The Big Deal Of Taking Small Steps To Move Closer To God

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the first female bishop elected to the AME denomination, implemented this basic, yet dynamic, program in the churches in her jurisdiction with astounding results. Individuals who have many years of Christian life, as well as those are new to the faith, will discover a renewed sense of purpose, reinvigoration in their faith-building process and fresh practical activities. Bishop McKenzie's strategic areas of growth--Connect, Discover, Celebrate, Explore, Give, Share, Participate, Grow, Live, and Be Church--each containing her motivational explanation, scripture readings, meditations and action steps. All prescribe very small changes-for example, adding only thirty seconds of prayer-that lead to radical growth.

Bishop McKenzie shows that the commitment to moving closer to God doesn't mean striving for perfection, but to build an enjoyable, meaningful relationship with God in incremental ways and employ biblical principles to the myriad experiences of life. Such small, but meaningful, steps collectively evolve into a big deal-intimacy with God, ability to address life challenges with aplomb, availability to serve those around us as well as church and community. Mustard-seed-like increases in positive actions and corresponding decreases in negative ones - yield mountain-moving growth in manageable increments.