Are Your Milestones More Tradition Than Transformation? Creating Moments That Last
Are church milestones just traditions, or do they hold the power to shape faith and engage families? In this episode, we explore how to create a “theology of milestones” that moves beyond one-off events to become a core part of your discipleship journey. Joined by family ministry experts Elaine Pendergrass and Werner Ramirez, discover why celebrating everything from baptism to getting a driver’s license can be a profound act of ministry and the practical first steps you can take to make them more meaningful.
Meet Our Guests:
- Elaine Pendergrass: Educator, administrator, and long-time children’s minister.
- Werner Ramirez: Associate Pastor for Family Ministries and Congregational Care in Manhattan.
Why Do Milestones Really Matter?
Milestones are far more than just ceremonies; they are essential for individual faith, family discipleship, and congregational health. They help us see our lives as a story with intention, make ministry visible to the entire church, and create natural entry points for families to engage.
Werner Ramirez: “It’s a moment to celebrate, but it’s because we often see Jesus celebrating and feasting in Scripture. And it’s usually at these parties where the unseen are seen.”
Developing a “Theology of Milestones”
This isn’t just about what you do, but why you do it. A “theology of milestones” is about being deeply intentional, acknowledging that faith is a journey, and demonstrating how the sacred is present in our everyday, secular lives. It’s rooted in the biblical practice of building altars to remember God’s faithfulness.
Brandon Collins: “It’s taking something secular and demonstrating how it is actually sacred, how it’s bringing your faith to your car and the choices you make, or you take your faith with you to college.”
Key Milestones for Your Ministry
For Children & Youth: A clear pathway helps you journey alongside families. Consider marking these moments:
- Birth: Baby Dedication or Infant Baptism.
- Early Elementary: Bible Presentation.
- Transition: Moving from Children’s to Youth Ministry.
- Personal Decision: Baptism or Confirmation.
- Graduation: Blessing and sending out high school seniors.
For Adults: Milestones don’t stop at age 18. The church can mark significant adult moments:
- Grief and Loss: A funeral marks a moment after which life is never the same.
- Calling and Service: Celebrate the beginning or end of a volunteer’s service.
- Family Vows: Infant baptism is also a milestone for the parents and godparents making vows.
Integrating “Secular” Moments
Connecting with culturally significant moments builds a bridge to your community and provides easy, non-threatening invitations.
- Getting a Driver’s License: Pray over a new driver.
- Back to School: Host a “Backpack Blessing” for students and teachers.
- Christmas: Use a story like “The Grinch” to ask what Christmas is really about.
Your Actionable Next Steps
- Audit Your Calendar: Look at your church, school, and community calendars. Where are the natural moments to celebrate? Plan them out.
- Evaluate Your Existing Milestones: What do you already do? Ask if it’s effective, involves parents, and engages the whole church.
- Pick One Thing: Don’t get overwhelmed. Choose one milestone to improve or one new milestone to add in the next year.
Resources Mentioned:
- Book: The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath