Here's how the PERSONAL GRID works:
(Click the boxes below in order, to understand the rhythm the Personal Grid helps establish).
Connect
Identify who will take this journey with you. You will each use your own version of the PERSONAL GRID.
Determine when, and how often you will connect with each other (monthly, bi-weekly, etc.) to discuss and review the steps you are each taking as you use the GRID. Mark this on your calendars, and commit to making your connection regular.
Reflect
Consider the definition of each category within the PERSONAL GRID. Ask yourself, "How well does this definition describe my current journey and expression of faith?" and fill out your PERSONAL GRID accordingly. Then, have a conversation with those in your purposeful relationship, discussing what each of your GRIDs looks like, and why each was completed the way they were. Each individual will now choose which version of the PERSONAL GRID best suits where they are in their own faith journey. The tailored versions of the GRID will help each person can be encouraged to take their "best next steps" from where they currently are.
Select
Each person, will choose from the list of "Menu Options" specific to their version of the PERSONAL GRID. Each version is tailored to either age, spiritual maturity, and/or development as a disciple who makes disciples. Each individual will choose their own step to take, but will share what Menu Option they have chosen with the others they are connecting with.
Pray for one another, asking that God would use your shared journey, and the steps you have each chosen to draw you closer to him, strengthen your faith and make you more like Jesus.
Set a specific date when you will reconnect to discuss how your journey has gone as you have each taken the steps you've chosen. (Monthly or bi-weekly times of Connection have been helpful to those using the PERSONAL GRID. But the main thing is to keep your times of Connection regular, consistent, and purposeful.)
Affect
Use the "Effective Connection Points" Guide to help keep your times of connection intentional and moving forward, as you: • reConnect with each other; • Reflect on your journeys as you have taken your chosen steps since you last connected; • Select your next steps forward-for some this may be a continuation of the same step; for others it may be a new step in the same category; and for others, it may be a new step in a completely new category; • Encourage and pray for one another based on what you have each shared about your journeys so far, and your desires to grow and become more like Jesus in specific ways; • Set a new date and time to reConnect; • Continue this rhythm of Connect-Reflect-Select-Affect to help you develop and strengthen a consistent rhythm of life within the context of your purposeful relationships.
Remember
As you grow, or as your current context changes, you are able to begin using a different version of the PERSONAL GRID. This will allow you to choose from uniquely and specifically tailored Menu Options that best suit where you now find yourself in your journey of discipleship and disciple-making.
