Faith Formation Framework Series 2: Faith Internalized Through Spiritual Practices and LearningSample

Belonging Before Believing

Focus

Gratitude: Thank God for the people and places that made space for you to belong.

Listen

Scripture: Romans 15:7 (NRSV)
"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Reflection:
Belonging often precedes belief. Before young people can trust what we want to teach them about Jesus, they need to know they are welcomed as they are—questions, doubts, and all. Jesus never demanded perfect understanding before offering welcome. Instead, he sat at tables with outcasts, gathered imperfect disciples, and created space where people experienced God’s embrace in community. When young people are held by this kind of belonging, they discover that God’s love is not conditional, but constant—and they learn to trust a God who receives them before they have all the answers.

Apply

Who is a young person you can welcome and include, even in their uncertainty?

Respond

God of welcome, help me create spaces where young people feel safe to belong. Let my life reflect your open arms, so that they may rest in your love and find their way in your time.