January is here, and it’s officially 2025! If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to fathom we are here. Twenty-five years ago, most of us thought the world would end long before now. It’s a true testimony to God that we are still here, with new opportunities to live our faith and spread the Gospel in this new year. That being said, why not take some time to think of some fun faith-building activities that will help take us through the next twelve months? In this column, we are going to look at nine faith-building activities that you can do, are reasonably inexpensive, and within reach for the average believer.
Visit a church service different from the one you usually attend
It’s not a secret that we tend to fall into habits. This is as true for our spiritual lives as it is for any other aspect of daily living. We grow accustom to going to the same church all the time, especially if attending is convenient for us. There’s nothing wrong with making a commitment to a church; if anything, that’s definitely needed in this time. There’s also nothing wrong with learning about what other groups believe or how other Christians worship. If anything, visiting another service can prove to be an educational experience, one that reminds you of just how big Christianity is. It’s bigger than our immediate local churches, and it’s great to know how worship impacts others across denominational lines.
Maybe visit a group that’s a home church, or one that meets in a different setting than you’re accustom. Try out a denomination that’s far removed from your own. Bring a friend, and have a conversation with attendees about what they believe. While there’s no question you shouldn’t abandon your current church, let one of your faith-building activities be learning about other believers.
Attend a church service that’s not on a Sunday morning
The first church I attended as a young Christian had services on Friday nights in addition to Sunday mornings. Some members came on Sundays, some on Fridays, and others, on both days. They had a Friday night service for people unable to attend on Sunday mornings. And yes, the Friday night vibe was totally different from Sunday mornings. For one, it was more relaxed. Second, it introduced me to a whole different group of people.
While it’s not as common for churches to have services on different days of the week, there are some churches that have services on Wednesday or Friday nights, while some devotedly meet on Saturdays. There’s also the option to attend a conference or other gathering that’s specifically on a day other than Sunday. Faith-building doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings, and it’s important to fellowship with others in Christ on other days of the week instead of limiting such to Sunday.
Learn about the international Christian experience
Contrary to popular belief, Christians exist all over the world. For example, a meme circulated around Christmastime expressing shock that people didn’t realize there are Christians in the Middle East (such as in Syria). The Christian experience varies from country to country, as do different spiritual expressions, rites, and worship styles. And while some American Christian denominations might look down on international worship styles, many international Christian churches have existed since long before the United States was a country!
For some suggested fun faith-building activities involving international Christianity, here are some suggestions:
- Research the great church buildings – and the communities that worship in them – in the Middle East
- Do some reading about Christianity in China and the diverse communities that exist there
- Learn about the Christian communities in India, where they represent a minority community
- Read about a denomination that’s much more influential overseas, versus as in your own country (such as Oriental Orthodoxy or Eastern Orthodoxy)
It’s also important to mention that in many parts of the world, Christians still face persecution for their faith. Seeing this firsthand through testimonials or stories can help us appreciate the beauty of Christianity all the more.
Visit a holy site in your area
Defining a “holy site” is a difficult task. Different groups and even different individuals can define a “holy site” in a different fashion. Not everyone finds sacred hope in major sites deemed “holy,” and not everyone is interested in the same exact type of “holy” experience. There are those who find a baptism in a river as sacred as visiting the Lourdes, France international apparition site. So, for this particular suggestion, let’s start by saying: find a holy site in your area that speaks to you, for whatever the reason. Whether you’re trying to embrace something sacred for yourself or you want to learn more about something, find something that’s going to satisfy your need for a fun, faith-building activity. Suggested sites could include:
- Regional historical churches or cathedrals
- A community labyrinth or other meditation site
- Museum or center devoted to a historical religious figure
- Religious center of a different faith that you’d like to learn more about
Find or start a small study group
Some years back, small groups were all the rage. People embraced the idea of being in a small church group in addition to regular congregational attendance. These groups are still seen in megachurches, but we don’t see small group participation in quite the same way that we used to. I understand people are busy and regular meetups for Bible study and prayer might not seem feasible, but this doesn’t mean they are any less needed. As Christians, we need community. We need more from our church experience than just showing up on Sunday and never connecting with others during the week. Small prayer groups, Bible studies, and get-togethers foster community as well as faith, and introduce us to relationship beyond casual church attendance.
If your church doesn’t have small group gatherings, consider starting one. The startup process can be a fun, faith-building activity to remember!
Go on a retreat
I mentioned the idea of a retreat in my last column. I’m mentioning it again because retreats can be fun faith-building weekends full of lasting memories, insights, and spiritual focus. Contrary to popular belief, retreats don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes local churches host weekend retreats at a resort or campsite, and nearby but out-of-town weekend conferences can also double as retreat weekends. Taking time away from both the ordinary and busy-ness of life are essential for spiritual growth.
Read a Christian book
The history of literacy is intimately tied to the history of Christianity, particularly the Protestant Reformation. If not for first the Reformers and the subsequent educational movements to follow, we wouldn’t have our modern literacy rates. I’m as much a technology buff as the next person, but there’s something to be said for reading a Christian book, especially if your reading is typically restricted to technological devices, social media, or other online reading. Not sure where to start? Devotional books, Christian history, and spiritual growth topics are all great places to start.
Keep a gratitude jar throughout the year
Some people are into daily gratitude journals. Me, I prefer the gratitude jar, a special jar where I keep slips of paper nearby to write particularly thankful memories and store them for later remembrance. Keeping a gratitude jar reminds you of all the great things God does in your life, especially if they aren’t things you’ll remember when things get difficult. This is special among faith-building activities because it can continue for long into the year.
Do an in-depth study on a book of the Bible
Bible study is often considered a drag, for a number of reasons. The first, and most outstanding reason, is because we don’t study the Bible to learn anything new. With modern studies geared at specific aspects of thoughts, living, and ideas, it can be hard to see where Scripture fits with general life. Bible study doesn’t have to just be about modern applications! We can study Scripture to learn the history behind it, to better recognize geographical areas, to understand certain aspects of Biblical text, or examinations of Biblical literature. Why not take a specific book of the Bible and learn more about it? Combine a study on its literary quality with its history and spiritual insights…and watch the words jump off the page!
What are your ideas?
What are some additional ways you can think to work on faith-building activities this year?
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