Discipleship helps us mature and develop in our Christian life so we can grow closer to God.  The Bible teaches us truths that are necessary for everyday living including how to talk to God in a life-changing way and how to develop relationships with other Christians who will support and encourage us in our Christian walk.

At ERCF, Discipleship is provided from the youngest to the oldest:

• Nursery (birth through age 4) Our nursery provides a safe, loving, fun and comfortable environment for your child. The nursery department provides care for children from newborn through to 4 years during both services Sunday mornings, Summer Celebration Services and also during other special services. Volunteers must have completed application and screening process.
  Leader: Sharon Dolderman                 Nursery Administration/Volunteer Liaison: Linda Wolfram
   
• Kingdom Kids (age 5 through grade 6) Kingdom Kids is offered for children aged 5 years - Grade 5. Sunday morning programs include a Large Group session with music and Bible teaching followed by an interactive session with Small Group leaders.  Volunteers must have completed application and screening process.
  Leader: Sharon Dolderman
   
• Wildlife (grades 6,7,8) Strengthening relationships with God and others are the main focuses of the meetings and social times planned for this age group.  Meetings are held at the church every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 7:30 pm.  A social event is planned for the 4th Friday of each month.
  Leaders: John & Danielle Balfoort   
   
• Amplified (high school) We exist to impact high school youth for Jesus: we strive to actively discover our ministry and outreach opportunities, while exalting the Lord in worship, and helping one another grow together and in Christ. This awesome youth fellowship group is designed to create opportunities for youth to be together and have a good time in a godly atmosphere. We gather at the church regularly every Friday evening at 7:30 pm, as well as having an annual retreat and several social events throughout the year.
  Leader:  Pastor Merf Bauman   
   
• Young Adults ("20 something to 30 something") A group to fellowship with through group Bible studies and social events. Meetings are held every other Sunday evening at various locations. Be sure to bring your Bible!  Click here for an informational page. See the calendar for more details.
  Leader: Merf Bauman and team
   
• Life Groups:  As the church gets larger on a Sunday morning, it must get smaller through smaller group meetings.  Life groups allow us to build meaningful relationships with others so we can really experience being a part of God's family, to allow us to disciple one another, and bring about spiritual growth. Click here for more info.
  Discipleship Pastor: Merf Bauman
  Administrator: Adrienne Morris

• CLASSes  Our Christian Life and Service Seminars are a series of 4 in-depth classes that teach us about membership in Jesus' family, maturing as a Christian, getting involved in the ministry God has designed for us, and finding our mission in the world.
  Leader: Phil deVries
  
  Specifically, during CLASS 201, we are taught 4 spiritual habits that help us mature as Jesus' followers.
  
  I.    Regular, Personal Bible Reading
  
  "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."   John 8:31-32
  
  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”        2 Tim. 3:16-17
  
  II.    Regular, Personal Prayer
  
  If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.  This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.   John 15:7-8
  
  “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Rom. 12:12
  
  III.    Tithing
  
  "On the first day of each week, set aside some of what you have earned and give it as an offering.  The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn."  1 Cor. 16:2 (LB)
  
  A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD."   Lev. 27:30
  
  "Yes, you should tithe, but you shouldn't leave the more important things undone."   Matt. 23:23 (LB)
  
  IV.    Fellowship with Believers
  
  "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another."  Heb. 10:25
  
  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."  John 13:34-35