3 Keys for Developing a More Resilient Faith

Study after study shows that young adults are abandoning the faith of their upbringing and Americans are becoming religiously unaffiliated and unchurched in increasingly and alarming rates. The secularization of our culture is accelerating by all accounts.

This weekend we wrap up our 8-week exploration of Esther, a book where God is not mentioned and the heroes are prodigals who must first return to God.

I hate to leave Esther. It’s one of my favorite series I’ve preached…ever!

So, the theme has been about finding our way back to God as “prodigals.” We’re all prodigals. We never completely outgrow it.

This week focuses on the “then what”—on how, after returning, we can grow a more resilient faith.

I hope to see you this weekend.

Photo by Karim MANJRA on Unsplash

This is Us

We are the church, whether we are gathered or scattered--each one of us, a part of the body of Christ, wherever we go, whatever we do.

So, where can you find us, and what are we doing?

This is Anderson and Ligiane Vieira and their two kids, Antonela and Giovana. The first time the Vieria family walked through the doors at Five Oaks was at Fall Fun Fest last year. They were invited by their friends, the Gill family. Anderson and Ligiane had been living in this area for about three years prior to this, attending another very large church. Both being from Brazil originally, they were missing the smaller size of their church in Brazil, with its family focus and emphasis on doing life in community. Anderson and Ligiane have since returned to Five Oaks and now worship here regularly. They love that in Five Oaks Kids, for example, their kids are known by name, just like at their church in Brazil. They are currently enrolled in our Story of God class and are looking forward to the growth that comes with that. Moral of the story? Don’t be afraid to invite that new (or long-standing) neighbor to Fall Fun Fest with you! Anderson says to let your friends and neighbors know what we do well: families, living life in community and small groups, helping new folks, both kids and adults, feel welcome and as though they belong.