Resources
Find out what resources are available here for working with all ages. At the end of each description we have indicated which part or parts of the G.R.O.W. acronym each resource fits into. For an explanation of the G.R.O.W. acronym click here.
If there are resources you need but do not see here check with the Covenant Resource Center or 1-800-338-IDEA.
If you have ideas to share with others or want to respond to something you see here click on the Idea Exchange link.
Click on the following links to find resources highlighted at this year’s Annual Meeting:
A Personal Commitment to GROWth (PDF), Bearing the Marks (PDF), Crecer Devocional (PDF) (Grow Devotional).
Click on the following links to find resources listed for Adult Ministry, Children & Family Ministry, and Youth & Family Ministry.
Here are the resources highlighted at this year’s Annual Meeting:
A Personal Commitment to GROWth. A small group curriculum to help Christians grow. Contains six small group sessions that will take participants slowly through the GROW components. The first session answers the question “Why do we need to grow?” The next four sessions examine each of the four GROW components, and the final session covers our continuing journey. There is also a six month reunion session. To obtain copies of this curriculum contact the Covenant Resource Center at 800-338-4332. (G, R, O, W)
Bearing the Marks, A Call to Discipleship. (Multigenerational Curriculum) A four-session, multigenerational curriculum designed to engage people of all ages, children through adult, in conversations about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. The first two sessions use the stories of Covenant martyrs Dr. Paul Carlson, Martha Anderson, Esther Nordlund and Dr. Alik Berg to examine the marks of discipleship. The third session examines local saints both living and deceased from your own congregations, and the final session addresses the marks of discipleship of each participant. Contact the Covenant Resource Center at 800-338-4332.
CRECER Devocionál (GROW Devotional). This Spanish devotional guide was developed to encourage Christians to grow in six specific areas of their lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. With each letter of the acrostic “CRECER,” the Spanish word for “GROW,” there are five simple studies to go deeper in studying the Word of God. This guide can be used in personal or group studies. Contact Wilson Herrera in the Department of Christian Formation for more information. Guide is available through the Covenant Resource Center at 800-338-4332. (G, R, O, W)
Esta guía devocionál ha sido elaborada para animar a los creyentes a crecer en seis áreas específicas de la vida como discípulos de Jesucristo. Con cada letra del acróstico CRECER, se desarrollan cinco estudios sencillos para profundizar en el acercamiento al estudio de la Palabra de Dios.
Cada uno de los treinta estudios lleva un título resaltado en letra más grande. Luego una introducción, un llamado a entrar en la presencia de Dios y el texto a estudiar. Posteriormente las preguntas para desarrollar el estudio y al final, en un recuadro, aparecen algunas preguntas de aplicación.
La guía puede ser usada para estudios personales o en grupo. Las preguntas pueden ser respondidas en los espacios previstos o en cuadernos de notas. Se sugiere que si es usada en grupo, haya una reunión de intercambio después de haber terminado con los estudios hechos para cada tema. También puede ser usada como base para enseñanza dominical, reuniones de líderes, y predicaciones que enfoquen el tema CRECER. Comuníquense con Wilson Herrera del Departamento de Formación Cristiana. (C, R, E, C, E, R)
Christian Formation Emphasis - Fall 2005 - 2006: Your church has been sent packets containing tools to help you plan an intentional focus on spiritual growth for your congregation this fall. This link will lead you to some of these materials in a downloadable format. You can also find the materials from our 2003 mailing here. (G,R,O,W)
Making Churches Safer: Offers guidelines as well as samples of procedures and forms for churches that are interested in developing their own procedures to help reduce the risk of abuse. Order from the Covenant Resource Center. Download the first seven pages in a pdf version now. (R)
Join us here for four weeks of devotions from the Covenant Home Altar. The Christian Formation staff will focus on four elements--G.R.O.W.--that foster the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The first week the focus is on God's word and its power to shape our actions and our lives. The second week we look at relationships and how they can nurture healthy spiritual growth. The third week looks at obedient living and our call as disciples to use God's gifts in witness and service. The fourth week we will see the importance of worship as one of the central ways we interact with and experience God.
Christian Formation: Reconceptualizing Christian Education and Spiritual Formation by Paul Bramer, Associate Professor of Christian Formation, North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL. This article was originally published in Covenant Quarterly 59, no. 4 (2001): 27-38. It was given as part of a seminar at the Conference of the North American Professors of Christian Education, Quincy/Boston, MA, 2003.
Other Resources:
Christian Formation Tools: A compilation of resources and services provided by or in partnership with the Department of Christian Formation of the Evangelical Covenant Church. Most of these tools can also be found on this website, but if you want a complete list to have at your fingertips - this is it. Download Now!
Recommended Reading for Christian Formation. Click here to download a copy of the Recommended Reading list which features past book reviews from the directors of children, youth, and adult ministries as well as other recommended spiritual growth resources. (Previously called "G.R.O.W. Bibliography")
Foundations for Faith: Building Blocks. The Building Blocks are the questions and answers in The Journey Discipleship/Confirmation curriculum. These are essential questions about our Christian faith and what we believe. This downloadable document lists all 27 questions and answers, including scripture passages and references. For more information about the Discipleship/Confirmation curriculum please call the Covenant Bookstore at 1-800-621-1290. Click here to download a copy
Resources for Volunteering: Click here to download a bibliography of print and people resources which was prepared for distribution at the 2002 annual meeting of the Evangelical Covenant Church. At that meeting, a resolution was passed by the delegates with an intent to strengthen our volunteer ministries, both within and outside the church. To receive a copy of the Resolution on Volunteering, contact the Covenant Resource Center.
Christian Formation in the Local Church, click here to download a copy of the latest version of "Christian Formation in the Local Church, a Guidebook for Church Discussion, Discernment, and Direction." This document is also available by mail from the Covenant Resource Center.
Room Evaluation: Evaluate your facility for appropriate square footage and teacher ratios, safety, and appearance. Download Now!
Growth Commitment Card. A tool for reflecting on your spiritual growth and considering whether there are actions you'd like to commit to in order to become more like Christ. Available for adults, children, and youth. Download a pdf now or contact the Covenant Resource Center. (G,R,O,W).
Worship Resources. A resource option for use on Christian Formation Sunday. Offers sermon texts, scripture references, responsive readings, prayers, and a worship outline option. Download document. (W)
Covenant Worship Greenhouse Welcome to the Covenant Worship Greenhouse. This site is sponsored by The Evangelical Covenant Church and is dedicated to developing worship resources within local churches. Here you will find articles related to worship, resources for worship including drama and music, an idea exchange where you can post ideas or questions, and service planning resources. (W)
Discipleship Encounters: Tips and themes for spiritual conversations and growth in the spiritual life. These materials, written by Jerry Reed, Milton B. Engebretson Associate Professor of Church Growth and Evangelism, North Park Theological Seminary, and his wife Nancy, Coordinator of Hispanic Church Relations for the Department of World Missions, have been translated from English into 14 other languages. For more information visit the Discipleship Encounters website or contact the Covenant Resource Center. (G, R)