GIVING GOD OUR
What if we could experience more peace, joy, and confidence by chasing after Jesus in every part of our lives? That’s what this two-year Discipleship Journey, starting in January 2025, is all about. As a church, we’re stepping into a season of growth, aiming to be more like Jesus and reflect His love in everything we do. The theme is First & Best. We’re choosing to give God our first and best in every area—our time, talents, and resources. And if you show up on Sunday morning, you’re on the journey with us. So let’s take this step together, trusting that as we give God our first and best, He’ll shape us to look more like Jesus.
The question we will be asking ourselves is: “Am I giving God my first & best, or are there areas of my life I haven’t fully surrendered?
REGISTER NOW
Come hear all about the vision for the First & Best Discipleship Journey and find out how you can be part of it! Vision Nights are happening at all StoneWater campuses. Click the button below to learn more and register!
REGISTER NOW
Come hear all about the vision for the First & Best Discipleship Journey and find out how you can be part of it! Vision Nights are happening at all StoneWater campuses. Click the button below to learn more and register!
START YOUR JOURNEY
Just by showing up on Sunday mornings, you’re already on the Journey! If you’d like to take it a step further with extra resources—what we call ‘fuel for the journey’—click the button below to get started.
By giving God our first and best in every area of life, we will grow into a deeper, more mature relationship with Him. As a by-product, this will allow us to reach and equip more people for Jesus while focusing on eight key initiatives.
Over the next two years, these eight ministry areas will receive special attention with a budget increase of $1 million in year one and possibly more in year two.
As part of the First & Best Discipleship Journey, we, as a church, are going after eight First & Best initiatives aimed at expanding the kingdom of God. We are calling them our:
FIRST & BEST
INITIATIVES
By giving God our first and best in every area of life, we will grow into a deeper, more mature relationship with Him. As a by-product, this will allow us to reach and equip more people for Jesus while focusing on eight key initiatives.
Over the next two years, these eight ministry areas will receive special attention with a budget increase of $1 million in year one and possibly more in year two.
By giving God our first and best in every area of life, we will grow into a deeper, more mature relationship with Him. As a by-product, this will allow us to reach and equip more people for Jesus while focusing on eight key initiatives.
Over the next two years, these eight ministry areas will receive special attention with a budget increase of $1 million in year one and possibly more in year two:
Love Life Initiative
Goal
To empower young single moms and their babies as they start their journey together.
Budget
$75,000
Need
When young women become pregnant outside of marriage, they often feel overwhelmed by shame and uncertainty. Some choose to raise the baby, some choose adoption, and many, tragically, turn to abortion. But what if we could offer a different path? What if we could help young mothers—and fathers—choose life? We believe Jesus came to give abundant life from beginning to end. Our heart is to support single moms who face struggles early on, helping them give their child a strong start. We want to see them walk in freedom, surrounded by a church family that journeys with them through the adventure of parenting. We are passionate about life.
80+ Initiative
Goal
To send 80+ mission trips to disciple and support the global church.
Budget
$150,000
Need
Mission trips have the power to transform lives. They are one of God’s greatest tools for discipling us out of selfishness and shifting our focus from the temporal to the eternal. These trips remind us that we’re part of a global church, deepening our faith while bringing much-needed encouragement to missionaries and communities we partner with. The work accomplished by a single mission team can make a significant impact on the Kingdom of God. Now imagine the impact of 80+ mission trips—for both the Kingdom and our church!
Matthew 25 Initiative
Goal
To increase financial support for those in need through the HELP Ministry and Groups Ministry of StoneWater Church.
Budget
$150,000
Need
The Bible calls us to serve “the least of these” in our communities. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus invites us to care for the hungry, thirsty, strangers, the naked, sick, and imprisoned, reminding us that serving them is serving Him. Jesus’ heart beats with compassion.
SW Residency Initiative
Goal
To launch a Ministry Prep program for young adults (21 and older).
Budget
$125,000
Need
Churches everywhere struggle to find qualified pastors and leaders, while seminaries are shrinking. Reaching Gen Z and future generations will require us to raise and train key leaders from within their ranks. The SW Residency program is our solution to meet this growing need.
Family Ministry Relaunch Initiative
Goal
To relaunch StoneWater Family Ministries with impactful family events, resources, and camps.
Budget
$100,000
Need
Young families at StoneWater Church long to grow in spiritual health and strength. However, the enemy often distracts them from God, and the world easily distorts their priorities. Families need to be equipped to navigate the challenges of parenting in today’s stressful and sinful environment.
Serve Our Schools Initiative
Goal
To start Serve ISD ministries in every community with a StoneWater campus.
Budget
$50,000
Need
The heartbeat of our community is found in our local schools, which serve not only students but entire families. Teachers, administrators, and staff who shape the next generation are often overworked and underpaid. What if we could bless our schools with overwhelming encouragement, selfless service, and unwavering support? Imagine the lives that could be impacted.
REM Expansion Initiative
Goal
Grow the REM (Reach, Equip, Multiply) Team and host conferences/retreats.
Budget
$100,000
Need
REM Family of Churches is a ministry launched by StoneWater Church in 2023. REM exists to help pastors support one another in growing the Kingdom of God, as many churches today are working toward this goal in isolation. Our vision is to build the REM Family of Churches across America, encouraging one another to REACH more people for Christ, EQUIP more disciples, and MULTIPLY by starting new ministries and planting new churches.
DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY » FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The First & Best Discipleship Journey is a two-year initiative at StoneWater Church designed to help us mature in our faith by giving God our first and best in every area of our lives. It focuses on ten key “mile markers” that include action steps for spiritual growth and engagement.
The theme comes from the biblical principle of giving God our first & best, not just financially but in all areas of life—time, talent, and treasure. When we do this, God grows us to reflect the character of Christ.
The Discipleship Journey is for everyone in the church. Our goal is 100% participation. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, this journey will help you grow.
No. If you’re attending StoneWater services on Sundays, you’re already on the journey. However, we encourage you to register for extra resources and inspiration at stonewaterchurch.com/fuel.
The journey is divided into ten “mile markers,” each representing a key area of discipleship:
- Freedom
- Identity
- Relationships
- Spirit
- Truth
- & (It’s not about me)
- Be Loving
- Eternal Perspective
- Serving Others
- Transforming Community
Each mile marker includes an action step to help you put your faith into practice.
When you sign up, you’ll receive resources tailored to your spiritual growth, such as:
- A yearly Bible reading plan
- Scripture memory verses
- Invitations to mission trips
- Freedom Ministry workshops
- Financial classes
- Mentorship opportunities
- Marriage and family resources
- Opportunities to serve
- Group connections
- Retreat invitations
Visit stonewaterchurch.com/fuel to register. You’ll complete a brief assessment to help us provide resources that align with your needs.
By giving God our first & best in every area of life, we will grow into a deeper, more mature relationship with Him. As a by-product, this will allow us to reach and equip more people for Jesus while focusing on eight key initiatives. Over the next two years, these eight ministry areas will receive special attention with a budget increase of $1 million in year one and possibly more in year two:
- 80+: Send 80+ mission trips to disciple and support the global church.
- Love Life: Empower young single moms and their babies.
- Matthew 25: Help those in need.
- New Campus: Launch a new SWC in Stephenville.
- SW Residency: Prepare young adults for ministry.
- Family Ministry: Relaunch with events, resources, and camps.
- Serve Our Schools: Start Serve ISD ministries in every SWC community.
- REM: Grow the REM Family of Churches (Reach, Equip, Multiply).
For more information how you can be involved in these initiatives, visit stonewaterchurch.com/journey
Over the next two years, StoneWater Church will allocate $1 million in year one and possibly more in year two to fund these initiatives.
Mission trips change lives by shifting our perspective from the temporal to the eternal. They deepen our faith while supporting global churches and missionaries. With 80+ trips planned, the impact will be significant both locally and globally. Check out the mission trips at stonewaterchurch.com/missions. New trips will be added throughout the year.
Mature faith includes:
- Peace during storms
- Confidence in uncertainty
- Joy in conflict
- Direction in confusion
- Biblical knowledge and the ability to walk in the Spirit
Progress is measured through the Action Steps at each mile marker. By actively participating, you’ll see growth in your relationship with Jesus and your ability to reflect His character. You will hear more about the Action Steps for each mile marker during Sunday’s services this year and next year.
Families are encouraged to participate together. Many Action Steps involve family-oriented activities and resources to strengthen relationships and faith as a household.
The journey was born from a desire to equip the church for future hardships, inspired by lessons learned during the challenges of 2020. After visiting The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, FL, the StoneWater team envisioned a two-year discipleship plan to align ministries and foster intentional spiritual growth.
The planning process involved extensive prayer, collaboration, and input from pastors, elders, staff, and congregation members across all campuses. This effort represents the greatest act of unity StoneWater Church has seen.
Simply attend StoneWater services on Sundays to begin. To enhance your journey, register at stonewaterchurch.com/fuel for personalized resources and inspiration.
Reach out to your campus pastor or visit the website (stonewaterchurch.com/journey) for additional information and guidance.
Campus Pastors:
Granbury: Beau Mills
Glen Rose: Micah Smith
Cleburne: Brad Reedy
Godley: Clayton Lowell
Tolar: Brandon Halfmann
Snyder: Cody Wall
To grow in maturity as disciples of Jesus and transform our church into a kingdom community, reflecting the love and character of Christ.
