“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8
Discover seven practical ways to draw near to God, experience His presence, and deepen your relationship with God this fall. As we draw near to God, He transforms us to live with the joy and love we were created for.
Each Sunday we’ll explore a different way of connecting with God, then put it into practice during the week through a simple ENGIZO practice or shared experience.
This fall we are experiencing seven ways to “ENGIZO “ or “draw near” to God. God invites each of us into a closer relationship with Him, but we don’t all connect with Him in exactly the same way. In this series, we’ll discover seven ways we can draw near to God—and explore how each can help us experience more of His presence and deepen our relationship with God.
Draw Near
September 13
Discover God’s invitation to draw near to Him and how He uniquely created us to connect with Him.
The Contemplative Way
September 20
Draw near to God through prayer, reflection, stillness, and undistracted time in His presence.
Midweek Step: Guide to Spending Solitude With God & Spiritual Assessment
Guide To Spending Solitude With God
Find a quiet space away from noise, turn off your devices completely, and place them out of sight.
1. Ground Your Heart in Grace
We don’t enter God’s presence through our own effort, focus, or ability to quiet our mind. You are welcomed freely because Jesus opened the way through the cross. Take a breath and rest in the truth that in Christ, God is already pleased with you and delights to be with you.
2. Reflect on Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.” In biblical Hebrew, the phrase translated “be still” is raphah. It means “to drop your hands,” or “to let go.” You don’t have to hold your world together or earn your worth. Christ is already holding all things together. Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished.”
3. Practice Release
- Clench Your Fists: Tighten your hands into firm fists for five seconds. Feel the weight and tension of trying to carry your own schedule, anxieties, and performance.
- Open Your Palms: Slowly open your hands, resting them palms-up on your knees. Keep them open as a physical response to what Jesus has done for you.
- Refocus on Christ: When your mind drifts or feels uncomfortable with the silence, reset your focus with a simple breath prayer:
- Inhale: “Jesus, You hold all things…”
- Exhale: “…so I can let go.”
4. Relax in His Presence
Spend a few minutes sitting quietly with open hands. You don’t need to perform, prove anything, or earn this moment. What things come to mind? Either silently, or out loud, talk with God about the things that are brought to your mind.
5. Discover How He Wired You (Engizo Spiritual Assessment)
From this posture of grace and rest, complete the Engizo Spiritual Assessment to identify the unique ways God has wired you to abide in Him.
The Relational Way
September 27
Draw near to God through relationships, meaningful conversation, community, and sharing life with others.
Midweek Step: Be A Barnabas Challenge
The Worship Way
October 4
Draw near to God through expressions of praise, celebration, and adoration.
Midweek Event: All Church Worship Night
All Church Worship Night | October 9 | 7:00-9:00PM
The Worship and Prayer Night is a church-wide event created to help us draw closer to God through heartfelt worship, prayer, praise, celebration, and adoration. It is an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life, come together as one church family, and intentionally seek God’s presence.
The Creation Way
October 11
Draw near to God through the beauty, wonder, and majesty of His created world.
Midweek Event: Spiritual Walk In Nature
Spiritual Nature Walk | October 17 | 8:00AM-12:00PM | Locations Vary
In the rush of a busy week, it’s easy to let the noise of daily routines drown out the quiet, gentle ways God speaks. This fall, take an intentional pause to step outside, breathe in the crisp autumn air, and reconnect with your Creator. This Spiritual Walk in Nature is a flexible, self-guided walk designed to help you slow down, engage your senses, and reflect on God’s presence at your own pace. Whether you need a peaceful space to pray through a heavy season, clear your mind, or simply admire the beauty of His handiwork, this outdoor experience offers a refreshing environment to tune your heart back to God.
Details:
Select the site closest to your home, or complete the event on your own path
Show up to the site during the time window at your convenience
Find the Black Rock kiosk in the parking area to receive printed instructions for the walk
Hangout after your walk to connect with other Black Rockers at the site
The Serving Way
October 18
Draw near to God by helping others, meeting needs, and making a tangible difference.
Midweek Step: Act of Kindness Challenge
The Intellectual Way
October 25
Draw near to God through learning, discovering truth, and growing in your understanding of Him.
Midweek Event: Apologetics Lecture
Apologetics Lecture | October 29 | 7:00-8:30PM | Woodruff Hall
God created our minds with a capacity for deep thought, curiosity, and critical reflection, yet we rarely pause to explore how our intellect can become a primary pathway to loving Him. On October 29, discover how engaging your mind can draw your heart closer to God. Join us for an evening designed to explore how study, writing, cultural engagement, and our professions can become vibrant acts of worship. Whether you love asking big questions, exploring history, or examining how faith intersects with modern culture, this gathering offers a space to sharpen your thinking and discover what it means to love God with all your mind.
Details:
Hear from speaker John Vampatella about his experience of relating to God through intellectual study, writing and cultural engagement
Explore the evidence for faith in God, Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Bible
Hear from other Black Rockers via a panel discussion about how their intellect engages with God through their professions
Connect and dialogue with others at a post-event dessert reception
The Activist Way
November 1
Draw near to God by taking action for His purposes and standing for what is good, right, and just.
Midweek Step: Browse the Community Engagement brochure and serve with a Local Partner or sign up for Fall Love Works Day (Nov. 21)
