Faith Formation Framework Series 5: Faith Prioritized by the Entire Faith Community and LeadershipSample

The Church Community That Thrives

Focus

Breath prayer: “Grow us in love.”

Listen

Scripture: Ephesians 4:16 (NRSV)

"From him the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love."

Reflection:

A thriving church community is not one where a few people do everything—it is where every person, every generation, is building one another up in love. Young people are not projects, but partners. When church communities make room for the questions, voices, and leadership of youth, the entire body grows stronger. Love knits us together. When one part thrives, we all thrive. This is not just youth ministry—it is the church as God designed it.

Apply

What small change could your church make to center the thriving of young people as part of the whole body’s health?

Respond

God of unity, knit us together in love. May our church become a place where every generation grows together, thriving in your grace and serving your world.