Growth & Accountability

It is the goal of Next Step to create spiritual growth and accountability for program participants. Participation in the discipleship efforts is essential to the achievement of ministry goals and therefore is required for those served. The discipleship component includes accountability relationships, on-going Bible studies, worship participation, church attendance, and frequent one-on-one meetings with a Next Step mentor or chaplain. We believe that each man is brought to Next Step Ministries to be transformed by God and therefore, “not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

The discipleship approach may vary by participant but will typically include the following elements:

  Accountability Relationship
Each man is to have an accountability partner with whom they meet on a weekly basis. This relationship may take any of many forms, e.g., friend, mentor, coach, teacher, or disciplinarian. The expectation is that these two men simply share life together, with iron sharpening iron for the purpose of growing spiritually mature.

  Weekly Group Bible Study
Every week all the residents in the Next Step facility meet for a Bible study. The studies will generally be based on a book of the Bible or a specific topic. Each session typically lasts about 90 minutes.

  Worship Participation
The group of men meet twice per month for a time of worship, which generally includes music, prayer, and discussion.

  Church Attendance
Each man must attend church weekly. While Next Step does not dictate what church, we require attendance at a Bible believing, Bible teaching church. It is our desire that each man be connected to a local church with the goal that the participant remain an active part of that church long after leaving Next Step.