I am the Pastor of Faith Formation at Nelson Avenue Community Church. We take a holistic view of Faith Formation defining it as "the life long journey (from cradle to grave) of being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ for the sake of others." I'm learning how to make this definition a practical part of our everyday life both in our church community and outside our church.
Nancy, thank you for sharing your story and your pain. I pray that you have finally found a safe place, church and community. May God continue to be your healer and your comforter. We have so much to do yet in breaking down the stigma around domestic violence and becoming safe places. I'm so sorry for all you have gone through especially at the hands of the church
I'm glad you are putting a tool kit together. Will one of the resources be what to do if women come forward to share their #metoo story? In one case a woman talked to an elder and said she had never shared the story before, not even with her husband. We've been at a bit of a loss how to help or if we should help.
Your report of a 100% increase leaves me with mixed feelings. I am sad that so many had to access Safe Church Ministry in Grand Rapids, for the people behind those numbers and for the lack of Classical and Church teams. I'm also glad that so many people knew that there are people to walk along side them. Praying that God would heal the broken hearted, give wisdom to those involved and for more Safe Church teams and Classical coordinators
Thank you so much for this resource. It is very timely as I am writing the template for our in-house fall group study. We are also really looking at how to do Adult Education in our church. I think it will mostly be through small groups as we are a commuter church. Alot of the points will help with small groups as well. Thank you again.
Thank you for this! I've been thinking a lot about Faith Formation lately. My interest is with the adults. Thank you for showing us a concrete way to include Faith Formation in the wider ministry of the church.
To answer your question "At what age do you foster worship leading?" we have several grade schoolers participating in the choir with their mother on some of the songs. We also have highschool students in our choir. Finally one of our regualr worship teams is lead by high school students and young adults. It is so uplifting to see their love for God shining through as they lead us in worship.
To help our younger children participate in worship we have made some small flags for them to use. It's interesting to see some of the older children beginning to catch on to how to use these to worship. We plan to continue to provide appropriate education about what the use of the flags is for.
As one who struggles with clinical depression, your words struck a real cord in my heart. Thank you for your understanding and graciousness. You are right on in terms of what someone struggling with depression needs and doesn't need! I hope many elders and others will read this and learn. May the body of Christ become an even greater support for those who suffer one of the mysteries of life.
We require a parent/guardian of 3 to 6 year olds to sign their children in and out. The parent who signs in, is the one who must pick the child up. Since our children actually go downstairs, a Children's Church teacher stands at the top of the stairs with the sign in sheets on a clip board for parents/guardians and visitors to sign their children in. At the end of the service, parents come downstairs and go to the classroom door to pick up their child and sign them out.
Posted in: S.O.S. Silence Hides Violence, Violence Destroys Lives
Nancy, thank you for sharing your story and your pain. I pray that you have finally found a safe place, church and community. May God continue to be your healer and your comforter. We have so much to do yet in breaking down the stigma around domestic violence and becoming safe places. I'm so sorry for all you have gone through especially at the hands of the church
Posted in: Weekly Family Faith Formation Tips for Your Church Bulletin
This is a great idea! Thank you so much for doing this and making my job easier.
Posted in: An Intergenerational Alternative (or Addition) to Sunday School
This sounds really exciting. Thank you for letting us know about this resource and Genon Ministries.
Posted in: Responding to Abuse Toolkit: Grooming
I'm glad you are putting a tool kit together. Will one of the resources be what to do if women come forward to share their #metoo story? In one case a woman talked to an elder and said she had never shared the story before, not even with her husband. We've been at a bit of a loss how to help or if we should help.
Posted in: To Solve a Safe Church Situation
Your report of a 100% increase leaves me with mixed feelings. I am sad that so many had to access Safe Church Ministry in Grand Rapids, for the people behind those numbers and for the lack of Classical and Church teams. I'm also glad that so many people knew that there are people to walk along side them. Praying that God would heal the broken hearted, give wisdom to those involved and for more Safe Church teams and Classical coordinators
Posted in: 50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education
Thank you so much for this resource. It is very timely as I am writing the template for our in-house fall group study. We are also really looking at how to do Adult Education in our church. I think it will mostly be through small groups as we are a commuter church. Alot of the points will help with small groups as well. Thank you again.
Posted in: Five Pointers for Praying With Kids
These are great ideas. I would like to post this on my church's Faith Formation Website.
Posted in: Volunteer Care that Supports Faith Formation and Discipleship
Thank you for this! I've been thinking a lot about Faith Formation lately. My interest is with the adults. Thank you for showing us a concrete way to include Faith Formation in the wider ministry of the church.
Posted in: Hints for Elders
I would add: Know and follow the Safe Church Policies of your church.
Posted in: Dropping Out
To answer your question "At what age do you foster worship leading?" we have several grade schoolers participating in the choir with their mother on some of the songs. We also have highschool students in our choir. Finally one of our regualr worship teams is lead by high school students and young adults. It is so uplifting to see their love for God shining through as they lead us in worship.
To help our younger children participate in worship we have made some small flags for them to use. It's interesting to see some of the older children beginning to catch on to how to use these to worship. We plan to continue to provide appropriate education about what the use of the flags is for.
Posted in: Giving Support in Times of Depression
As one who struggles with clinical depression, your words struck a real cord in my heart. Thank you for your understanding and graciousness. You are right on in terms of what someone struggling with depression needs and doesn't need! I hope many elders and others will read this and learn. May the body of Christ become an even greater support for those who suffer one of the mysteries of life.
Posted in: Visitor Policy When Preschool Class Starts Halfway Through Service?
We require a parent/guardian of 3 to 6 year olds to sign their children in and out. The parent who signs in, is the one who must pick the child up. Since our children actually go downstairs, a Children's Church teacher stands at the top of the stairs with the sign in sheets on a clip board for parents/guardians and visitors to sign their children in. At the end of the service, parents come downstairs and go to the classroom door to pick up their child and sign them out.