Milestone Ministry, Faith Stepping Stones, Or… Why a Ministry that follows a person in each chapter of life? What do these ministries look like? Do they fit into my congregation?

Losing a tooth. Learning to ride a bike. Learning to read. Choose one of the following memories from your childhood Turn to your neighbor, and share your story regarding this memory.

Growing … Developing … Learning … Maturing …

Growing … Developing … Learning … Maturing … ~~~~~~~~~~~ Milestones … Markers … Steps … In life’s journey

Family Faith Journey in the 21 st century….

What we know… o Parents, whether they know it or not, are always socializing about religion. o 3 out of 4 teens consider their own beliefs somewhat or very similar to those of their parents.

What we know… Parents are not always clear how churches can help them as parents. The most common responses included advice & guidance(21%) moral & emotional support (12%). Few parents that said that a church could help them receive biblical teaching or scripture knowledge. Slightly less than half of parents (45%) who have had recent church experience said the leaders of the church have made the church’s expectations of parents “very clear”.

What we know… Sunday School attendance peaked in participation in the 1950’s. Church worship attendance has gone from 3-4 times a month to 1-2 times a month.

“When no one is clear about expectations- neither parents nor church leaders-it is difficult for anyone to experience healthy outcomes- families or congregations. One of the implications of this research is that people do not generally look at “the church” itself as the answer to their parenting problems or family crises. In other words, the church feels like a generic solution when most people are facing specific problems. Connecting to people’s needs has to be done through relationships, accessibility, and relevant solutions and content for families.” 2010 State of Church & Family Report/Barna Group

Marking our GROWTH and MATURITY as God’s uniquely designed child. God designed people as complex beings, creating a journey allowing for growth, development and maturity:  Physically  Emotionally  Mentally  Spiritually

 Losing a tooth.  Learning to ride a bike.  Learning to Read Physical growth. Combining physical & mental. Complexity increases. Steps from symbols to storytelling. Multiple areas of development.

Milestone Ministry, Stepping Stones, Faith Markers … What are they? Do they fit into my congregation? Maturing Christian Faith Elements

Re-Mix: What’s already in place? What opportunities exist?  Share with your neighbor what “recognitions” exist in your congregation.  Share any adaptations you might make to 1 recognition, based on today’s conversation.  Share 1new idea you have LEARNED from your neighbor or today’s conversation.