The document provides information about Word of Faith Christian Center in Nashville, including a brief history, the purpose and vision of establishing spiritual connections, and an overview of the Spiritual Growth Institute discipleship program. The program includes classes to help participants grow in their relationship with God through teaching and two Bible study programs. The purpose of the center is to help people experience God, enjoy fellowship, esteem the word of God, be empowered for ministry, and embrace evangelism.

1. Word of Faith Christian Center - Nashville WELCOME Spiritual Growth Institute Class 101 Connect & Experience

2. What we will discuss… Brief History of WOF, and Our Pastor Purpose and Vision of WOF What is Spiritual Growth Institute? Lesson 101: Connect & Experience!

3. Our Pastor Pastor Henry Coles, Jr. is the Senior Pastor and Founder of Word of Faith Christian Center – Nashville, the Founder and President of Faith Christian Development Academy. He is also the Founder of Word of Faith Christian Center - Knoxville, TN. Pastor Coles is a graduate of Michigan State University and the. Pastor Coles also Word of Faith International Christian Center Bible Training Center served under Bishop Keith A. Butler for 15 years at Faith Christian Center in College Park, GA.

4. A Quote from Our Pastor “ I was an Assistant Pastor to Bishop Keith A. Butler in Atlanta, GA. In 1996, I was praying in the Spirit at a conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was during this time of consecrated prayer, where I heard the Spirit of the Lord speak to me (just as clearly as I am speaking to you), that I was to start a work in Nashville, Tennessee…

5. A Quote from Our Pastor God’s directive was for me to begin the ministry, the same way I had been trained and I had twenty-four months to prepare myself and BE THERE… Where God gives vision, He gives provision! Before entering into ministry, I had plans to become a successful politician – a senator for the state of …

6. A Quote from Our Pastor Michigan. After going into full-time ministry, I was given an opportunity to speak at a conference during the Clinton administration. I had my plan but it wasn’t the perfect will of God for my life.” Excerpts from a message delivered by Pastor Henry Coles, Jr. on August 5, 2007

7. Our Story How did YOU get here? What’s YOUR story?

8. Purpose Statement The purpose of Word of Faith – Nashville, Inc. is to allow people to: EXPERIENCE the presence of God through worship ENJOY relationships with believers through f ellowship ESTEEM the word of God through discipleship Be EMPOWERED to serve God through ministry EMBRACE the world through evangelism

9. What is Spiritual Growth Institute? The Spiritual Growth Institute is the discipleship program of Word of Faith Christian Center. SGI is designed to allow every person to grow in their personal relationship with God, through line-upon-line teaching . SGI fulfills the “Esteeming the Word” portion of the Vision

10. What is Spiritual Growth Institute? SGI is made up of various classes: Spiritual Growth 101 – Connect & Experience Spiritual Growth 102 – Grow & Go Spiritual Growth 103 – Saved to Serve Spiritual Growth 104 – The Heart of God

11. What is Spiritual Growth Institute? SGI is also includes 2 study programs: Layperson’s Bible School – a 2 year systematic bible study. Courses are available on a full or part-time schedule. Bible Training Center – a 2 year program to equip you for the assignment that God has called for you.

12. Quote from Pastor Coles “ We are not doing our job as a ministry if people are not growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ ! Coming together and getting “warm fuzzy” feelings, will not sustain someone through the trials of life .” Henry Coles, Jr. during a staff meeting in April, 2008

13. Purpose Statement The purpose of Word of Faith – Nashville, Inc. is to allow people to: EXPERIENCE the presence of God through worship ENJOY relationships with believers through f ellowship ESTEEM the word of God through discipleship Be EMPOWERED to serve God through ministry EMBRACE the world through evangelism

14. What Do We Believe? The importance of AGREEMENT: “ Can two walk together, except they be agreed ?” Amos 3:3 “ Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven .” Matthew 18:19

15. The Triune God There is only One God existing eternally in three Persons. All three Persons in the Trinity are called God. The Trinity in creation: Genesis 1:1, 26 The Trinity of God-Head: The Father – I Corinthians 8:6 The Son – Hebrews 1:8, St. John 1:1-2, 20:28 The Holy Spirit – Acts 5:3-4 Plural Terms : Genesis 3:22, 11:7; John 14:23, 17:11

16. What Does God Say About the Bible? John 1:1 II Timothy 3:16 II Peter 1:16-21 Hebrews 4:12 Proverbs 3:1-2 Proverbs 4:20-22 John 7:16-17 John 8:31-32

17. The Word of God is the FINAL AUTHORITY!

18. The Lord’s Supper Communion is: having in common; a fellowship, a participation in the knowledge of God. I Corinthians 10:15-17

19. The Significance The Table – a place of love & fellowship Bread – represents Jesus broken body 1 Corinth. 11:24-25); and the Body of Christ , the Church 1 Corinth. 10:16-17 Wine – the blood of Jesus Matthew 26:28 What Happens? Healing & Health is available Isaiah 53:4-5 Matthew 8:16-17 Must Judge Yourself! 1 Corinth. 11:27, 29, 30

20. Baptism Jesus commands us to TEACH the people Matthew 28:18-20 Water Baptism AFTER one receives salvation Acts 2:37-38; Acts 8:12, 26-38

21. Baptism Word of Faith Christian Center – Nashville has adopted the following formula for Water Baptism: “ By the confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and By His Authority, I baptize you in the name of the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!”

22. Stewardship On Tithes & Offerings Luke 19:12 -26 Where should I give my tithes? How much should I give? What kind of attitude should I have? What happens?

23. CONNECT ENJOY the Fellowship of Believers

24. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world , that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love :” Ephesians 1:4

25. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou ?” Genesis 3:8-9

26. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee : And I will make of thee a great nation , and I will bless thee , and make thy name great , and thou shalt be a blessing:” Genesis 12:1-2

27. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “… I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows..

28. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of the land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey…” Exodus 3:6-8

29. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ It came even to pass, as the trumpeter and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when the lift up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house

30. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ was filled with a cloud , even the house of the Lord: So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God .” II Chronicles 5:13-14

31. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God…And the Word was made flesh , and dwelt among us , (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1-2, 14

32. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life .” John 3:16

33. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you . And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that were I am, there ye may be also .” John 14:2-3

34. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “ And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever ; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you , and shall be in you . I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you ” John 14:16-18

35. Connect with God The Bible reveals God’s will to CONNECT with you! “… for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” II Corinthians 6:16

36. Connect with God By receiving Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, God’s Spirit now abides in you! You are connected with God! I Corinthians 3:16 The Holy Spirit is within you to develop the character of God! Galatians 5:22-23 (We will discuss, in more detail, the role of the Holy Spirit in your life in Layperson’s Bible School)

37. Connect with His Gifts God gave us gifts, to stay connected! Ephesians 4:4-8,11 Why did he give us these gifts? Ephesians 4:12-15 “… may grow up into him in all things…” Can I “grow up” if I am not connected to his gifts? (You will learn more about Ministry Gifts in Laypersons)

38. Connect with His People “ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together , as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25

39. How Can I CONNECT? Be FRIENDLY and meet new people at service. Introduce yourself to someone you don’t know after service. Find a WHOSU (Whose Sharpening You) Group. Groups meet to provide you an opportunity to CONNECT with other believers. Attend our special ministries; Men’s (MOPAC), Women’s (WORD), Youth (G Phi Nation), Covenant Partners, and much more! These ministries have been put in place to allow you to CONNECT with the ministry and other believers! John 14:2-3

40. Let’s Review I was CONNECTED to God by receiving Jesus Christ! I am CONNECTED to His gifts by attending service faithfully, and supporting the ministry! I am CONNECTED to His people by being friendly and enjoying new friendships!

41. EXPERIENCE EXPERIENCE the presence of God

42. The Will of God Our journey doesn’t end at the altar! It is just beginning! 3 Things the New Testament Reveals: The Gospels – reveal God’s love for the lost (SG 104) Acts – reveal God’s will for all to be Spirit-filled The Epistles – reveal God’s will for all believers to grow spiritually (SG 102)

43. The Promise “ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh ; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit .” Joel 2:28-29

44. The Promise “ And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high .” Luke 24:49 “ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth .” Acts 1:8

45. The Fulfillment Acts 2:1-4 They were CONNECTED, in one accord They were ASSEMBLED, in one place Acts 2:38-39 “… the promise is unto you , and to your children , and to all that are afar off , even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

46. Experience Keys of God moving in our midst: Acts 2:41-42, 46-47 They were baptized They studied They had fellowship (Connect) They prayed together They had a “Praise Life” If we want to get what they got, we have to do what they did!

47. Re-Filling Acts 4:23-24, 31-33 They had a company to pray with They were in one accord God moved AGAIN!

48. The Promise Acts 8:12-17 They were water baptized, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit Acts 10:44-48 They received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and then water baptized Acts 19:1-6

49. Receive the Promise It is clearly the will of God for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Luke 11:9-13

50. Experience @ WOF God is not a respector of person’s. If God moved in the book of Acts, He desires to move in our midst, here at Word of Faith! What Can We Do? Be ON TIME, by attending Corporate Prayer before service Expect God to move in service! Attend THOP, and Early Morning Prayer Proverbs 8:17

51. Spiritual Growth 102 How do I continue to “grow” in the things of God? How to know the voice of God How to control your thoughts, and become a mature believer