Discover
If you’re asking, “What’s next for me?” Discover is the perfect place to start. Discover is a simple, welcoming event designed to help you get to know Big Valley Grace and explore how you can get connected. It’s a chance to hear the heart and vision of our church and see the different ways you and your family can be part of the community here.
During Discover, you’ll explore ministries and opportunities, and learn how you can take next steps in your faith journey. There’s no pressure, just a relaxed space to ask questions, meet people, and begin discovering how God might be inviting you to grow and step into your purpose.
Take your next step today.
Baptism
Water baptism is a powerful next step for anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus and is ready to publicly proclaim what God has already done in their heart. It’s a celebration, a moment to testify to the transforming work of Christ in your life. Jesus both modeled and commanded baptism (Matthew 3:16; 28:19), and choosing to be baptized is an act of joyful obedience that marks a meaningful milestone in your faith journey.
At Big Valley Grace, we practice baptism by immersion, which best represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:1-5). We also immerse three times forward, giving acknowledgment to each person of the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is not the means of salvation, but symbolizes the burial of our old self and being raised to new life in Christ.
If this season feels like one of renewal, surrender, or fresh beginnings, baptism may be your next step in the journey.
Serve
At Big Valley Grace, serving is more than just helping; it’s a way to live out your faith and use the gifts God has given you to make a difference in the church and the community. When you serve, you follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28).
Serving is a powerful next step because it helps you step into the purpose God has uniquely designed for you. When you use your God-given gifts to serve others, you glorify God, strengthen the church, and begin to see how your life fits into His bigger purpose. Whether it’s helping in our services, supporting ministry teams, or joining community projects, serving gives you a chance to make an eternal impact and experience the joy of giving back.
Membership
If you’re looking to take a deeper step in your journey with Jesus and become more connected to the mission and family of Big Valley Grace, our Membership class is the perfect next step. This one-session class is designed to help you understand who we are as a church, what we believe, and how you can fully participate in life here.
Membership is about joining a church community, stepping into your purpose, and discovering how you can serve and grow in this season of your faith journey. If you’re ready to move from attending to truly belonging, this class could be your next step.
Groups
Life with Jesus was never meant to be lived alone. If you’re looking for deeper connection, meaningful friendships, and a place where you can grow in your faith alongside others, a LifeGroup may be your next step. In a LifeGroup, you’ll find people to pray with you, encourage you, study God’s Word with you, and walk through real life together — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
LifeGroups meet weekly or biweekly for about 1.5 to 2 hours throughout the greater Modesto area, including Manteca, Ripon, and Riverbank. Most gatherings include fellowship, Bible study, and prayer, along with opportunities to serve the community or simply have fun together.
If this is a season where you’re craving community and growth, stepping into a LifeGroup could be the right next step for you.
Regular Attendance
Faith grows best when it’s nurtured consistently, and one of the most foundational steps in your journey is making regular attendance a priority. Coming together with others to worship, hear God’s Word, and be part of a community strengthens your faith, builds authentic relationships, and helps you stay grounded in your walk with Jesus.
Scripture reminds us in Hebrews 10:24–25 not to give up meeting together, but to encourage one another, and that’s exactly what happens when we gather. Making a habit of gathering with your church family each week can be a simple yet transformative next step.