52 Faith Formation Tips 2024-2025
Here’s an easy way to share helpful faith formation tips with your congregation! Each week, cut and paste one tip into your church bulletin, post it on your website, email it, or post it on your church’s social media. If you attend a Christian Reformed congregation, the weekly tip is sent along with other announcements to your church office every Wednesday. Questions? Contact thrive@crcna.org.
Spanish translation can be found here.
Korean translation can be found here.
See past years’ Faith Practices Questions (2023-24), Faith Formation Tips (2022-23), and Faith Practices Reflection Questions (2021-22).
Use these bookmarks to navigate easily to the month you are looking for.
September
For September 1, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Labo(u)r Day marks the beginning of a new season of school, church life, and work. As you engage in new and familiar activities this week, reflect on where you see God at work. Where have you witnessed love in action? Where have you seen people who are sad and lonely being befriended, those who are in need receiving help, and those who are excluded included? Make a list of the ways you see God at work in your life and in the lives of the people around you, and give thanks to God for God’s ongoing love for the world. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For September 8, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - The Bible teaches us that God is redeeming the world, reversing the effects of the fall into sin, and restoring every area that is infected by sin. God invites us to join in this redeeming work as people who have experienced God’s love and grace (2 Cor. 5:17-21). One way we can join in is by reflecting God’s hospitality, welcome, and love to the people around us. Consider someone at school or work who could use a friend. In what small ways can you show kindness and be a friend to the person God has placed on your heart? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For September 15, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - We all do things that are wrong and not pleasing to God. Paul writes in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV). When we do wrong, people get hurt by our actions, words, and even the things we should do but don’t. How have your actions brought others harm? To whom do you need to say you are sorry this week? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For September 22, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - One way we can participate in the mission of God is by living justly. To live justly is to pray and stand up for people who are mistreated. In your school, workplace, neighborhood, or community, who is not being treated fairly? What can you do to advocate for justice for them? Ask God to show you where there is injustice in your community and how you can support people who are being wronged. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For September 29, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - First Peter 3:15 urges us to be prepared to share with others the reason we have hope. As Christians, we have hope because Jesus loves us and promises that one day, there will be no more sadness, no more sickness, no more hurt (Rev. 21:4). Spend some time praying this week about whom you can talk with about Jesus. Consider with whom God may be calling you to share the hope you have in Christ. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
October
For October 6, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is All Nations Heritage Sunday! To celebrate and give thanks to God for the beautiful gift of diversity, learn how to say “Thank you, God” in a new language every day this week. Practice these phrases as you pray with thanks to God for your siblings in Christ around the globe. Thank you, God! For more information about how you can support growing diversity in CRC ministries, leadership, and congregations, visit crcna.org/AllNations. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For October 13, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is Clergy Appreciation Sunday. First Timothy 5:17 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (NIV). Take some time this week to write a note to a leader in the church, telling them why you are grateful for them. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For October 20, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is Disability Awareness Sunday. First Corinthians 12 describes the church as the body of Christ—a body with many parts that play different roles. As you think about your role within your church or community, which body part(s) do you think you might be? Perhaps you are the eyes and heart, sharing empathy and kindness where you see hardship and struggle. Maybe you are the big toe, providing stability and balance. Are you like blood vessels gifted at connecting and linking others? Thank God for how God made you and how each person in God’s kingdom is essential. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For October 27, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is Reformation Sunday, when churches in a variety of Reformed denominations celebrate the work of Martin Luther and others who influenced generations of Reformed churches like those in the CRCNA. The “five solas” provide a helpful summary of Reformed faith teaching: solo Christus (Christ alone), sola gratia (grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola scriptura (Scripture alone), and soli deo gloria (glory to God alone). Spend time reflecting on these solas this week, thinking individually or discussing as a family how important these are in your relationship with Christ. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
November
For November 3, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - During this week, the global church commits to praying for resolutions to the growing problem of world hunger. The World Food Program (wfpusa.org) tells us that “up to 783 million people worldwide are facing chronic hunger. That means one in ten people are not consuming enough food to lead an active, healthy life.” Each day of the coming week, pick a different country to pray for—asking that increased resources may be found, that food may be shared, and that all of God’s children may flourish and thrive. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For November 10, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10, NIV). Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. We take for granted that we can go to church each week and have the freedom to worship God. This week, pray for our siblings in Christ around the world who are persecuted for their faith. Throughout the week, say short prayers thanking God for your freedom, and pray steadfastly for believers who suffer persecution. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For November 17, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Advent begins on December 1. How will you celebrate the season of Advent this year? Whether you light an Advent wreath at home each week, use a Jesse Tree devotional guide, or follow a daily Advent calendar—there are lots of ways to prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ’s coming at Christmastime. Gather any supplies you’ll need, and check out the helpful ideas in this post: bit.ly/ThriveAdventResources. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For November 24, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - This week try playing the alphabet game using the topic “Things I’m grateful for.” Prayers can take many forms, and naming things A-Z is a great way to remember that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV). Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
December
For December 1, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Advent is a season of waiting. We wait expectantly for the birth of Christ, and we wait with hope for his coming again. Yet this season is often marked by hurried consumerism and overfilled calendars. How might you practice “waiting” in new ways this Advent season? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For December 8, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.” This refrain from the beloved Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” calls us to rejoice—not because of our immediate circumstances but because of the promises we have in Jesus Christ. Ponder a few things that cause you to rejoice. Offer them up to God in gratitude. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For December 15, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - This coming week marks the winter solstice—the “longest night” of the year. For many, the Christmas season can be a particularly difficult time. How might God be calling you to minister to people who struggle? How might you remind them that the dark of night will gradually give way to the light of day? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For December 22, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip -
For you Jesus Christ came into the world:
for you he lived and showed God's love;
for you he suffered the darkness of Calvary and cried at the last, “It is finished”;
for you he triumphed over death and rose in newness of life;
for you he ascended to reign at God’s right hand.
All this he did for you, though you do not know it yet.
And so the word of Scripture is fulfilled: “We love because God loved us first.”
–Adapted from the French Reformed Church liturgy
During this week of Christmas, tell the familiar story of the birth of our Savior with the hope of hearing it in new and beautiful ways, remembering Christ’s incarnation and birth for YOU. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For December 29, 2024
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As we come to the end of a calendar year, this is a fitting time to look back. At a mealtime this week, share with someone else one thing that you’re grateful for, one thing you’re sad about, and one way you’ve seen God working in the past year. Read Psalm 90 together as a reminder that God directs our days, months, and years. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
January
For January 5, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is Epiphany Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus’ coming as the light to all people. On this Sunday we remember the Magi, who saw the light in the sky and followed it to hono(u)r the birth of Jesus. Read Matthew 2:1-12. Talk about what kind of gift you would bring to Jesus, and why. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For January 12, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - The CRC’s God’s Diverse and Unified Family synodical study report notes that “reconciliation with God and reconciliation with one another are inseparable in God’s saving work . . . and racial reconciliation with repentance is urgent.” This week we commemorate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader known for reconciliation and a proclaimer of repentance of the sin of racism. How might you embody a similar posture? What daily actions can focus you in the practice of repentance to lead you into reconciliation? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For January 19, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In the contemporary testimony Our World Belongs to God we boldly proclaim, “Life is a gift from God’s hand, who created all things” (para. 44). Because we are called to treat all life with awe and respect—from the womb to the tomb—on this Sanctity of Human Life Sunday we invite you to explore a holistic ethic of life as it relates to the unborn, people with disabilities, and end-of-life issues. Consider ways in which you and your family can be advocates who not only promote the sanctity of life but are also loving, nurturing, and enduring communities of support. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For January 26, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Spending time each evening reflecting on the day’s events can be a simple way to recognize God’s presence in your day-to-day life. Take time this week to share your “high” and “low” from each day with your family members or roommates, or write these things down in a journal each evening. Thank God for walking with you always, through the good as well as the bad. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
February
For February 2, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Theologian and professor Willie James Jennings emphasizes the importance of the church’s contending with its complicated history when it comes to the origins of race in the Christian imagination. As we begin celebrating Black History Month, let’s commit to learning about the church’s role in Black history. Have we always been a champion for the oppressed? Or have we sometimes taken on oppressive roles? How can you in your own way be a champion for the oppressed and promote racial reconciliation? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For February 9, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As hearts, valentines, and the color red take over this week, spend some time reading what the Bible says about love. Here are a few verses to start with: Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Matthew 5:43-48; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7-12. As you reflect on how we’re called to love one another, make a list of ways in which you can show love to your neighbors, church family, and community. Pick one thing from the list to do this week. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For February 16, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, NIV). All through the Bible, seeking justice and flourishing for all people in the face of injustice is an integral part of following the Lord. This week, as we observe the World Day of Social Justice, write down five reasons why you believe pursuing justice is an act of faithful discipleship and faith formation. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For February 23, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Think about a favorite Bible verse. Look it up in translations that are different from what you normally use. What do you notice in a new way? What stands out to you? Rewrite the verse in your own words or draw a picture of what this verse means to you. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
March
For March 2, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “Dust you are and to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19, NIV). This week marks the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. While it might seem morbid to focus intentionally on our mortality, we can use this time to remember our humanity. We live with bodies and minds that not only are fearfully and wonderfully made but will also age and begin to fail us. Give thanks to God for the gift of your body, and ask him to help you be mindful of its limits. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For March 9, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - The Bible talks about many different ways to engage our bodies while we pray. As you observe the CRC's Annual Day of Prayer this week, try a different prayer posture: you could kneel, lie flat, pray with your hands or eyes open, dance to a worship song, or journal your prayer. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For March 16, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (NIV). At a mealtime this week, share a passage of Scripture that’s been especially meaningful or “sweet” in your life of faith. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For March 23, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Throughout the coming week, try this simple gratitude practice: before bedtime, reflect on your day, thanking God for the moments when you sensed God’s presence. Write down a note about those moments in gratitude so that you have an ongoing reminder of God's blessings. For more ways to practice gratitude, see the Faith Practices Project: crcna.org/FaithPracticesProject/gratitude.
Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For March 30, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In Acts 2:42-47, we read how the early church lived and worshiped in community, “praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (v. 47, NIV). Think of your own church community this week. How can you make everyone feel welcome? Look at things in your church like the raised platform (pulpit area) and the seating. Is everyone in your congregation able to access these areas? Is the building welcoming to visitors? Do you have a way for individuals who may be sensitive to noise to participate in worship? Spend some time this week talking with others about how you can welcome everyone to your church community. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
April
For April 6, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Katherine Wolf, coauthor of Hope Heals, said, “Before Jesus worked all things together for good, he wept over all the things that were not good. He made himself vulnerable to every kind of hurt to guarantee that we would never be alone in our pain. He offered us solidarity within his sovereignty.” What are you, or the people in other parts of the world, weeping about right now? What can we do to be reminded that Jesus weeps with us? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For April 13, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Palm Sunday: Today we remember that Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the crowds sang, “Hosanna! Hosanna!” Imagine being there in the crowd that day. What would you be thinking about or feeling? What could you do today or this week to help bring Jesus’ kingdom of peace here on earth right now? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For April 20, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Easter Sunday: This is the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Read John 20:1-18, which tells us how Jesus’ friend, Mary Magdalene, met Jesus in the garden soon after he had risen from the dead. At first she thought he was the gardener. Imagine experiencing this as Mary did. What words would you use to describe how she felt? What did she say when she finally recognized Jesus? Share with the people around you how Jesus has shown up in surprising ways throughout your life. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For April 27, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Abuse Awareness Sunday: Today is a day when the church acknowledges the sad reality of abuse in our world and in our communities. Abuse happens when one person treats another with cruelty and violence, hurting them physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. Jesus came to put an end to such suffering and to the cruelty that causes it. Consider how the church can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. How can the church support people who are abused? How can the church help to put an end to abuse? If you’re looking for a helpful starting point, check out crcna.org/SafeChurch.
Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
May
For May 4, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Teacher Appreciation Week: Ephesians 4 says that Christ himself gave us leaders, including teachers, “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” (4:11, NIV). At a mealtime with family members this week, share a story of a teacher who had a big impact on your life. How did God use them to help guide and encourage you? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For May 11, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Mother’s Day: While Mother’s Day is not part of the church calendar, it provides a great opportunity to give thanks to God for the people in our lives—whether they be mothers, siblings, aunts, grandmothers, or friends—who nurture, support, love, and encourage us to be all that God created us to be. Consider who has functioned in this way in your life, and take time this week to thank them. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For May 18, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Stories are powerful; there’s often no better way to convey deep truth, deep pain, and deep love than through a meaningful story. Sharing faith stories helps us grow in Christ as we remember that our individual stories are situated within God's greater story. This week, explore ways to share faith stories with your community. Ask a friend to share their faith story, share your own faith story with a friend, or share stories as a group during a mealtime. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For May 25, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - This week we celebrate Ascension Day on Thursday. Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (NIV). As you think about Christ interceding for us in heaven, what do you imagine he’s asking God the Father for on your behalf? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
June
For June 1, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Now more than ever, it’s important for us to continue to heal our relationship with God’s beautiful creation through our worship, personal actions, and advocacy for the flourishing of the Creator’s handiwork. As World Environment Day (June 5) is celebrated this week, consider how you and your family can lean into our moral responsibility to care for God’s creation. Think of five commitments you can make toward this goal. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For June 8, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Pentecost Sunday: On Pentecost the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is often described and pictured as wind, a dove, or a flame. During a mealtime with loved ones this week, share how these images help you think of the Holy Spirit. What other images help you think of the Holy Spirit? If you have children in your household, ask them how they would picture or draw the Holy Spirit. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For June 15, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday, which comes each year on the Sunday after Pentecost. We often hear the words “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” as a part of God’s greeting in worship, during baptisms, or during other important times in our lives such as funerals or weddings. These words remind us that we belong to God and that he is with us in all the moments of our lives. Celebrate the Trinity by searching online for a video of “Trinity Song by Sandra McCracken” and singing along. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For June 22, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Today is Indigenous Ministry Sunday, set aside to celebrate the gifts and richness that Indigenous people bring to life in Canada and the United States. Storytelling is an important part of Indigenous cultures. It is one way they pass on the story of their people and their history. The Bible is the story of God and God’s people. Telling Bible stories is a way we pass along God’s story from one generation to the next. These stories help us to know who God is and what God has done. What is your favorite Bible story? Why do you like it? What does it tell you about God? How does it affect the way you live today? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For June 29, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As you celebrate the birthday of your country this week (Canada, July 1; United States, July 4), spend some time praying for your country’s leaders. Pray that they will lead with wisdom and act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8). Go for a walk this week, near a civic space or building if you’re able, praying that your country will walk humbly with God. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
July
For July 6, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In Joshua 4, God instructs the Israelites to gather twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan River as a reminder of what God has done for them. As we move into the second half of the year, create your own remembrances from the first half of the year. What moments serve as reminders of God’s care, provision, and lovingkindness? Write them on a poster and hang them in your home as a sign of God’s faithfulness. Or gather rocks, paint them, write keywords on them, and display them along a walkway outside or in a common room in your home. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For July 13, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In the church year we are in “Ordinary Time,” a season named not because it is less significant than other church seasons but because it’s a time to focus on faithfulness in our ordinary, day-to-day lives. This week, ponder how you can “take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1-2, MSG). Choose one daily activity that you can write a simple prayer about, and say that prayer each day. Small practices like this can make us mindful of God's presence in the ordinary. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For July 20, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Eugene Peterson paraphrased part of 1 Corinthians 12 in The Message by saying, “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is: Everyone gets in on it, everyone benefits. All kinds of things are handed out by the Spirit, and to all kinds of people! The variety is wonderful. . . .” Think of a family member or friend. Have a discussion, write a note, or draw a picture for them about how you have seen God work through them. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For July 27, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As a part of his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the disciples, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt. 6:26, NIV). Spend some time this week watching birds. Go on a hike near a body of water, put a bird feeder in your backyard, or simply watch for birds as you travel throughout your day. As you observe these creatures, be reminded of God’s care and provision. Make a list of the ways God provides for you daily. Place it somewhere in your home where it can serve as a daily reminder of God’s care for you. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
August
For August 3, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - As another school year approaches, spend some time in prayer for teachers, administrators, and students from preschool through graduate school. Pray that students may turn their ears to wisdom, apply their hearts to understanding, and find the knowledge of God (Prov. 2:2,5). Pray that administrators and teachers may model God’s wisdom, love, and compassion as they support and instruct students. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For August 10, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - Psalm 19 exclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (v. 1, NIV). Throughout your week make a point to observe the sky—whether storm-filled, clear and sunny, brilliant blue with fluffy clouds, or full of stars. How does observing creation remind you of God’s glory and good works? Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For August 17, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In his book Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson writes, “The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned. We are all implicated when we allow other people to be mistreated.” These words speak directly to the heart of Micah 6:8. As you go through this week, focus on aligning your actions with those of the one who seeks justice in all spaces. Note down your observations at the end of the week, and consider what your daily practice can become moving forward. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For August 24, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - In the book Unsettling Truths, theologian and professor Soong-Chan Rah writes: “Repentance is not just sorrow and confession, it is the turning around of wrong behavior towards right and just action. Repentance from sinful corporate behavior therefore requires systemic change.” Write down how you are going to pair your acts of repentance from “sinful corporate behaviors,” like racism, with acts of systemic change this week. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive
For August 31, 2025
Thrive Faith Formation Tip - When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matt. 22:37-39, NIV). How can you show love to God through loving your neighbors this week? Whether it be in helping someone in your building carry groceries, bringing flowers to someone on your street, or buying a special treat for someone in your broader community, find a way to extend an act of love to one of your neighbors. Brought to you by Thrive: crcna.org/Thrive