The Rooted experience at Lake Avenue Church is well underway, with more than 1,100 adults in 120 small groups committed to participating in the 10-week journey. Lake Avenue’s Family Ministries team also has started its own specialized version of Rooted for children and students. The response to this unique discipleship experience has been virtually unprecedented in the history of our church, in terms of size and scope of commitment.
More than 175 people are committed to serve as facilitators and attended LAC’s training day in January. The training included encouragement from Pastor Mathew, an overview of the Rooted curriculum, and its intention—to cultivate deeper connections with God, the Body of Christ and our mission in the world.
Bill Fairbanks, LAC member and Rooted Operating Team leader, commented on the training day,
“It is one thing for people to gather and talk. It is something totally different to have 175 people gather voluntarily to be trained and invest 10 weeks of their lives in ministering to others.”
Pastor Bill Mead also said, “My heart is full, and my soul is encouraged,” and called it a “Herculean effort” that reflected the hearts of the Operating Team and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to daily devotions, studying scripture and sharing stories together, Rooted small groups will gather in a concentrated time of prayer and fasting, engaging God in conversation, opening their hearts to Him and spending time listening to His voice. The groups also will come together for a day of service in the community, learning about the blessings experienced by those served as well as those
who serve.
While current Rooted groups cannot add participants at this time, be encouraged! Lake Avenue Church leaders are currently evaluating when the next Rooted journey will begin. Stay tuned!