Growing Together in Christ
Reflecting on Our Thrive Refresh
What does it mean to be a growing church?
We often think of growth in terms of attendance, new families, expanding ministries or a busy church calendar. Those things can be encouraging, but they don’t necessarily tell us whether we are growing in the way that matters most.
Are we growing closer to Jesus Christ? Are we becoming more like Him? Are we helping one another grow in faith?
These were some of the questions at the heart of our Thrive Refresh on October 28, a day of learning, reflection and planning led by Elaine May from Thrive, a ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.
Growing People, Not Just Programs
Our first session explored what it means to develop a lifelong pathway of discipleship.
Discipleship isn’t simply attending a class, joining a Bible study or volunteering for a ministry. It is the ongoing process of learning to follow Jesus, allowing His Word to shape our lives and helping others do the same.
We studied 1 John 2:12–14, where the apostle John speaks to believers at different stages of spiritual growth. We considered how people need different kinds of encouragement, teaching and relationships as they mature in faith.
Someone who is just beginning to explore Christianity may need a patient friend who will listen and answer questions. Someone who has followed Jesus for many years may be ready to mentor another believer, share what God has taught them or discover new ways to serve.
And none of us ever finishes growing.
One particularly meaningful part of the conversation was recognizing that discipleship doesn’t always require another program on the church calendar. It can happen when we pray with someone, study Scripture together, serve alongside one another or take the time to build a genuine friendship.
A healthy church is not simply a place where people attend activities. It is a community where people help one another become more like Christ.
Remembering Why We’re Here
Our second session turned toward the mission of Connections Church.
We began with Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:16–20 and Acts 1:6–8, considering His call to make disciples and be His witnesses.
We reflected on the people God has placed in our lives, from our own neighborhoods and the greater Denver community to the mission relationships we share beyond Colorado and around the world.
We also looked back at the journey of our congregation.
Connections has experienced seasons of transition, uncertainty and change. During our time without a pastor, members stepped into responsibilities, supported one another and continued the work of the church. Participants reflected on the resilience, care and faithfulness they witnessed during that season.
There was gratitude for the relationships that have grown, for the ministry of Pastor Rob, for developing youth and family ministries and for the many people who quietly serve week after week.
There were also honest conversations about the challenges of church life, including how we welcome and connect with new people, encourage more members to use their gifts and faithfully care for the resources entrusted to us.
These conversations were not about producing an instant solution. They were an opportunity to listen, reflect and consider what may come next.
A Church Called Connections
Perhaps one of the most fitting themes of the day was the importance of relationships.
Our name is Connections, after all!
But meaningful connection is more than knowing someone’s name or greeting them on Sunday morning. It means walking alongside one another through the joys and difficulties of life, making room for new friendships and encouraging each other to follow Jesus more faithfully.
We talked about how those who have walked with Christ for many years can invest in younger generations, how people who are new to the church can become part of its life and how each of us has gifts that can strengthen the whole congregation.
In Ephesians 4:15–16, Paul describes the church as a body that grows as its members are joined together in Christ and each part does its work.
That picture reminds us that the church is not built around a few leaders or a collection of programs. Christ is the head, and each member has a place in His body.
Looking Toward the Future
The Thrive Refresh also gave participants an opportunity to share ideas for the future of Connections.
Those ideas touched on discipleship, family ministry, leadership development, prayer, community outreach and the practical responsibilities of caring for our church.
Four strategic points emerged to guide the planning ahead: developing family ministry, pursuing discipleship and enfolding ministries that encourage members to take ownership of ministry, developing leaders, and cultivating evangelism and cross-cultural mission.
The workshop was the beginning of a planning process, not the completion of one. A smaller group will review the information gathered, organize the ideas and seek further leadership feedback before a plan is finalized.
We look forward to seeing how those conversations continue.
For now, we are grateful for the opportunity to gather, listen and reflect together.
We don’t know everything the coming years will hold for Connections Church. But we do know the One who calls us to follow Him.
Jesus did not tell His disciples to build impressive organizations or fill their calendars. He told them to make disciples, teaching people to obey everything He commanded. And He promised to be with them always.
As we look toward the future, that is where we want to keep our attention: on Jesus Christ, on growing in His Word and on loving and serving the people He places in our lives.
May Connections continue to be a place where people don’t simply find a church to attend, but a community where they can grow together in Christ.
If you’re looking for a church family where you can grow in Christ, we would love to have you join us for worship.
