Sharing Stories – GF@H
‘I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth‘ 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Ever wondered if something you’ve planted is growing? Or has even sprouted? Or has possibly not even taken root? Ever dug around to check your wonderings?
Grow Ministries has been asking some questions lately, and in particular ‘What’s happening with Growing Faith at Home?’
For those that don’t know, Growing Faith at Home is a lectionary-based resource for everyone. It is designed primarily to encourage faith practices beyond and in between Sundays.
Many congregations subscribe to this year-long resource and very diligently share it among their people, electronically or in the bulletin. But what happens after this?
We’ve just started to find out. And of course in the digging around we’ve found a few odd bits and pieces, more questions and some gems.
Lots of congregations have found their answer to be ‘we don’t know.’ On first reflection they feel embarrassed and concerned, but surprisingly, this has also been a gem! They’ve gone back to their councils and elders to find out. And they’ve begun thinking about what they could do to facilitate continued faith practices through the week.
Some congregations have been spurred on to run a sermon series and model the different parts of Growing Faith at Home during worship time, giving people opportunities to practise what it looks like, and encouraging them to continue practising these through the week.
Some have asked Grow Ministries for help! Yay! This is what we love to do most! And this has been enough to spur them on – hearing the stories of other congregations and sensing that ‘we can do this too’.
Many people have joined the Facebook group ‘Growing Faith at Home – Grow Ministries’. There they’ve found a space where people are willingly sharing their faith practice ideas for Sunday worship, Sunday school, home, school or wherever. There’s helpful dialogue and heaps of inspiration to continue to do this ‘walk of faith’ throughout the week and with all people you might come in contact with.
Most of the time, it’s started with small steps. Or small seeds, planted, watered, nurtured by the sun and a sprinkle of encouraging patience from another person.
So be encouraged in your small steps and join us in the Facebook group – we’d love to hear your stories too!
Rachel Schilling
Read more about Growing Faith at Home
