Lifelong Faith Formation

What does Lifelong Faith Formation mean to Spirit of Joy?

At Spirit of Joy, we believe that following Jesus is a life-long growing experience. When we meet God through the love of Christ, we are changed and nourished so that we may go out to serve God and our neighbors. For this reason we strive to bring people into an ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). This growth happens most often through participation in personal devotion, community worship, and small groups. We also believe that the home is a central place where faith formation happens. It is our goal to equip families through our ministries to be able to share and grow in faith wherever they may be.

Faith Milestones

At Spirit of Joy, we mark faith milestones from birth to graduation and beyond by naming, blessing, equipping, and gifting families. Each faith step is central to the spiritual growth of our partners. Our Milestone Events include:

  • Birth and Baptism
  • Anniversary of Baptism
  • My Church (for 2 year olds)
  • 3 year old Bibles and Blessings
  • 4 year old Walking with Jesus
  • Kindergarten Prayer Pillows
  • First Communion
  • The Lord’s Prayer for 2nd graders
  • 3rd Grade Bibles
  • 4th Grade Kids and Money
  • 5th Grade Earthcare
  • Entry into Confirmation
  • Teens and Traffic
  • Confirmation
  • Graduation

Ways to Grow:

  • Little Lambs – birth to 3 years olds
    • One Sunday a month at 10:00 a.m.
  • Children of Joy – PreK-5th grade
    • Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. or Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m.
  • Confirmation – 6th-9th grade
    • 6th-8th graders meet Wednesday nights
    • 9th graders meet monthly with mentors
  • HS Youth Group – 9th-12th grade
    • Meets weekly for a variety of learning and service experiences
  • Sunday Forums – All are welcome
    • 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning
  • Small Group Bible Studies
    • Options vary throughout the year
  • Faith Milestones
    • One special event per age group is offered each year
  • Retreats
    • Women’s Retreat
    • Family Winter Retreat
    • Men’s Retreat
  • Family Fun Nights
    • Monthly in the summer

Value Crossover:

Through faith formation activities, we equip people of all ages to be the hands and feet of Christ. Our children begin learning to serve their neighbor through outreach and giving projects during Children of Joy. Our MS and HS youth engage in a variety of community service activities. It is our goal that through these faith formation experiences, lives will be filled with Christian hospitality, outreach, bold service, and extravagant generosity.