Arts Academy & College Outreach Coalition

The Champions Arts Academy has a rich history of combining artistic excellence with spiritual depth. The academy teaches artists to partner with God in creativity, producing work that reflects both craft and spirit. Past productions like “Books on the Shelf” have brought healing, deliverance, and transformation to cast members and audiences alike.

The College Outreach Coalition works with campuses such as Cumberland, Rowan, and Stockton (current) to use the arts as a bridge to those outside the church. This outreach focuses on discipleship and evangelism through creative expression.

Upcoming projects include staging “Books on the Shelf” at Stockton University, in partnership with Sojourn Church’s production resources. To support these efforts, interdisciplinary teams will form, covering artistic, administrative, prayer, and technical roles.

Prayer points for the coalition include:

• Unity among team members

• Hunger for God’s presence and guidance

• Humility and boldness in ministry

• Finding the right people, especially a music director

Participants are encouraged to pray about how they might contribute, whether through prayer, administration, financial support, or hands-on involvement.

Bringing It All Together

These three initiatives—Road to Emmaus, the discipleship school, and the Champions Arts Academy & College Outreach Coalition—offer practical ways to grow spiritually and serve others. Each invites commitment, whether through daily Bible reading, long-term discipleship training, or creative ministry.

By engaging with these programs, individuals can deepen their faith, build meaningful relationships, and impact their communities. The call is clear: invest time, open your heart, and consider how you might join in these journeys of transformation.