Intentional Faith Development

 

“Intentional refers to deliberate effort, purposeful action, and high priority.  Growing in grace does not come without purposeful commitment to learning the faith and cultivating our love for God. Intentional Faith Development refers to all the ministries that help us grow in faith outside of weekly worship:  Bible studies, Sunday school, small groups, gift-based service,  and retreats where we learn in the community of other Christians.  By these practices we mature in faith;  we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of God.  We pray that we are closer to Christ today than we were five years ago, and that by the grace of God, we may be closer to Christ five years from now than we are today.  Growth in faith does not come easily or automatically but requires placing ourselves in community to learn the faith with others.  John Wesley commended the practices of public and family prayers, the searching of Scriptures, the receiving of Holy Communion, and the practice of works of mercy – all in supportive community.  In community there is a natural accountability.  Covenanting together keeps us strong in our convictions and habits.”