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Spiritual Growth
Spring Creek United Methodist Church commits to an
ever-deepening relationship with God
through worship, meaningful connections with others, intentional spiritual
growth and committed service.
What do we
mean by, “an ever-deepening relationship with God”? God invites us
into in relationship that moves us from merely knowing about God or believing
in God, to having a personal experience of God that transforms us into the
image of Christ.
What is
“intentional spiritual growth”? The goal of spiritual growth is union
with God. In the Christian tradition this includes union with Christ and
living as Jesus lived.
Spirituality is an awareness and experience of being connected to
something greater than ourselves (God), others, and creation. It gives us
meaning and purpose in life, is a source of hope and strength, and builds
healthy relationships and communities.
Growth in our spiritual life draws us into a deeper connection with God
leading to a greater and expanding capacity for love, compassion, respect, and
acceptance of others and all creation. We also grow in our knowledge of
God through the study of Scriptures from diverse perspectives and through the
listening and sharing of faith stories.
Our spiritual self is formed by our daily interior and exterior experiences and
interactions. Being intentional about our spiritual growth is
putting forth the effort, time, energy, and commitment to participate in
spiritual disciplines. Spiritual practices do not guarantee growth.
However, like planting and tending seeds, it places us in an open stance where
we are ready and willing to receive God’s grace. God, through the work of
the Holy Spirit, brings about the growth and transformation.
The
purpose/role of the Spiritual Formation Team is to monitor the spiritual
pulse of the congregation in order to: (1) Ensure there is a wide
spectrum of opportunities for “intentional spiritual growth.” (2) Keep
“spiritual growth” in the forefront of the congregation. (3) Prayerfully
discern areas to develop new spiritual growth opportunities. (4) Introduce and
lead in the classic Christian spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation and
study.
(There
are many other spiritual disciplines such as worship, community life and
service that are covered under other areas of ministry at Spring Creek.
We celebrate the many ways the Holy Spirit invites, transforms and empowers us
and the Spiritual Formation Team serves as one small part of the Body of
Christ.)
Chairperson responsibilities
- Facilitate
monthly team meetings (or as needed)
- Guide
the team in developing and implementing a Path to Discipleship program
- Oversee
the sign-ups and registration for ReCharge Groups
- Attend
monthly Church Council Meeting
- Report
to the Church Council with updates and plans
- Explore
opportunities to work in partnership with other ministry areas