‘We have so much to learn’

Members of the Lutheran Church in New Zealand have been re-energised in their approach to family ministry, thanks to a recent seminar with Grow Ministries’ team members in Wellington. It was the first time Grow had visited New Zealand.

‘We can continue to re-think and reflect on how we are cultivating caring relationships across all ages in our church family and how engage all ages and generations in learning Scripture and the teachings of the Lutheran church’

The ‘Re-thinking Child, Youth & Family Ministry in Modern NZ’ seminar, attended by about 25 people from both north and south islands, covered the 10 principles of effective cross-generational ministry, which have been developed to help congregations effectively minister to all ages.

Julie Kummerow from Mountainside Lutheran Church, Auckland, says it is important for congregational and family leaders to understand their role in ministry, as well as the most successful practices.

‘We can continue to re-think and reflect on how we are cultivating caring relationships across all ages in our church family and how we engage all ages and generations in learning Scripture and the teachings of the Lutheran church’, she says. ‘We still have so much more to learn! How can we involve and motivate our parents and young adults to help us?’

Grow Ministries director Jodi Brook said feedback from the New Zealand seminar feedback was encouraging. ‘They’d like to have us back, and we’d like to go there again to continue the support.’

To find out how your congregation can tap into the expertise of Grow Ministries, contact Jodi at jodi.brook@lca.org.au or on 03 9236 1272, or get in touch with the Grow team via the details on this page.

Support to Grow

The team at Grow Ministries is ready to serve you.

They provide congregational support, training and resources to help congregations with child, youth and family ministry.

If you have any area of need or you would like to share your stories, they would love to hear from you by email at growministries@lca.org.au or phone on 08 8267 7300.

Resources and social media

There are many great resources across a range of programs, as well as helpful fact sheets, on the Grow Ministries website. 

Our Pinterest page opens up a world of creative ideas.

We are also on Facebook. 

This feature story comes from The Lutheran February 2016. Visit the website to find out more about The Lutheran or to subscribe.