THE CRITICAL JOURNEY

Critical Journey – Week 1: The Recognition of God

The Critical Journey is a model that helps us understand the stages we progress through in our journey of faith. It’s important to note that this is a model, not the model. Still, we have found it helpful both in understanding our own walk with Christ and in recognizing the journeys of those around us.

Characteristics

We begin with Stage 1: The Recognition of God. This marks the start of our journey of faith.

The Bible consistently portrays childlikeness in a positive way when it comes to faith. We are encouraged to have the faith of a child and to remain childlike in our trust. Many of us come to Christ in this way—through awe, wonder, or a deep sense of need. We may look up at the grandeur of creation and see the hand of God, or we may hit rock bottom and discover a loving Father who carries us through hard seasons.

Some encounter God through rational thought, while others arrive by a more experiential awareness—drawn in by beauty, creation, or an overwhelming sense that there is more.

However we arrive, faith gives our lives greater meaning and purpose. We realize we are part of something larger than ourselves—something eternal.

A.W. Tozer, in The Pursuit of God, points to the doctrine of prevenient grace: God loves us first, pursues us first, and gives us the beautiful opportunity to respond.

Think back to the beginning of your own journey of faith. Those early days, weeks, and months are often filled with joy and wonder. Everything feels new. “The old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). A relationship with the God of the universe is more than we ever dreamed—truly exciting times.

Caged at Stage 1

But sometimes we get stuck here.

We may focus too much on ourselves—on our failures, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness. We may feel spiritually bankrupt. Some withdraw because they don’t “know enough” compared to others, and so they avoid learning or stepping further. The awe that drew us to God can sometimes leave us paralyzed when we see how small we are in comparison to Him.

Moving Forward to Stage 2

To move forward, we need community. Faith is deeply personal, but it was never meant to be individualistic. We grow by belonging to a group, by journeying with others who help us along the way. We lean into the community of faith, finding support and accountability in a specific body of believers.

Scripture Reflection

Read John 1:9–14

• How did you first come to know God? When did your journey of faith begin?

• What did it look like for you to receive God (v. 12)?

• Do you relate to God most through awe, through need, through creation, or through a search for meaning?

• What do/did you enjoy most about Stage 1—the recognition of God?

• What would it look like to revisit this stage more often? How can you approach God in childlike faith now?

• When John says we are “children of God,” what does that mean to you?

• What does the word glory mean to you? How does it stir awe in your heart toward God?

Read John 4:1–26

Sit with this passage individually or as a group. Read it aloud two or three times. Put yourself in the place of the woman at the well. Notice the feelings you have, the sounds you hear, even the smells around you as you imagine yourself in her shoes. Journal your reflections or share them with your group. How do you relate to her story today?

Exercises – Ways to Encounter God

• Light a candle to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit when you pray, read Scripture, or simply sit with God.

• Take a walk somewhere that draws you into God’s presence—whether through beauty, simplicity, or stillness.

• Take the Spiritual Pathways Assessment to discover how you best connect with God in this season.

• Share your faith journey with a friend this week—over coffee, tea, a Coke (but not Pepsi 😉), or even a phone call. Who in your life can you share your story with?

Closing Prayer

This week, use Psalm 136 as a call-and-response. Have a leader read the first line, and the group respond with: “His love endures forever.”

Feel free to use all 26 verses, but don’t feel pressured to read every single one. (It’s okay to skip verses 17–22 if you’d prefer not to name all the kings!)

Critical Journey Week 2 – The Life of Discipleship 

This week, we focus on Stage 2: The Life of Discipleship. While all stages of the journey involve discipleship, Stage 2 specifically highlights growth and learning that occur here. 

Characteristics of Stage 2 

Stage 2 is marked by a commitment to a community of faith. Here, we find our people—a place to belong and grow. While Stage 1 centered on personal discovery, Stage 2 turns our focus outward, toward the community that supports and accepts us. 

We begin to find answers we were seeking in Stage 1—often through a specific leader or leaders, a group, cause, or belief system. We no longer need to wonder where to turn for guidance. We are taught and mentored in this stage. We embrace the journey of learning as we come to understand the values, rhythms, and expectations of the community we've joined. 

This stage gives us a sense of confidence and clarity. We feel we are on the right path, which helps us press through challenges. After the uncertainty of Stage 1, we now experience a strong sense of security. 

Caged at Stage 2 

However, there is a shadow to this certainty. We can become rigid, clinging tightly to the practices we’ve learned. This may lead us to judge or even reject those who follow different traditions or interpretations. We sometimes believe our way is the right way—and that “others” are doing it wrong. 

Stage 2 is common among “switchers”—people who move from one church or group to another, seeking deeper truth. While it may appear as growth, often this is a symptom of a lack of rootedness. In the Western church, this can manifest as church or small group “hopping,” in search of the “best fit,” when, in fact, deeper commitment is what’s needed. 

Moving Forward to Stage 3 

To progress from Stage 2 to Stage 3, we must move beyond just consuming spiritual content to actively contributing to the spiritual lives of others. Discipleship cannot remain a one-way street—we are called to be disciple-makers, not just disciples ourselves. 

Growth in this stage involves developing confidence in who we are as Christ-followers. As we mature, our identity becomes rooted not merely in our community or belief system but in Christ Himself. 

Scripture Reflection: Read 2 Timothy 3:10–17 

1. Who was Timothy committed to? What did Paul teach him? 

2. Who in your life has helped you grow in faith? 

3. How have others shaped your spiritual journey? 

4. What would your spiritual life look like without the influence of others? 

5. What might it look like for you to fully commit to a community of faith or belief system? How could that change your life? 

6. Are you more of a learner or a follower right now? How can you grow in both? 

Scripture Reflection: Read Acts 2:42–47 

Reflect on the early church’s deep commitment to one another. 
What stands out about how they lived in community? 
Discuss which of these qualities you’d like to see more of in your Life Group. 

Exercises: Continuing in the Life of Discipleship 

Here are some practical steps to deepen your journey: 

1. Find a mentor. Ask someone you trust to walk with you and offer guidance. 

2. Journal your journey. Write down what you're learning and what you sense God speaking to you. 

3. Engage with spiritual content. Read, watch, or listen to teachings that challenge and grow you. 

Closing Prayer: For Deep Understanding in Our Group 

Dear Lord, 
Bless us with deep understanding that transcends differences and fosters unity within our group. Help us to see beyond surface-level disagreements and connect on a deeper level of shared values and experiences. Guide us to build bridges of empathy and mutual respect. Thank You for the gift of community. May we grow in understanding, love, and unity as we walk this journey together. 
Amen. 

Critical Journey – Week 3: The Productive Life

This week, we focus on Stage 3: The Productive Life. At this stage, the journey begins to turn outward—we no longer focus solely on ourselves. Instead, we step into roles of responsibility and service within the community.

Characteristics of Stage 3

Stage 3 is marked by actively working with God and utilizing the gifts He has given us. We begin to recognize our unique strengths and use them to serve and bless the community that has poured into us.

In this stage, we often take on new levels of responsibility—sometimes even leadership. For some, this means stepping into visible roles; for others, it may involve serving quietly behind the scenes. Either way, there's a renewed sense of purpose and excitement as we contribute to the larger body of Christ.

The Risk of Becoming Caged at Stage 3

While this stage can feel like the peak of Christian living, it also carries the danger of becoming a trap. We may start to define ourselves by our performance or productivity, which can lead to burnout and a subtle shift toward self-centeredness. If we’re not careful, we lose sight of the deeper journey and become stuck, weary, or disillusioned.

Moving Forward from Stage 3

Transitioning from Stage 3 to Stage 4 is often challenging. It can involve a season of disorientation or even a crisis of faith. Certainty begins to slip away, and we may feel abandoned or confused. But it is in this tension that God invites us into deeper trust and transformation.

Scripture Reflection: Ephesians 2:1-10

Reflect on the following:

·       What is the difference between life without Christ and life with Christ in this passage?

·       What does it mean to you that we were created to do good works?

·       Why do you think Paul uses the word “handiwork”? What does that convey to you?

·       What gifts have you identified that the Lord has given you in this area?

·       What gifts have you observed in the lives of others in your group?

·       What is an area of spiritual responsibility you feel drawn to?

·       What factors may be holding you back from stepping into that responsibility?

·       What are some practical ways you can begin to overcome those barriers?

Scripture Reflection: Exodus 3:1 – 4:17

Read this passage individually. Then consider:

·       How many excuses does Moses give?

·       How does the Lord respond to each one?

·       What does this interaction teach us about God’s patience and empowerment?

·       How can we respond like Moses—hesitant, but ultimately willing—as we embrace spiritual responsibility with Jesus?

Closing Prayer: To Embrace Responsibility

Our Father,
We come before You seeking strength and wisdom to fulfill our daily responsibilities.
Grant us the grace to approach each task with diligence and integrity,
and to serve others with love and compassion.
Help us to balance our duties with rest, and to find joy in our work.
May our actions reflect Your light in all we do.
Amen.

Critical Journey – Week 4 – The Journey Inward 

This week, we focus on Stage 4: The Journey Inward and The Wall. At this stage, we rediscover God and go on the difficult journey inward. We find ourselves faced with The Wall and decide how we will find healing in this journey.  

Characteristics of Stage 4 

Stage 4 is when we really begin to question things in our faith journey. We search for direction, not just answers. To outsiders it may look like we have lost our faith. We remove God from the box we placed Him in and begin to explore where He actually is.  

The Risk of Becoming Caged at Stage 4 

Stage 4 is an easy one to get stuck in. We may even find ourselves approaching the Wall and then retreating to stages of comfort. We are consumed by self-assessment and question everything. It gets hard to move forward, unsure of what lays ahead and what is within us.  

Moving Forward from Stage 4 

It can be hard to move from Stage 4 through the Wall into Stage 5. It takes a commitment to the faith journey that has not been asked of us since we abandoned ourselves at salvation. We must let go of our self-centeredness and accept God’s purpose for our lives. We continue to remove stones from the wall until we can move into Stage 5. 

Scripture Reflection: Luke 22:31-4, 54-62 

Reflect on the following: 

• What do you think Peter felt when Jesus said he has prayed, “that his faith may not fail”?  

• Why is it significant that Jesus prays that? What does it communicate about difficult parts of our faith journey? 

• Why did Peter follow at a distance as Jesus headed into the house of the high priest? 

• How much times passes for Peter to deny Jesus the three times? 

• How do you think Peter felt when the Lord looked at him? 

• Have you ever been in a place in your faith where you wept bitterly? 

• How has the image of God that you have changed over the years? 

Reflection 

Listen to this quote from the Critical Journey about The Wall 

The Wall, a dark and sacred place, reeks of God. In the Wall we are vulnerable enough to listen to what God says. ... Once we believe that God is in the midst of the darkness with us, it can be a transforming place. We don’t necessarily get cured or erase our pain or become saints, but we learn how to embrace our pain, how to stay with it and learn what it is trying to teach us, how to look fear in the face and keep moving into it. The Wall invites us each to heal.   

Have a moment of silent reflection as you think about what the Wall can and has looked like for you. 

Closing Prayer: From St Ambrose on Peter’s Denial 

Lord Jesus Christ, 

You looked upon Peter when he denied You, 

Not with anger, but with mercy. 

By Your glance, You brought him to tears of repentance. 

Look upon me also, O Lord, 

When I fall through weakness and fear. 

Let Your gaze pierce my heart, 

That I may weep for my sins 

And rise renewed by Your forgiveness. 

As You restored Peter to be shepherd of Your flock, 

Restore me also to faith and courage, 

That I may confess You not only with my lips, 

But with my life. 

For You live and reign forever. Amen. 

Critical Journey – Week 5 - The Journey Outward  

This week, we focus on Stage 5: The Journey Outward. After rediscovering God in Stage 4, we now begin to live outward with the beliefs and feelings we have gathered. It is the natural progression much like from Stage 2 (learning) to Stage 3 (teaching) to go from Stage 4 (inward) to Stage 5 (outward). How we understand ourselves and God are different from our understandings before hitting The Wall, but we are better for it and so is the world around us.  

Characteristics of Stage 5 

Stage 5 finds us with a renewed sense of God’s acceptance. We are known, loved, and valued by the God who created us. We have moved through The Wall and now transition out of the journey inward to a life lived with others. We are horizontally focused. We are filled with a deep calm and stillness through all aspects of our lives. Our true vocation and purpose are made known to us through a profound sense of calling and we can focus on the best interests of others. We go out of our way to serve those around us, maybe even to our perceived detriment.  

The Risk of Becoming Caged at Stage 5 

Stage 5 is not one where we can easily become stuck. Since we have been healed on our journey through The Wall, we live in the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives. Some may think we are stuck, however, as we become less focused on things that the world dictates are important and instead focus on the fullness of God’s purpose in our lives. 

Moving Forward from Stage 5 

The progression from Stage 5 to Stage 6 is one that evolves as we continue to grow deeper in the Lord and see God in all areas of our life.  

Scripture Reflection:  1 Samuel 2:1-10 

Reflect on the following:  

• Where does Hannah find her deliverance and her delight? 

• What were the things that were hurtful to Hannah in her life, and how was she able to turn those difficulties to the Lord? 

• What are some modern-day parallels to the difficulties Hannah was facing? 

• How does Hannah describe the Lord in her prayer? 

• How does one prevail, according to Hannah’s prayer? 

• How do you think Hannah had the strength to give the son that she had prayed for back to the Lord? 

• What type of control does the Lord have over our lives and over the world that we live in, according to Hannah’s prayer? 

• What would it look like if you lived your life believing that the Lord had full control? 

• What are the things that keep you from living like the Lord is in full control? 

• Which is a better way to live? 

Reflection  

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10    

Sit with your thoughts on your weaknesses and how the Lord’s grace is sufficient for you. Journal what comes to mind and how the Lord is with you. 

Closing Prayer: Oration 37 from St. Gregory of Nazianzus  

For all that I am and all that I have, is from Thee 

What shall I give Thee, my God, for all these things? 

For everything is Thine, and Thou askest nothing of me by myself, 

Whom also I give wholly and entirely. 

Receive me, then, together with this my prayer.