The GreenhousE:
A microclimate fostering intentional formation and growth
The Greenhouse is Mercy Tree’s method of disciple formation, where the essential seeds of relationship, identity, and mission are planted in the hearts of God’s people.
The aim of the Greenhouse is to help communities form and send disciples to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37), showing and sharing mercy to those whom they encounter.
While Lived Lectio provides the place of encounter, the Greenhouse provides the next step for disciples to learn how to create their own irresistible invitations to those in their own circles of influence.
The Greenhouse is a structured way for leaders, church members, and families to build a realistic and widely effective evangelization method that can receive people no matter where they are in their journey of faith.
What Does This evangelization method look Like?
Using Jesus’ ministry as a model, participants will identify the people that the Lord has placed in their circle of influence. Namely, those in their own homes, their extended families, their neighborhoods and then communities.
Next, participants will be able to explore the ways that the Holy Spirit is already dwelling in their own domestic church and discover how to turn their unique gifts into the most fruitful means of evangelization.
No longer will evangelization be about imitating someone else’s method or journey, but about following the Holy Spirit that dispenses unique graces to each and every person and family, requiring a different type of “yes” from each one.
Q&A
Who can benefit from The Greenhouse?
Parishes and schools that desire to send out missionary families.
Knights of Columbus councils, Alpha and Exodus 90 groups, Fraternus chapters, Cursillo, Christ Renews His Parish and ACTS communities who are eager to attract, form and deploy men and their families for Jesus Christ and His church.
Where are these events located?
We come to you so that you can learn and practice in your own environment with a schedule that is most conducive to your community and families.
What does this look like? I need an example.
First, we will collaborate with your leadership to learn about your community and identify who your target audience is, then we will create a unique event that will reach the target demographic(s).
For example, a fraternal organization may want to engage its members in more effectively inviting young men to consider enrolling as new members. Mercy Tree Adventures would collaborate with the organization to create a Lived Lectio event, or events, that would appeal to the men of the group and their target demographic. Be it technical tree climbing, a muscle car track day, or a father-son tactical training, the event will not only be appealing to the members but also the attendees.
Next, Mercy Tree Adventures would conduct a workshop, preparing active members in the ways and means of inviting potential new members. During the event members would actively spend time with their invitee(s) getting to know them better and building memories and bonds together.
The Greenhouse is a place where people learn that evangelization is not about extending burdensome requests or boring invitations, but rather a life-giving opportunity to enter into a community of Christian discipleship rooted in friendship. Lived Lectio and the Greenhouse do not change anything about the fraternal organization but do equip the members to go about sharing the Gospel in a new and winsome way.
What is the cost?
The Greenhouse formation process includes an initial assessment and consulting for your organization, a two-day discipleship training retreat (with a Lived Lectio Event) for spouses and kids, equipment and insurance, as well as our travel costs. Due to the variation in events, necessary equipment and travel needs, the best thing to do is contact us so we can maximize our effect within your budget.
How do I find out more?
Give us a call! 1-217-606-1627 We would love to hear about how the Lord is working in your community and how we can partner with you for the glory of God.
