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A Message From Tina Gilson - Member at SOH since 2011
Hi Church! Do you ever wonder...
Why do we worship the way we do?
How do Lutherans understand the Old Testament? The New Testament?
What was Martin Luther really trying to reform?
What does God want from me?
Where can I best serve—in my church, my community, and the world?
Have you ever had questions like these but weren't quite sure where to ask them? I know I did—and I'm a lifelong Lutheran!
In 2018, I discovered the Diakonia Program, now called "Grand Canyon Growing In Faith Program", a faith formation and theological education program right here in the Grand Canyon Synod. It turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.
Growing In Faith is a two-year program designed for everyday people who want to grow deeper in their faith and better understand God's call in their lives. Each year includes six five-week courses that explore topics such as Scripture, Lutheran theology, worship, church history, discipleship, and Christian service.
What I loved most was how the program connected faith with everyday life. The Bible came alive in new ways, and I found myself making meaningful connections between God's story and my own.
Through Growing In Faith, I gained a deeper understanding of Scripture, the Lutheran tradition, and what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. The program helped me become more comfortable talking about my faith, participating in worship, and discerning where God might be calling me to serve.
Now, I'll be honest—when I first heard "two years," it sounded like a big commitment. At the time, I was working full-time and caring for my mother, who was living with us. Life was busy! Yet somehow there was always time for class, reading, and reflection because this wasn't just one more thing on my to-do list. It became an important part of my spiritual life.
Growing In Faith isn't simply about gaining knowledge. It's about being formed as a disciple of Jesus. Through courses such as Living as Lutherans, Christian Caregiving, Cultural Diversity and Anti-Bias Training, and Healthy Congregations, I learned not only about faith, but how to live it out in practical ways. Each class is taught by a rostered or retired pastor who brings both expertise and a genuine passion for the subject.
I graduated in 2020, but my involvement didn't end there. Because I believe so strongly in the program, I joined the Growing in Faith Steering Committee and am currently serving my third year as chairperson.
So I invite you to pray about this opportunity.
Where are you on your faith journey? Is this a season when God might be inviting you to grow deeper? Do you have questions you've always wanted to ask in a safe, welcoming environment?
If so, Growing In Faith may be exactly the place for you. Classes are one night per week on Tuesdays and are beginning on August 25 from 6-9 PM. All classes are on Zoom, so you can attend from the comfort of your own home. There is a $25 application fee and tuition for each class is $70. Books for each class run between $10 and $50. Try one class! See what you think!
Come and discover how God is at work in your life—and where God may be calling you next.
Ask me about the program, or check out the website now at
https://www.diakonia.education
Blessings! Tina
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