Last week I was blessed to be in the Kansas City area leading a workshop for lay leaders and pastors of small congregations. We were hosted in a relatively large congregation there (Kaw Prairie Community Church), which provided a great site for the conference.On the walls of the church near the entrance was a series of three framed posters that described the simple way they see the journey of faith being lived out in the lives of people who go there. I liked what they said and how simply but succinctly they said it and thought I would share it – some of you may find this a helpful framework for new members, discipling people, or simply as a framework for a sermon or other message some day soon.

• *  “Trust”
• *  “Grow"
• *  “Bless”

Those three words say a lot in a very small space!

     Trusting is at the heart of the Christian faith. We are created by a God who loves us and who has come to us in Jesus and who is working in and through us toward life. Believing that changes everything.

     Growing reminds us that the Christian life is not static – it is always a dynamic thing. So many of us have been part of a congregation where growth is either just passively assumed or not even on the radar. So recognizing that growth is a part of a healthy Christian life is an essential ingredient.

     Blessing is what we do. Christianity is not an “in the building” thing. It is a 24/7 thing and we are sent into our weeks to continue the ministry of Jesus, sharing love and life with those we encounter along the way.

     So, help people to “trust, grow and bless.” It is a simple way to frame our life in Christ and a helpful way to check in to be sure that we are giving each part of our faith journey the attention it needs.