Mar2022
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT – Lutheran Worship book
Our Lutheran worship is full of meaning and purpose. Do we really understand why we do what we do and that the flow of worship is intentional? Have you ever wondered what INVOCATION means? Or how about ABSOLUTION? Why do we PASS THE PEACE? Or say the APOSTLES’ CREED? Order in worship has been there… Read more
Mar2022
Unexpected blessings
How intergenerational ministry changed me – a personal story… Tom was seventy-two-years-old when the scales fell from his eyes regarding the way lives change by simple, faith-filled interactions. It wasn’t that Tom was anti-faith conversations with younger people; it simply hadn’t been part of his experience. Sunday morning conversations were generally about gathering with like-minded,… Read more
Feb2022
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT – Grow Disciples book
How are congregations helping form the faith of their young people? In the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA), and other denominations, the faith journey usually begins with parents bringing their children for infant baptism. Children can then attend a variety of children’s ministry programs, and in adolescence move into confirmation and youth ministry. But what… Read more
Feb2022
Biblical foundation for leadership
LEADERSHIP – A guiding word For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared… Read more
Jan2022
Where did they go and what can we do ?
Where did the young people go and what can we do about it? Have you ever found yourself asking this or similar questions? Do you sit in church and look around at the generations of people visible on Sunday mornings and wonder what happened? As parents, grandparents, and those involved in the work and life… Read more
Dec2021
A practical guide to being missional
Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely… Read more
Nov2021
What are your spiritual gifts?
Often delving into the harder questions, Talking Points are bible studies designed to encourage small groups to journey in faith together. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find… Gifts are abilities God gives to meet the needs of others in Christ’s name: speaking, encouraging, serving, evangelising, teaching, leading, administering, counselling, discipling, organising. Graces, often called… Read more
Sep2021
Helping young people build a sense of belonging in your community
During the Grow Coaching journey, we refer to the importance of rethinking our ministry to children, young people, and their families. What are we rethinking? In our workshops you will be asked the question: “Who or what has influenced your life of faith?” How would you answer? We hear responses like, parents, grandparents, pastor, Sunday… Read more
Jul2021
Where are the Annas and Simeons?
Indeed for what purpose do we older folks exist, other than to care for, instruct and bring up the young? | Martin Luther Forty days after Jesus was born, his parents took him on his first big outing. They went to the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22-40). Imagine the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions these… Read more
Jun2021
Walking together by building relationships
At Grow Ministries we are often talking about being ‘relational’ in ministry. We have been known to say things like: ‘Prioritise relationships over programs’, or ‘It’s all about the relationships!’ But what do we mean when we say these things? Being ‘relational’ is one of those terms that has been used so much that its… Read more