Embracing Spiritual Growth
Spiritual development has always had varying levels of interest to Good Shepherd members, so it will take time and a cultural shift for it to gain a more prominent role. Such a shift would further align with Good Shepherd’s vision to meet each person where they are and invite them into a transformative relationship with God. Because each person’s spiritual growth journey is unique with different starting points and life experiences, we seek to provide a variety of growth experiences. Good Shepherd will offer resources and individualized planning for each person’s spiritual growth with Jesus.
What has been accomplished so far?
Spiritual Development Framework
As we rebuild our Spiritual Development offerings, we will develop programming that goes beyond book-based studies to focus on a holistic approach. Recognizing that spiritual growth is an embodied and emotional experience as well as an educational one, we want to provide programming that supports different varieties of spiritual needs. The diagram is an example of how some current and past offerings for both adults and youth have fallen on this continuum.
Youth Development
With a renewed focus our high school program is thriving. We have 35 or more high school students regularly attending our Sunday evening events.
Adult Development
Attendance is growing in the seven adult bible studies occurring each week.
Create a Spiritual Formation Committee, including selection of a chair
Determine the staff member who will be engaged with the Spiritual Formation Committee
Define committee responsibilities
Do a census of all spiritual formation activities
Define and communicate a more cohesive sense of where we want to go as a congregation related to spiritual development
Lead Pastor's Role in Spiritual Development
Through word and action, the ideal candidate will show passion for spiritual development. In addition, they will ensure that Good Shepherd completes the remaining spiritual development tasks from the strategic plan.