Coaching a chance to grow
What is GROW coaching?
Grow Coaching is simply about being a teachable learning community with a grace-fuelled desire to reach children, youth and families (read: ‘everyone!’) with the good news of Jesus, where God has placed us.
A Grow Ministries coach will lead and guide you to:
- intentionally create space to hear the voice of Jesus and each other as leaders in home, congregation and community
- examine how we can most effectively share the gospel with children, young people and their families; and
- identify opportunities, set goals and participate.
What is the goal of GROW coaching?
We plant and water the seed, but ultimately God gives the growth. We continue to pray that the Grow Coaching journey might be part of a renewing work of the Spirit among all those who share the journey.
We would love to see people of all ages resting in the person of Jesus with a renewed hunger for his gifts of grace. We are also praying for renewal of intergenerational relationships that witness to the gospel – in lounge rooms, kitchens, over the fence and in cafes – in partnership with the ministries of your local congregation.
Congregations joining in our coaching become learning communities that foster good faith-formation practices, particularly in the area of child, youth and family ministry. Three congregations form a cluster to embark on a two-year journey together of discovery, growth and supported learning.
What they say about Grow …
‘Grow has been an interesting journey for us so far. We didn't know fully what to expect from the coaching but over time we are learning how to integrate it with our “business as usual” model. The most tangible example I could give is the recent camp we had at Anglesea where we had the opportunity to practice inter-generational faith and some messy worship in a laid-back environment. Our camp leader Carl really made this work by being deliberate in his approach to the activities so that an environment was created that brought together every age group. It was a big hit and a joy to see the interactions taking place. Grow Coaching makes this possible by adding some focus to the way we think about our mission and ministry.’
Grow Coaching team member
David Berry, Moorabbin Vic
‘Our congregation has been very positive about being part of the Grow Coaching process. We have seen it as meeting a particular need in an area close to our hearts, that is, the way we pass on the faith to our children and grandchildren. The Grow staff have spoken to us about how to implement and manage any changes to congregational life in a way that builds up the church and glorifies God. A highlight so far has been our Advent Evening GIFT (Generations In Faith Together) event last year which saw 30 or so families come along to an evening of worship and fellowship. The night involved learning about Advent traditions and practices, creating an Advent calendar to take home, and enjoying a shared meal together at the end of the night.’
Pastor Ben Pfeiffer,
Blackwood SA
Contact: Grow Ministries Director Jodi Brook
This feature story comes from The Lutheran April 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.
