Faith Forward: It Takes All Of Us
I grew up in Tripoli, IA – about an hour drive from Mason City. From 2nd grade through high school graduation, Tripoli was my home. I feel fortunate (especially as a pastor’s kid) to have spent most of my formative years in the same community. I loved growing up in a small town and in a family-sized church in rural Iowa.
Last month, I returned to my home congregation, Grace Lutheran in Tripoli, for its 125th Anniversary. It was a beautiful celebration. So many familiar faces. Much had changed since I was last there in 2004 – but the sense of home and community had not. I was reminded of how instrumental these people were in shaping my faith. Their example, encouragement, prayers and investment helped make me the person I am – as a church leader and adult person of faith.
Going back to Tripoli reminded me of a simple truth: faith is passed on through relationships, stories and the witness of the faithful around us. This same truth is at the heart of Faith Forward, a new approach to faith formation that we are beginning to incorporate into our congregation’s life.
Faith Forward recognizes that, in a changing world, we need new ways to help the next generation grow in faith. It encourages whole congregations, parents, and grandparents to share biblical and family stories of God’s mercy, grace, love and faithfulness.
Faith Forward has three goals:
- to empower congregations to partner with families and faith mentors
- to equip parents and grandparents with simple, repeatable faith practices in the
home - to encourage families to weave faith into everyday routines
This home-centered approach doesn’t replace traditional youth programming like Sunday School, confirmation, worship and youth ministry. It strengthens the connection between church and home, recognizing that faith also grows through family conversations, bedtime prayers, shared stories and everyday acts of kindness.
Pastor Daniel Hanson is part of a year-long Faith Forward cohort offered through Grand View University. He spent time learning about this approach during his sabbatical. We are already putting some of these concepts into practice in our confirmation program and special events like our recent Grandparents Training.
Watch for more on ways you can share your faith, support families, and help nurture the next generation. Together, let’s help our youth know the deep love of God in Christ – one story, one relationship at a time!
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