Tapestry of Faith: Principled Commitment: An Adult Program on Building Strong Relationships

Alternate Activity 1: Faith In Action - Commitment To The Congregation

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • The newsprint list of skills from Activity 2: Signs of Commitment
  • Easel

Description of Activity

This activity can follow directly from Activity 2, Signs of Commitment.

Introduce the discussion with these or similar words:

Being a member of a congregation involves a big commitment. You commit to sharing in the mission and the vision of the congregation - to personal growth, stewardship, service, and shared ministry. You may be asked to share your time, talent, and treasure often. In return, you are part of a large support system that ministers to you, celebrates the positive occasions in your life, and comforts you in particularly hard times.

Take a few moments to think about your personal commitment to the congregation: ways that you are committed to give, receive, and participate in the mission and vision of this congregation. Perhaps you are an active member of the congregation; perhaps you're brand new and don't know if you're committed. Whatever your level of commitment is, we honor that.

While participants are reflecting, re-post the bulleted list of skills from Activity 2, Signs of Commitment. Ask participants to review that list. Invite discussion by asking:

  • What skills from this list are nurtured due to your commitment to the congregation?
  • How does your commitment to the congregation relate to the other commitments in your life?

Ask participants to consider acting upon these thoughts by becoming involved in the congregation in ways that express their commitments.