Purpose

The Spiritual Life and Faith Pillar exists to ensure that Asbury Grove remains a place where people of every age and stage encounter the living presence of God and grow deeper in relationship with Jesus Christ. It provides long-term strategic direction so that worship, discipleship, prayer, and spiritual formation flourish as the heartbeat of community life—honoring our historic camp-meeting roots while preparing the Grove for vibrant spiritual vitality in the decades ahead. 

Guiding Question: “How will Asbury Grove deepen lifelong discipleship and spiritual formation across generations while honoring our historic camp-meeting heritage?

Alignment with Vision and Mission

• Vision: Experience the presence of God in a vibrant, Christ-centered community. 

• Mission: Inspire people to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ, cultivate community, and faithfully steward our heritage and resources, so that residents, guests, and future generations may be transformed by God.

This pillar is the primary means by which the Grove intentionally nurtures spiritual transformation and keeps Christ at the center of all we do.

Scope

This pillar encompasses all efforts that shape the spiritual climate and practices of Asbury Grove, including:

• Corporate worship (Camp Meeting Week, Vespers, midweek services, and other gatherings)

• Bible study, prayer, and discipleship pathways for residents and guests of all ages

• Spiritual formation and personal growth opportunities

• Pastoral care and chaplaincy collaboration

• Partnerships with local churches, ministry organizations, and denominational resources

• Assessment of community spiritual health and demographic trends

• Alignment of spiritual priorities with Board and committee planning and resourcing

It does not own operational details of other pillars but partners closely with those areas to ensure spiritual life permeates every aspect of Grove experience.

Strategic Objectives (Multi-Year)

• Articulate and implement a clear, compelling multi-year strategic plan that sets priorities, measurable goals, and developmental milestones for spiritual life.

• Strengthen and expand high-quality opportunities for worship, Bible study, prayer, discipleship, and personal spiritual growth that are accessible and meaningful for all ages.

• Development of off-season (winter) programs to maintain community spiritual vitality year-round.

• Build intentional external networks and partnerships that enrich spiritual life at the Grove without diluting its distinct identity and heritage.

• Assess, at least annually, the spiritual health and demographics so that programming anticipates future needs and opportunities.

• Cultivate a culture of spiritual leadership by identifying, mentoring, and empowering future leaders within the community.

Leadership & Governance

• The Leader is responsible for owning, developing, maintaining, and refining the multi-year strategic plan; setting direction; aligning a team; establishing metrics; and partnering with the Board and related committees.

• The Leader works with other Strategic Pillar Leaders, including the Steering Oversight Committee, to ensure strategy alignment and determine resource needs. 

• The Leader, with the Oversight Committee, reports progress to the Asbury Grove Board. 

• Decision-making authority for strategic spiritual programming rests with the Pillar Leader in close, collaborative alignment with the pastor, worship committee as well as other related ministries.

Key Success Indicators

• Clear, documented multi-year strategic plan that is reviewed and updated annually

• Measurable growth in participation and spiritual engagement across worship, study, prayer, and discipleship offerings

• Demonstrated partnerships that add value to Grove spiritual life.

• Regular (at least annual) spiritual health assessments (e.g., qualitative surveys on spiritual practices, engagement metrics or small group health checks) that inform planning

• Visible pipeline of emerging spiritual leaders within the community

• Alignment of spiritual priorities with overall Grove budgeting and long-term resource allocation

Time Horizon

This is a multi-year pillar with a rolling 3-5 year strategic planning horizon, reviewed annually and adjusted as the Holy Spirit leads and community needs evolve.