To learn more about NEXT, click here!

NEXT is a 10-minute introduction to Hoboken Grace where you can explore who we are and find out what your next step should be. It takes place after every in-person and online service on Sundays.

To learn more about what NEXT can accomplish, we sat down with Rebecca to hear how it impacted her life and led to some amazing steps!

What led you to find the NEXT booth after service one day? 

It’s funny, because months previous to attending the service and stopping by the NEXT booth, I had emailed Hoboken Grace a pretty lengthy message with a series of questions about the church, it’s theology, etc etc. At the time, I was “church shopping” as my then boyfriend (now husband) and I felt it was time to make our way back to our faith. I had fired off similar emails to a few different congregations in the area. What really struck me was Anthony’s comically short response to my drawn out email. Ha! He explained how he thought that God was giving me  “little nudges”, and that I should simply pop by on Sunday and see what they were all about.

What was your experience at NEXT like? 

At the time, I considered talking to “church people” an intimidating experience, so I was bracing myself for an awkward conversation when I walked in and saw Pastor Anthony sitting there. It was nothing of the sort. It was a quick, disarming conversation, and I left feeling validated. Anthony gave me a really awesome book to take home, and encouraged me to keep coming on Sundays. My husband and I poured over the book together over the next few weeks, and it was an amazing turning point for us.

Were your questions and concerns answered? 

Yes! NEXT put me at ease, and it was one tiny step out of my comfort zone. Leaving NEXT, I had a moment of clarity. I realized only God had the answers I was looking for, not people, and so I felt motivated to dive deeper.

How have you found community or become more connected after NEXT? 

NEXT was really the jump off for me feeling safe and ready to become more involved with Hoboken Grace. Shortly after that, we started attending Sundays regularly. From there, I felt an itch to serve. I applied to become a teacher at the After School program. Then, I met a friend who invited me to be in their dinner group. Finally, the opportunity to serve on Sundays fell into my lap. Now, I’m the Family Support Leader for the Grace Kids program and it’s been a wonderfully fulfilling adventure.

What would you say to someone who is considering NEXT?

Just go. No one bites, and we literally pray for you and this moment to happen! I think everyone at Hoboken Grace is genuinely eager and ready to meet you where you’re at. Just be yourself, and give yourself the chance you deserve to deepen (or start) a relationship with Jesus.

To learn more about NEXT, click here!