Creating A Sense of Belonging at Church:
Sabbath School, Prayer Meeting, and Health Message

Welcome to “Creating a Sense of Belonging at Church,” a specialized training designed to enrich the spiritual community experience through Sabbath School, Prayer Meetings, and the Health Message. This program, tailored for church leaders and members, focuses on fostering deeper connections and a stronger sense of belonging within the church community. Engage in a transformative journey over 2.5 hours of a warm introduction followed by a comprehensive course that includes six lessons.

Warm Introduction (2.5 hours)

The program starts with a profound introduction to key concepts and practices that lay the groundwork for creating an inclusive and welcoming church environment:

  • Relational Care Ladder: Explore strategies for nurturing care-based relationships within your church community.
  • Listening Circles: Learn how to facilitate open and empathetic communication among church members, enhancing mutual understanding and support.
  • Affective Language (9 Affects): Dive into the nine core emotional states and how to use affective language to connect deeply with others.
  • Circle Practice for Sabbath School (SS) & Health Topic: Experience the power of circle practices in discussing Sabbath School topics and health messages, promoting engagement and belonging.

One Course: Six Lessons

This detailed course is divided into six essential lessons, each designed to guide you through the process of integrating restorative practices into church activities:

  1. What is Restorative: An introduction to the principles of restorative practices and their relevance to the church setting.
  2. Three Engagement Pillars: Overview of the three pillars essential for engaging church members and fostering a sense of community.
  3. Pillar 1 – Restorative Practice in Sabbath School: Techniques and strategies for applying restorative practices to enhance Sabbath School sessions.
  4. Pillar 2 – Restorative Practice in Prayer Meeting: Guidance on making Prayer Meetings more impactful through restorative approaches.
  5. Pillar 3 – Expanding the Health Message: Innovative ways to broaden the health message within the church community through restorative practices.
  6. Summary: A recapitulation of the key points covered, ensuring a solid understanding and readiness to apply these practices.

Community Support & Resources

Participants will gain entry into an exclusive Facebook community for ongoing support, sharing experiences, and learning from others who are also on this transformative journey. This community serves as a valuable resource for continuous growth and encouragement.

Includes Two EBooks:

  • 52 Outlines for a RP (Restorative Practice) Sabbath School Circle: A year’s worth of outlines to guide Sabbath School discussions in a restorative manner.
  • 52 Outlines for a RP Health Emphasis Circle: Provides a structured approach to integrating health messages into church activities, promoting wellness and belonging.

Join us in this enriching program to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and connected church community. Through the principles of restorative practices, listening, and engagement, we can collectively enhance the sense of belonging and spiritual growth within our church families.