Tools for a Life of Faith
God is calling God’s people to a life of discipleship – a life of following Jesus. This life of discipleship begins in the waters of baptism and continues to grow and change throughout our lives. As a congregation, God calls us to be the place where God’s people are equipped for this life of following Jesus.
As with any vocation, it is helpful to have tools. What would a painter be without paint and brushes? What would a writer be without words? What would a carpenter be without a saw?
What are we doing to give God’s people at St. Michael the tools they need to be God’s disciples in the world and how can we better equip people with the necessary tools to live as God’s people in the world? For years I have sensed that the church as a whole has failed to give people the tools they need for their life of faith. We offer good pieces – youth ministry, women’s ministry, educational opportunities and opportunities for service, but what we seem to lack is a clear vision for how all of those pieces work together to equip us for a life of faith.
Pastor Michael Foss has suggested that there are six marks of discipleship that become a part of the life of someone who is following Jesus. The marks are: Prayer, Worship, Scripture, Service, Relationships, and Giving. By helping people develop these areas of their lives, we help people to grow in their relationship with God and their discipleship in the world.
Growing in these six areas allows us to live out the mission we set forth for ourselves in our mission statement and to live whole, healthy lives in the sight of God.
Six Essential Tools For Your Faith Toolbox
Each of the above links gives you additional information on these six essential tools for a life of faith.