Christian
Formation
Diocese
of Eastern Michigan
Ministries Resource Center Directory
(A Lending Library)
Subject:
Christian Formation
Topic:
Lifelong Formation
Adult Christian
Formation
|
Ministries Resource Center Home Congregational/ Leadership Development Stewardship/Mission and Outreach An
Introduction to Godly Play Theory Curriculum: |
Christian formation is a life-long process; it begins when we are
baptized and ends-or is transformed-when we are buried. Christian formation
as an adult takes place in many ways and in many venues. An adult chaperoning
a busload of youth to the National Acolyte Festival may experience formation
as may a person attending a small group Bible study; the latter, however, is
more purposeful. Below are listed a variety of programs and materials available for
intentional adult Christian formation and designed to help us grow in our
relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves. A)
Weekends Episcopal Cursillo of the
Diocese of Lay Director: Sue
Colavincenzo; Pre-Cursillo: Lynn Iatzko Cursillo is a “short course in Christianity” done in a 3 day
weekend retreat and emphasizing the regular practice of Christianity through
small groups and involvement in a congregation. Beginning Thursday evening
and running through Sunday afternoon, the course includes 14 talks given by
laity and clergy, plus time to reflect on the talks, fellowship, and lots of
good food! Cursillo weekends in
eastern Also available in our area are some interdenominational Cursillo style programs: Lutheran Via de Cristo (LVCCM) United
Methodist Walk to Emmaus or www.upperroom.org/emmaus/default.htm
B)
Short Courses Alpha: http://alphacourse.org/default.htm
This is a
non-denominational introduction to Christianity which is taught around the
world. It is intended as an evangelical tool to bring in those from outside
the church, but it is also a good tool for “reawakening” those already in the
church. The flow of the program includes a light meal, then one of 10 talks
(of approximately 25 minutes) followed by a period of small group discussion
on the talk. The talks cover Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, evil,
Christian living, and being part of a church. The course may also include a
weekend retreat. Talks may be given by a trained lay person or clergy, but
all are also available on video or DVD. Via Media: www.EveryVoice.net/viamedia Contact the This is an evangelical tool
similar to Alpha but with an
Episcopal basis. It includes the light meal and a 20-25 minute video (with a
panel of speakers, not a single presenter) followed by small group
discussion. It has 8 sessions and a retreat during which the sacraments of
Baptism and Eucharist are discussed. The series is intended to reach those
outside the church, those on the fringes of the church, and those within the
church who would like to renew their understanding of the Episcopal Church.
Training for the coordinators is required. The Discovery Series: A
Christian Journey: www.epicenter.org/discovery.shtm
This series, produced by
the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, provides the basics for new Christians, confirmation
training and continuing Christian formation particularly for Episcopalians.
There are several segments, varying from 8-19 minutes. The series includes
basic information about Christianity, in-depth discussions of Bible study and
prayer, a means of assessing our spiritual gifts, and sections on evangelism
and “telling our story”. There is also a section on the Episcopal Church and
Church history. Each presentation is followed by group discussion, led by a
facilitator; facilitator guides are available. Available as video or DVD from Morehouse Publishing and The Episcopal
Media Center Locations: St Alban’s Bay
City, St Christopher’s Grand Blanc – video;
St John’s Midland - DVD |
C) In Depth Studies
Congregational
Renewal through Ministry Team Development: www.eastmich.org
A
program of 7 modules designed for teams from a congregation to grow
themselves and help grow their congregations. Offered by the Diocese in
connection with
Education
for Ministry (EFM): www.sewanee.edu/EFM/EFMhome.html
Diocesan Coordinator: The Rev. Mary Jo Schuetz, St Paul’s, Gladwin
EFM
is a program of theological education which takes place over a four year
period. Every baptized person is called to ministry; this program provides
people with the education to carry out that ministry. An EFM group consists of
6-11 students and a mentor and meets for 2½-3 hours each week for 36 weeks.
Each session includes study (of the Old and New Testaments, Church history,
liturgy, and theology), reflection on the study, and worship. A group may be
joined at the beginning of any school year. To find out about joining or
starting a group, contact Rev Schuetz: jimmary@chartermi.net.
Disciples
of Christ in Community
(DOCC): www.sewanee.edu/Theology/DOCCFolder/DOCChome.html
A
Christian Education program which provides experience in building Christian
community while encouraging individual spiritual growth It is designed for a
group presentation followed by small group discussion. 21 sessions/year; Leader
training is available from Sewanee Theological Seminary.
D) Other
opportunities
Christian Believer: www.umph.org/christianbeliever
A year long adult study of the basics of Christianity; on hand: handbook which explains program and gives information about purchasing a license.
Location: Diocesan
Center , Saginaw
Emmaus:
The Way of Faith: Morehouse
Publishing www.morehousegroup.com
This
is an evangelism and discipleship program, originally developed in
LeaderResources: www.leaderresources.org
Offers a variety of programs for
adults including Adult Journey, Teach Us
to Pray, Spiritual Journeys, and Venture.
Samples of materials may be seen on the LeaderResources website.
Living Into Our Baptism: John
Westerhoff and Caroling Hughes, St Mark’s Press,
This
is a resource for either a diocese or an individual congregation to help with
ongoing personal growth in Christian faith and life. It involves the entire
congregation and leadership of the church in a roughly year long process and
develops in three sections: preparation for the renewal of baptismal vows (or
possibly adult Baptism and/or Confirmation), preparation for the rite itself,
and reflection on the experience. Each person preparing for the rite works with
a mentor/partner. It is strong encouragement to and preparation for ministry.
Location:
Practically
Christian: Richard Brewer
and Angela Hock; LeaderResources
www.leaderresources.org/view/standard/menu/27/;
A
small group program for focus and discipline in prayer life and intentional
living of baptismal vows; 36 sessions; information and sample lesson available
for review
E) Ongoing Small Group Materials
Living
the Good News – www.morehousegroup.com/episcopal.htm
- Morehouse Publishing
Adult “Scripture Journal”: An
Episcopal Lectionary (now includes Revised Common Lectionary as well)
curriculum with a brief comment on each lesson followed by questions for
discussion; a final meditation sums up the lessons followed by a “prayer
starter”. Good for individual or group study of the weekly liturgical readings.
Released quarterly.
Seasons of the Spirit -www.spiritseasons.com - Logos Publications
Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, seasonal guides offer teachers background information on scripture, stories and activities for class, worship and outreach opportunities, includes beautiful art work as well as musical suggestions for class and worship; Adult and Congregational Life sections are available. Released quarterly.
F) Curriculum Resources [available at the
Kerygma
Studies – The Kerygma Program,
In
depth Bible studies, most of which include both a “Resource Book” for students
and Leader’s Guide; studies vary from 6 lessons to ~25 lessons depending on the
topic; some studies are now available on CD. Available for preview:
Kerygma Resource Book:
Basic overview of the Bible, 1984
Blessed Are You: The Beatitudes of Jesus in Scripture and in Life, 6 lessons, 1999
Good News for All: The Gospel of Luke, 14 lessons, 1995
Hallelujah: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah, 10 lessons, revised 2002
Into the World: The Acts of the Apostles, 14 lessons, 1998
Passion, Promise and Praise: Discovering the Psalms, 7 lessons, 1993
Shalom, A Study of the Biblical Concept of Peace; CD study program, 2002
We
Are An Easter People – John and Adrienne Carr, Upper Room Books,
Participants Guide, a study for small groups to determine various gifts and
leadership possibilities, 5 sessions, commentary and questions; this is a nice
Lenten study.
Location:
Books of the Bible: A Survey of the Old and New Testaments, John H. Hayes & Keith Schoville
This book is actually designed as a study for adult groups but can also be used by an individual to get a quick overview of the Bible. Chapters cover one or more books of a similar nature, with a review sheet at the end of each section. There is a brief introduction to each section of the book, study questions, and a summary of the section. There are maps, diagrams, and pictures throughout, and a pronunciation guide at the end. Each chapter also includes daily readings between the weekly meetings envisioned.
Location:
The Mighty Acts of God - by Robert J
Marshall & Craig E. Johnson, Augsburg Fortress; Minneapolis MN
36 lesson overview of the Bible for adults;
includes study questions; a leader guide is available.
Location:
Diocesan Center, Saginaw; St John’s, Midland
Resources
for small groups are multitudinous and readily available. Below are listed
several suppliers with excellent materials for small group work:
Cokesbury,
Ph: 800-672-1789; Fax: 800-445-8189; www.Cokesbury.com
[a store is available in
The Kerygma Program,
Ph: 800-537-9462; Fax: 412-344-1823; www.kerygma.com; explore@kerygma.com
[leadership training workshops
available]
LeaderResources,
Ph: 800-941-2218; www.leaderresources.org; staff@leaderresources.org
[consultants are available]
Upper Room Ministries,
Ph: 800-972-0433; www.upperroom.org
[devotional magazines also available]
Daily Devotional and Bible Study Publications
Bible Studies:
The
Journey – Bible Reading Fellowship
Daily
Lectionary – Book of Common Prayer,
pp 934-999
God’s
Word Today – God’s Word Today
Today
in the Word – Moody Bible Institute
Closer Walk – Walk Through the Bible
Daily
Walk – Walk Through the Bible
Devotionals:
Daily
Word - Unity
Forward
Day by Day – Forward Movement Publications
Our
Daily Bread – RBC Ministries
Alive
Now – Upper Room
The
Upper Room – Upper Room
inWord – Walk Through the Bible
Quiet
Walk - Walk Through the Bible
Tapestry
- Walk Through the Bible
Bible Reading
Fellowship,
The Journey - $22.00/yr (quarterly)
Forward Movement
Publications,
Forward Day by Day - $12.00/2 yrs (quarterly)
God’s Word
Today, PO Box 56915, Boulder CO 80322
God’s Word Today - $17.95/yr (monthly)
Moody Bible
Institute,
Today in the Word – Donation
requested (monthly)
RBC Ministries,
Our Daily Bread – Free [donations
accepted] (quarterly)
Upper Room,
Alive Now - $14.95/yr (bi-monthly)
The Upper Room - $7.95/yr (bi-monthly)
Walk Through the
Bible,
Closer Walk - $18.00/yr (monthly)
Daily Walk - $18.00/yr (monthly)
Quiet Walk - $18.00/yr (monthly)
Tapestry - $18.00/yr (monthly)
Compiled
by
10/04