Learning to Grow Together
Grow Coaching is an interactive process that helps individuals, ministry teams and congregations to practise vibrant faith in a changing world. Through Grow Coaching, we work intentionally with congregations to re-think child, youth and family ministry in the 21st century.
Grow Ministries began the ‘gathering’ phase of coaching congregations in the Western Darling Downs in October 2019 led by Rachel Schilling. Initially the Chinchilla Parish took up the mantel and the Dalby congregation joined soon after. They met together over the following two years at both locations. During this time, teams were formed, and they began learning and growing together through the various weekend workshops. Starting at the very beginning to ‘re-think’ what preconceived notions of church they had, and how these were either in contrast or alignment with what effective child, youth and family ministry looks like. Or as Grow Ministries refers to it – intergenerational ministry – and how we go about putting this new paradigm in place.
Nigel Rosenzweig and Vicki Rochow (representing Grow Ministries) also joined in several of the weekend workshops and brought a fresh team approach to each of these events. They even managed a workshop in 2020 despite most of Australia being in lockdown. This was even more heartening to the coaching teams as they continued to encourage and support these congregations throughout this challenging time. Both congregations experienced changes in their leadership during the coaching journey, which showed just how important a strong team culture and strong congregational leadership is through disruptions like COVID-19 lockdown and border closures.
Each congregation and parish have grown in ways that have given life and sparked a new vibrancy in each place. Each member of the grow teams has also grown and now feel equipped to share these new learnings with more people within their congregation. Dalby has coined a new phrase ‘Grow On’ meaning they will continue their grow journey even though the formal Grow Coaching is completed. The Grow Ministries team will continue to support each place as they now continue to build a culture of being intergenerational.
Grow Coaching clusters are in progress in Perth, Adelaide, and the Adelaide Hills. In some cases, they consist of two congregations and other instances three congregations make up the coaching cluster. These clusters provide each congregation with ideas, encouragement, and support on their journey of learning and implementing new ways of doing ministry. The journey can be challenging but is lifegiving too.
If you would like to learn more about Grow Coaching, the work of Grow Ministries or our Rethinking Faith Formation congregational workshops, please contact Jodi Brook, Director Grow Ministries jodi.brook@lca.org.au or call the LCA Churchwide Office 08 8267 7300.
