5 Things the Helps our Faith Grow

This week was a freebie for Jr. High and High School. We both took this week to discuss something we felt was important for our students to know. I can't speak for John so I thought I would share with you, briefly, what I shared with the High School Students:

We talked about 5 things that God uses to help our faith grow (taken from Andy Stanley). 3 of these things, we have some control over. The other 2 are a little let manipulatable (I think that's a word). Here are the 5 things:

1. Practical Teaching - what are the environments they are in that they are given practical teaching? Youth Group and church are ideal spots for this
2. Personal Disciplines - praying, reading the Bible (kids are supposed to read Romans 8-9 this week), journaling, listening to Christ-centered music... all stuff they do on their own
3. Personal Ministry - using their gifts and abilities to serve others
4. Providential Relationships - these a relationships that God puts together... parents, youth leaders, even friends
5. Pivotal Circumstances - things that happen in life where your faith in God is tested... death of someone close, financial issues, accidents, injuries, etc. 

Parent Sync:

Take the time, as a family, this week to write down a list of things that have impacted your faith... formed your faith... tested your faith. 

Then, see how many of those listed fall under 1 or more of those categories... 

Then discuss which of them (especially the first 3) you feel like you need to focus more on.

Pretty simple challenge... pretty big conversation.