“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
One of the guiding principles that we pursue as a staff in the Northwestern Ohio Synod is the principle of lifelong learning. As a learning community devoted to Christian discipleship, we seek to ground ourselves in the teachings and practices of Jesus.
We meet as a staff twice a month. On the 2nd Tuesday of the month, we focus on mission, strategy, goals, and upcoming events. On the 4th Tuesday of the month, we focus on growing as disciples of Jesus.
We pray together and each of us has committed to intentionally grow in a daily prayer practice to model and teach “2018: The Year of Prayer” in the Northwestern Ohio Synod. We know that we are called by Jesus to pray, and we believe that prayer transforms people, parishes, and communities.
We are also studying the Book of Nehemiah together. Each of us takes a turn leading the study, and we have grown in our ability to teach and to be challenged by God’s Word. Bible Study is an important practice of a Christian community, for the study of sacred scripture leads us deeper in our love for God and our love for the community and world.
As I travel across the synod, I am noticing the difference prayer and scripture make. Where there is vitality and health there is also a commitment to the spiritual practices of prayer and scripture.
How might you incorporate lifelong learning and spiritual practices like prayer and Bible study into your family, staff, parish, or community?