Pastor's Page

Grandma had great faith; she loved and strongly believed in Jesus.  Grandpa knew the Lord, he trusted Jesus with every aspect of his life.  We say these things about our loved ones and watch as they live out their daily faith, but do we know their faith “story?”  Consider how often do you share the “story” of your faith with loved ones.  Do you have difficulty speaking about your faith with family or friends?  Is it embarrassing for you?  Do you avoid talking about your faith because you think no one wants to hear or care? 
I have come up with a list of questions that should help you start a conversation about your faith with your spouse, children, family, and friends.  The great thing is, you get to choose how formal or casual you want the conversation to be.  The goal is to talk about your life of faith and pass on your “story” to those you love.

 
Take written notes, but may I also suggest that you use a recorder of some kind so you can have your loved one’s voice recorded as they read and speak the answers.  If your children are little, make it fun, work through the questions with them, and update it.  As you grow in your faith, some answers may change; perhaps going through the questions on the anniversary of your baptism is a good time to review things.  Add your unique questions; revise and make this list more personal and better.  Once finished, make copies and give them to your loved ones as a gift.  I’m sure there is something that they didn’t know and might surprise them. 

1.  Who was the first to teach you about Jesus?  Was it a family member, Sunday School Teacher, or your Pastor?  Is there someone in particular who helped you grow in your faith and to understand, “Jesus loves me” is more than just a song?

 

2.  When and where were you baptized and confirmed?  Do you remember either? What do you remember; what did you learn?

 

3.  What family member, friend, or other individual best modeled God’s grace to you when you were young, a teen, and as an adult?

 

4.  Tell me about your prayer life.  How do you pray?  How often?  What do you pray for?  Do you have a favorite place for prayer?

 

5.  Tell about a time when you had to trust the promises of God.

6.  Tell about a time when it seemed God was silent, or when you felt distant from Him.

 

7.  Tell about a time when God answered your prayers or a time when He did not answer your prayers as you had hoped.

 

8.  What has been the greatest joy as a child of God?  What has been the biggest challenge or struggle?

 

9.  Has there ever been a moment when you thought your faith died?  Has there been a moment when your faith grew?

 

10.  Has there been a moment when you particularly felt God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion?

 

11.  Finish this sentence: “I go to church because…”

 

12.  Finish this sentence: “My prayer for you is…”

 

13.  What is your favorite book of the Bible, Bible verse, or story, and why?

 

Until next month…Blessings, Pastor Ferch