Adult Formation

When we think of opportunities for Christian formation, we often mean things like Sunday school, singing in the choir, and youth camp. But when we contemplate developing new and more robust opportunities for adults, we often encounter roadblocks: lack of time, energy, or engaging programming. The resources below can help you reframe and reinvigorate adult formation in your congregation.

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  • Just Plain Joy By Linda Buskirk

    Everyone loves a Christmas pageant—and this brief article reminds us why. But beyond the cuteness factor, it poses serious questions: How can our youngest members point the way toward a deeper faith for us all? And, just as important, what can we do to rekindle our own childlike joy in knowing God?

  • Formation Moves into the Neighborhood by Greg Syler

    Parish priest Greg Syler muses about Christian formation that takes place during the week and outside of the church building—in parishioners’ homes, at a community center, in a café—at times that appeal to different schedules of school, work, or life stage. What challenges would this model pose? How might it re-invigorate spiritual learning and a life in faith? What is one group in your setting who might be willing to try?

  • Transform Your Congregation: Read the Bible by Scott Gunn

    Learn why you might want to go the good old-fashioned route and encourage your congregation to read the Bible. Intimidated by the idea? Don’t know where to start? Check out the resources at the end of the article for tips and inspiration.

  • Hybrid Faith Formation: Learning as We Go by Kyle Oliver

    In this article, digital faith leader and priest Kyle Oliver shares various forays into the world of hybrid or online faith formation, including a few best practices to get you started. If you’re struggling to find a time when folks can gather in the building, or you want a more robust network of participants, maybe it’s time to explore how the hybrid model might work for you.

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  • Traveling the Way of Love presented by The Episcopal Church (video series)

    The Episcopal Church presents "Traveling the Way of Love", a video series exploring the ways Episcopal congregations are practicing a Jesus-centered life, serving God and their neighbor.

  • Good Book Club Webinar by Jay Sidebotham and Richelle Thompson (30 minutes)

    This video introduces you to the Good Book Club, an initiative led by Forward Movement and supported by more than two dozen partner organizations, including the Episcopal Church Foundation. Learn about the resources (most of them free) that are available and get ready for some deep and joy-filled engagement with God’s Word.

Do
  • Vitality Is an Inside Job by Altagracia Pérez-Bullard (5 minutes)

    Ultimately, Christian formation is about equipping us to share the Good News with those who are most in need—to express in thought and action what we believe and why it matters. Read this brief but thoughtful personal challenge about faith formation. How does it prepare you to be a good companion on the spiritual road? With whom will you share your relationship with God today?

  • The Way of Love presented by The Episcopal Church

    Incorporate The Way of Love from The Episcopal Church into your individual or small group adult formation! More than a program or curriculum, The Way of Love is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest

  • The Good Book Club presented by The Good Book Club

    Reading the Bible is one of the best ways to grow spiritually, especially in the company of fellow travelers. The Good Book Club offers you a chance to join with others on the journey—whether in your church or online—in an immersive experience of the Bible. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and get started!