An intergenerational confirmation resource
A FLEXIBLE WAY FOR ALL AGES TO GROW
Grow Disciples is a resource emerging from a Grow Ministries goal to assist pastors and congregations reflect on their approaches to confirmation. In Grow Disciples you will experience a refreshing shift from providing a confirmation class to building a community. Through intergenerational relationships, conversation and practical applications of faith, minds will be renewed. Watch the transformation happen.
HERE IS ONE CONGREGATION'S EXPERIENCE
Trinity Lutheran Church Bordertown
As a congregation we are continually looking at new approaches to our children’s ministry. We heard about a new confirmation course developed by Grow Ministries. As soon as Covid-19 restrictions would allow, we arranged for Christine Matthias and Jodi Brook to come down to Bordertown to give the congregation, and some visitors from Mt Gambier and Millicent, a deeper insight about what the course was about and what it can offer not only the participants, but also facilitators and the wider congregation. Christine and Jodi inspired us with their explanation of the course and how each lesson relates to our daily lives.
WHAT DO GROW DISCIPLES SESSIONS INCLUDE?
- Each lesson starts with a welcome and an opportunity to chat with the participants about their week and reflect on the questions from the previous lesson that they discussed with their parents.
- An interactive learning section explains the theme of the lesson and the bible verses that relate to it.
- The application section explains (often with the help of an activity) how the theme of the lesson and the bible readings apply to the participants and their daily lives.
- The lesson concludes with an overview allowing participants to think of some questions to take home and discuss with their parents.
Grow Disciples strongly encourages communication. It is all about the participants building their faith, and their relationships with parents, pastor, mentors, leaders and the congregation.
Grow Disciples is easily adapted to suit any group size, location, frequency of lessons and the ability of leaders.
BENEFITS
We are still very young with our journey, but already we are seeing an eagerness from the participants to actively share in discussion, bible reading, and asking some really thought-provoking questions. I see it as a great tool to be able to share our faith with the next generation and to be able to walk beside them as they learn to grow their own faith in our Lord. What a Blessing! Thanks be to God.
written by Jono Graetz
TESTIMONIES
A very flexible course to suit any group, with something different every week. (Leader)
A great way to get to know others and share our faith as we grow closer to Jesus . (Leader)
The course gives a good biblical outline and is a good resource giving an opportunity for challenging and stretching the students. (Pastor)
I enjoy the activities and how they relate to my life. (Participant)
A much more interesting and engaging course than what I did! (Leader)
As a parent, the opportunity to share this journey with my child is a blessing to us both. (Parent)
Grow Disciples is exciting! It takes us beyond curriculums and resources to the heart of faith formation. It is designed to help congregations and pastors build real relationships with participants and actually equip confirmation students for a lifelong journey. This is what we need right now. I love it!
Pastor Matt Thiele, QLD District, LCA
