NEXT STEPS

Welcome to CLCBC, where we want to help you take your Next Steps with Jesus! We’re so glad you’re here and we are excited to help you discover meaningful ways to grow in your faith and connect with our church family. Whether you’re exploring what it means to become a Christian, considering taking the next step in your spiritual journey, or looking for opportunities to get involved, we’re here to guide and support you. From attending a Newcomer’s Luncheon to exploring Believer’s Baptism, joining a Bible study, volunteering in ministries, or becoming a member, there’s a place for you to belong and make a difference. Let’s take the next steps together!

How to Begin the Christian Life

1. Understand the Problem
The world is full of brokenness—conflict, suffering, and injustice—and we often contribute to that through our choices, whether by selfishness, harm, or neglect. The Bible calls this brokenness “sin,” which separates us from the life and goodness God created us for (Romans 3:23).
2. Recognize God’s Solution
God saw this brokenness and did not leave us to face it alone. He sent His Son, Jesus, who lived a life of perfect love, confronted evil, and offered hope to everyone. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin, evil, and even death itself, opening the way for us to have a restored relationship with God and live in the freedom and goodness He intended (Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 15:57).
3. Choose to Follow Jesus
Jesus invites everyone to follow Him, to trust Him as the one who leads us into true life, and to live under His care and guidance. This means turning away from the ways of selfishness and harm and committing our loyalty to Jesus as our leader and Savior (Mark 1:15; Romans 10:9).
4. Declare Your Commitment
Becoming a Christian involves an active choice to trust Jesus and commit to following His way. You might start with a prayer like this:

"God, I recognize the brokenness in my life and in the world around me. Thank You for sending Jesus to overcome sin and death and to show us the way to live. I trust Him and want to follow Him with my life. Please guide me as I take these first steps. Amen."
5. Learn and Grow
Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. You can begin by learning more about His life and teachings in the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John. Spend time talking to God in prayer and find others who are committed to following Jesus so you can grow together.
6. Live Out Your Allegiance
Jesus calls His followers to reflect His love in how they live. This means loving God and loving others, practicing kindness, forgiveness, and generosity, and working to bring healing and hope to the world around you. Following Jesus isn’t about following rules—it’s about knowing Him and making Him known. (Matthew 22:37-40; Micah 6:8).
7. Celebrate Your New Life
When you choose to follow Jesus, the Bible says you are made new—part of God’s family and free to live in the fullness of His love (2 Corinthians 5:17). Take time to celebrate this new chapter in your life and explore how God wants to use your unique gifts and story for good.
If you'd like to learn more about taking this first step with Jesus, fill out the contact form at the button below and indicate you'd like to learn more about following Jesus.
Learn More

Newcomers Luncheons

Periodically throughout the year the staff and elders will host a luncheon to afford newcomers an opportunity to meet the staff, ask questions about our church and ministries and explore ways to get more involved at CLCBC.  If you're a new family and still exploring CLCBC, please consider coming to our next Newcomers Luncheon!

Believer's Baptism

Every August we hold a baptism service at a lake in Antioch.  If you'd like to learn more about believer's baptism, please fill out this connect form below and indicate that you'd like to learn about baptism. We have classes on Sunday mornings prior to the Baptism service for those looking to be baptized.  Please look for announcements related to those classes which will have the sign-up details.
Learn More

Join a Bible Study

We have numerous small group Bible studies available throughout the week.  We encourage you to find one that works with your schedule and interests, get plugged in, and build relationships with other believers.  We can help you find a group if you will fill out the form below.
Learn More

Volunteer

Numerous ministries here at CLCBC would love to have your help!  Everything from greeting to teaching, we need you!  Find out where you can get involved here!
Learn More

Membership Classes

Throughout the year we give folks an opportunity to join our membership.  Members at CLCBC are the deciders.  They determine the budget by approving it.  They determine the pastoral staff and elders and deacons by approving them for those positions.  If you'd like a voice in how things are done at CLCBC, and you want to formally recognize CLCBC as YOUR church community, you can take that step by filling out the form and indicate you're interested in membership.
Learn More