Even with material from the denomination, he always had to spend hours assembling a program using multiple sources. That has changed with the new Season to GROW material published by the Department of Christian Formation.
“I am thrilled about the release of Season to GROW as it gives us the opportunity for an all-church discipleship program that also fosters Covenant identity,” says Eix, pastor of Faith Covenant Church in Manistee, Michigan. “It makes my job that much easier, combining all the denominational resources and Covenant ideology into a large-scale program like this one, because I don’t have to work to make it fit what we’re already doing.”
Season to Grow is a six-week multi-dimensional initiative that will enable the church to focus on four themes: God’s Word, Relationships, Obedient Living, and Worship.
The series brings together some of the best of Covenant materials. The Season to GROW starter kit contains a leader’s manual, which includes an introduction and overview, introductory letter for pastors, introductory letter for the director, guide, discussion plans, worship and sermon elements, small group resources, ministry team guides, a guide to special events, and resources for implementing the curriculum with children and a promotional brochure.
Two hundred churches already have requested the materials, which can be obtained through the online Covenant Bookstore. Each church is entitled to one free starter kit.
The program initially was developed by Kirsten Wagenius Nelson to be used at the church she attends – Hope Covenant Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota. “Two years ago while directing a popular campaign program at my local church, I was reflecting on the depth of theology and quality pieces that the Covenant church has made available to local churches, and I longed to be able to use our rich heritage to somehow personalize the ‘superstore’ program,” she says. “Then God exploded that idea into something that would be uniquely Covenant for spiritual formation of our congregations.”
The church tested the beta version last year. Christian Formation then worked with Nelson to further refine and expand the program, which can be used by any church.
“One of the unique features of Season to GROW is its elasticity to use in small churches or megachurches,” Nelson says. Churches can order any number of books, and many resources can be downloaded.
For more information, visit the Season to GROW website. Resource consultation also is available through Covenant Resource Center.
