We live in a culture that is committed to being uncommitted. Yet we know that making commitments is key to the flourishing of our faith. So how do we encourage church members to make and keep commitments along their faith journey? Here are some resources that can help.
Building a Culture of Commitment
Articles
- Read The Committed Community by Syd Hielema.
- According to The Marks of a Committed Christian by John MacArthur, commitment results in a preoccupation with the glory of God, an unfailing love for the children of God, and an unswerving loyalty to the Son of God.
- In The Lost Art of Commitment, Charles Colson observes that “when we refuse to commit, we miss out on one of the great joys of life.”
- All our professions flow from our deep identity as people who have been adopted into God’s family. For more, read the article Baptism: The Sacrament of Christian Identity by Leonard Vander Zee. When there’s a baptism in your church, consider making available copies of "What Does Baptism Mean? Talking Points for Parents" to encourage conversation at home.
Worship Service Plans
The Reformed Worship articles As for Me and My House and Renewing Our Commitments offer service plans that encourage church members to renew their commitment to God.
Milestone Ministry
Celebrating milestones of faith formation is an important practice in developing a culture of commitment in your congregation.
- Celebrating the Milestones of Faith: A Guide for Churches by Laura Keeley and Robert J. Keeley. This handbook is filled with practical, do-able ideas for celebrating faith commitments such as baptism, first celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and profession of faith, in addition to many other life events. Laura Keeley also serves as one of Faith Formation Ministries’ Regional Catalyzers.
- Read the Reformed Worship article Stones from the River by Laura Keeley about celebrating milestones in worship services.
- Learn more about milestone ministry and 5 Stages of Milestones on the Milestones Ministry website.
- Read the article Milestones of Faith: Creating Rhythms through Rites of Passage from the Sticky Faith Leader blog.
- Read the article From Confirmation or Profession of Faith to Multiple Milestones of Faith from the website of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
