“A faith milestone is a moment along life’s journey that says, ‘This is a marker along life’s journey that says, ‘This is something important and God is here too." Dr David Anderson
Faith Trail Ministry is a way to celebrate with families in your congregation the promises made in baptism and helps to equip families with resources for sharing their faith stories. Faith Trail markers are celebrated with children and parents and are recognised in worship through prayer, blessing and gifting.
We have provided a resource to mark the moment that children begin school by creating A Blessing of the Backpacks marker. This can be implemented at a worship service or a beginning school assembly.
Ideas for Blessing of the Backpack tags
“Some people brought little children to Jesus. They wanted him to place his hands on the children and pray for them. But the disciples told the people to stop. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't keep them away. The kingdom of heaven belongs to people like them." Matthew 19: 13-15
As leaders in congregations we can help others understand and recognise how God is present in everyday life. These events can impact the building of a connected faith community.
This lines up with our Guiding Principle #5 - Lifelong Faith Formation. People of all ages are discipled in faith through the different stages of life.
This faith-formation journey integrates all age groups and provides whole-community experiences and learning, focused on events of church life and seasons of the Christian faith. It also seeks to support the needs, interests, and spiritual growth of every age group. It’s holistic - it’s about nurturing the way of the head, the heart, and the hands - informing, forming, and transforming people in Christian faith and identity.
As leaders we need to be intentional about celebrating faith milestones or rites of passage in our communities, in order to place all of life under the care, blessing and direction of our gracious God.
