Report to the Congregation on Growth and Discipleship

In his Report to the Congregation on Growth and Discipleship, Fr. Philip 

• Commended the diocesan help of the Rev. Cn. Rob Droste, Canon for Congregational Development, for leading the evening in developing a shared understanding of discipleship.
• Observed that the diocesan statement on discipleship - "The purpose of the Church is to form disciples of Jesus Christ who participate in God's mission of reconciliation" bears much similarity to the Church of the Holy Spirit's mission statement "Our mission is to know Christ as we serve others, proclaim God's love, and grow in the the Spirit."
• Felt joy and admiration when the event's participants were able to recite the mission statement "as if it were a well-known prayer we say on Sunday", and at the surprise registered by Fr. Droste.
• Was moved by a participant's honest confession of not feeling able to offer help to deepen another's discipleship, and the immediate response by others of how in fact that person had helped others. Fr. Droste confirmed that "we don't need to know more Bible, or more theological sophistication, or more knowledge about Church history to be helpful and have a role in making disciples or deepening the discipleship of others.
• Observed that knowing our mission, feeling called, and having everything we need to help others, perhaps our mission is not merely to "know" Christ, but in fact to "follow" Christ, with minds, hearts and lives.
• Noted that over the course of the evening, six areas emerged for aligning parish planning and activities:

               Intentionally developing personal spirituality
               Recklessly fostering heartfelt connection
               Remembering to fully listen with compassion
               Serving generously and being courageously inclusive
               Sharing faith creatively, telling our story
               Worshiping boldly, joyfully and with purpose

• And noted that there is before us a new start, so we have some more work to do.

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