The goal of Grow Ministries is to support and equip congregations to move from isolated programs for children and young people to an intergenerational ministry culture that nurtures faith for life.
The culture of effective ministry at any age, but especially with children and youth, is about building relationships and being intentional about creating opportunities for those relationships to be formed.
It’s about relationships—not programs
LEADERSHIP - Leaders in homes and congregations have a strong understanding of the nature and practices of effective child, youth and family ministry, and their role within it.
INTERGENERATIONAL- Meaningful intergenerational church experiences are intentional and valued.
FAITH AT HOME - Faith is integrated into family identity and practise.
MENTORING - Children and young people have multiple adult mentors of vital faith.
LIFELONG FAITH FORMATION - People of all ages are discipled in faith through the different stages of life.
PEER RELATIONSHIPS - Faith formation is encouraged by building Christian relationships through quality, age-specific ministry.
PERSONAL CRISIS - People of all ages are engaged in a Christian community that provides support during times of personal crisis.
GIFTS AND TALENTS - Opportunities are given to discover and express gifts and talents.
ACTS OF SERVICE - Opportunities are given to participate in acts of service that show the love of Christ.
MISSIONAL - Ministry practices and approaches have a strong missional focus.
Download the 10 Guiding Principles info sheet HERE
NURTURING ONE FAMILY TABLE
“Research shows that intergenerational worship and relationships are linked with faith that sticks.” Kara Powell, Sticky Faith
Intergenerational relationships in Christian community nurture important connections between generations. They provide space to practice faith in homes, congregations and extend to work places and places of learning. In the midst of faith and life transitions it is important for children, youth and families to have both peers and the greater faith family around to support and care for them. Intergenerational ministry is a catalyst for cultural change in congregations where the whole church finds more ways to come together around one shared table.
The video below created by the Fuller Youth Institute portrays the one table concept well.
