The Congregational Federation has devised a new resource to help churches.
Instead of training individuals, the 'Growing Disciples' programme is much more about helping churches to be healthy. In fact, it is not a 'training course' as such, but a series of sessions designed to help churches grow as communities of disciples. It does not need an expert or experienced leader, because it recognises that we all bring expertise and experience - but it does offer questions and creative resources to invite churches to think and act in new ways.
On Saturday 8th May, the Growing Disciples programmed was launched at the Congregational Federation Assembly. It was great to see a good number of people and churches showing an active interest.
It was especially good for this launch to occur in conjunction with the CF Training Course’s 30th anniversary year, as a sign of the way the CF has continued to develop new ways of offering training – in this case, not training for individuals, but a resource to help churches be healthy, positive, proactive and purposeful communities, in which we learn, worship, listen and engage in mission with one another.
What should you do if your church is interested?
1) Sample booklets have been sent to every CF church, together with an Order Form
2) There is a Question and Answer sheet, answering several 'frequently asked questions' - a copy of this is available on the Growing Disciples resource website – www.cfgoingdeeper.wordpress.com
3) Once your Church Meeting has decided that it is a resource which could benefit your church, simply order the packs (£5 per person) from the Congregational Federation offices – or order one pack first, to have a look at it, and then order the others once your church has made its decision
4) Decide how you will run the programme. For example, maybe start with Phase 1: Introduction (2 sessions) + Phase 2: Growing as a Learning Community (3 sessions), during the autumn season, and come back to the next phases in the new year? Or find ways of making it work in your situation. We are developing a team of 'advocates' in the CF Areas, to encourage churches to give it a try - but importantly, the programme is flexible so that you can work out the best way to run it in your situation
Thanks for your interest and encouragement! We hope this programme proves to be a positive tool for helping your church to reflect on its life, to explore new possibilities, to make new decisions and grow as a community of disciples of Jesus.