Christian
Formation
Diocese
of Eastern Michigan
Ministries Resource Center
Subject: Christian
Formation
Topic: Adult 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); Contact: United
Methodist Walk to Emmaus; Contact: 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
LifeCycles: www.Leaderresources.org
Diocesan Coordinator: The Rev.
Rather
than a program or limited course of study, LifeCycles is an ongoing process of
spiritual formation and transformation. Based on the small group, each session
provides study, liturgy, social time, and time for reflection on the learnings
of the session. Students are exposed to a wide range of liturgy, of mentors or
models from our history, and justice issues as well as study of both the Old
and New Testaments. And within the comfort and support of the community,
participants are encouraged to identify their gifts and urged to use them in
ministry to the church. LifeCycles is designed to help make faith an active
part of our daily lives.
If interested in starting a program, contact
Reference books to supplement unit
introductions:
Tradition, History, and the Old Testament,
Walter E. Rast, Fortress Press,
The Old Testament and the Historian, J.
Maxwell Miller, Fortress Press,
Form Criticism of the Old Testament,
Gene M. Tucker, Fortress Press,
What Is Form Criticism? Edgar V.
McKnight, Fortress Press,
Literary Criticism for New Testament Critics,
Norman R. Petersen, Fortress Press, PA, 1978
Literary Criticism of the New Testament,
William A. Beardslee, Fortress Press,
Literary Criticism of the Old Testament,
Norman Habel, Fortress Press,
What Is Redaction Criticism? Norman
Perrin, Fortress Press,
The Bible as Literature, the New Testament,
Buckner B. Trawick, Harper and Row Publishers,
How to Interpret the Bible, James M.
Efird, John Knox Press,
These are a series of fairly thin books which
give some background information on the various types of Biblical “criticism”
(scholarly study) which are referred to in some of the unit introductions of
the LifeCycles materials.
Location:
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,
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]
The items listed below may be
considered for group study and are found in
The
The Episcopal Church:
The Church’s New Teaching Series
The
Christian Tradition and The Jewish Tradition
The Story of Anglicanism; Video Series: Episcopal Media Center
(group or individual study)
Part 1: Ancient and
Medieval Foundations
Part 2: Reformation and Its Consequences
The Story of the Episcopal Church; Video Series:
Discussion
guide available; see Binder: Anglican/Episcopal Church, Section:
Church History
Part 1: From
Part 2: The Call to
Bible/Prayer:
A
Place Apart – Robert King,
Gordon & Adele Finney; Anglican Book Centre,
These
are meditations on the “
Location:
Making
the Bible Our Own & Mysteries of the Psalms – George E
Drew, Educational Ministries
10 lessons each about the Bible for adults; includes questions for reflection
Location:
Focus on the Prayer Book: An
Adult Study –
Morehouse
has released this new study of various prayers and phrases from the Book of Common Prayer, 1979. There are 6
volumes, each with 6-8 lessons on a specific subject, all based on prayers
found in the BCP. Each lesson is self-sustaining and can be done within a one
hour period. Available for preview are guides: 5- Wise Words-Alliteration in the Liturgy, and 6-Symbolic Language in the Liturgy.
Location:
The
Practice of Prayer – Margaret
Guenther, Cowley Publications,
(Part of the New Church’s Teaching Series)
Guenther gives clear, concise information
touching on many aspects of prayer and then discusses using prayer in our very
busy lives. Study Guide included.
Location:
The God Who Hears – W. Bingham Hunter, InterVarsity Press,
An introduction to prayer for beginners and
for those “stuck” in their prayer life; includes study questions with each
chapter.
Location:
Sacraments:
Living Bread: Exploring Communion - by Stephen
Cottrell & Leslie J. Francis, Morehouse
Background discussions of ideas and symbolism of the Eucharist; designed for teacher or group leader; could be used by a group of adults; the final chapter is for the local church to discuss it's own habits and ritual.
Location:
Deep
Waters: An Introduction to Baptism
– Marianne Micks, Cowley
Publishing, 1996
Meditations on baptism and its meaning in
our lives; 93 pages w/Study Guide
Location:
Living Water: Baptism As a Way of Life – Klara Tammany, Church Publishing Inc,
A
group study on the meanings of baptism and ways to live as baptized people; 8
sessions of 2 hours each; extensive list of resources; important discussions of
why and how to live out our baptism
Location:
Let Your Life Speak – Parker J. Palmer; Jossey-Bass,
Palmer helps us look at those things which
lead us towards authentic living and understanding our calling. Brief, clear,
and very helpful in reexamining how we are living our lives.
Location: Diocesan Center ,
Saginaw
Listening
Hearts: Discerning Call in Community – Suzanne G. Farnham, et al, Morehouse Publishing,
Understanding the “call” of a Christian and
discerning its response.
Location: Diocesan Center ,
Saginaw
Do I
Belong in Seminary? – Ronald E. Parker, Alban Institute
Looks at the “whys” of going to seminary and
then at the “hows”; discusses a variety of reasons for entering seminary, as
well as possible positions following seminary, insights provide helpful
guidelines for deciding about seminary
Location: Diocesan Center ,
Saginaw
Many Servants, An Introduction to Deacons – by Ormonde Plater, Cowley Publications, 1991
An introduction to the history of deacons, and a discussion of their place in today’s church. 210 pgs, w/bibliography and index. 2 copies
Location: Diocesan
Center , Saginaw
Servanthood:
Leadership for the Third Millennium
– Bennett J. Sims; Cowley
Publications, 1997
A look at a new kind of leadership which helps facilitate the gifts of others; this leadership style is looked at in the church, business, and in the world.
Location:
Calling:
A Song for the Baptized – Caroline A. Westerhoff, Cowley Publications, 1994; (2 copies)
A look at baptism, in the context of story,
and understanding how each baptized person has a call of some kind from God.
Location:
The items listed below may be
considered for individual study and are found in
The
Seasons
and Feasts of the Church Year
Celebrating
the Seasons and Celebrating the
Saints
Seasonal Meditations
by Bishop Robert F. Morneau
Holy
Island, A Lenten Pilgrimage to
With
Christ in the Wilderness
Stations
of the Resurrection
The
Last Words of the Resurrected Christ
A History of the Episcopal Church
The Prayer
Book Through the Ages
Quiet Moments and Holy Places
Practical
Prayer
Real
Food: A Spirituality of the Eucharist
Eucharist:
Christ’s Feast with the Church
Deep
Waters: An Introduction to Baptism
Calling:
A Song for the Baptized
The
Ministry of the Laity
Ministry
in Daily Life: A Guide to Living the Baptismal Covenant
The
21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day
Stages of Faith
Creative
Ministry
Liturgy
and Learning Through the Life Cycle
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