Growing Faithful Disciples resource now available to congregations.

A new Brethren resource for congregations, called "Growing Faithful Disciples," has been distributed to districts following a two-year pilot run in Middle Pennsylvania District. The resource on CD is by a broad range of writers, including many Brethren, and was developed jointly by staff of Middle Pennsylvania and Congregational Life Team (CLT) Ministries of the General Board.

The resource is available to Brethren congregations at no cost. "Each district may choose to distribute and supplement the material...in the fashion that best serves specific needs and interests," reports Jan Glass King, CLT coordinator for Area 1.

Developed from an idea birthed at a Middle Pennsylvania District Conference, CLT staff responded by creating and compiling resources to help shape and strengthen faithful discipleship. Designed around four areas of discipleship--worship, community, stewardship of God's grace, and missions/outreach--the material includes Bible studies, resources for children and youth, small group studies, tools for implementation, and hands-on approaches for congregations.

"We feel this material, written by a broad spectrum of Anabaptist writers, has some unique distinctions which sets it apart from other commercially published resources," King said. "Because faithful discipleship is an ongoing process, we developed this resource to be a guide for a balanced approach to teaching and modeling faithful living within the community."

Each unit includes a historical perspective, Anabaptist in nature. Congregational process pieces address topics such as worship teams, creating safe spaces in a congregation, building and maintaining small groups, spiritual gifts discernment, the purpose and vision of congregations, and the "missional church" approach. Resources include music for congregations and choirs, Internet resources, ways to be involved in mission, and resources for inviting and welcoming new people. Spiritual formation pieces explore prayer, spiritual disciplines, mentor-driven ministry, and children's resources. Writers include current and former faculty at Bethany Theological Seminary, Brethren pastors, and General Board staff, among others.

"Growing Faithful Disciples was not written to be a quick fix but has the potential to be the beginning of an examination of congregational faithfulness in responding to the question: `How are we doing at fulfilling the purpose for which Christ calls us?'" King said. For a preview of the resource contact your district, call 888-411-4275, or e-mail jking_gb@brethren.org.

Source: 05/25/2005 Newsline
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