Driving Forces. 8 Key Driving Forces. 1. Declining number of Christians and growing number of people with no religious affiliation.

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2 Driving Forces 8 Key Driving Forces 1. Declining number of Christians and growing number of people with no religious affiliation. 2. Increasing number of people becoming more spiritual and less religious 3. Declining participation in Christian churches 4. Increasing diversity and pluralism in U.S. society 2

3 Driving Forces 8 Key Driving Forces 5. Increasing influence of individualism on Christian identity and community life 6. Changing patterns of marriage and family life 7. Declining family religious socialization 8. Increasing use of digital age & web technologies Driving Forces 8 Key Driving Forces Stockdale Paradox Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties AND at the same time Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. 3

4 Driving Forces 1. Declining number of Christians & growing number with no religious affiliation Ø 15% of all Americans claim no religious affiliation Ø 25% of all year Ø 10% drop in the number of Christians Ø The challenge to Christianity in the U.S. does not come from other religions but from a rejection of all forms of organized religion. Driving Forces Ø This growing non- religious minority reduces the traditional societal role of congregations in family celebrations of life- cycle events. Ø Forestalling of religious rites of passage, such as marriage and baptism, and the lowering expectations on religious funeral services, could have long lasting consequences for religious institutions. 4

5 Driving Forces Generational Change Ø If only the youngest cohort in society changes (and then persists in that new direction throughout their own life cycle), society as whole changes inexorably but almost imperceptibly, like a massive supertanker changing course. Ø If the differences between one generation and the next are small, then generationally based social change will be real (and significant) but very slow. If for some reason a younger generation deviates substantially from its predecessors, then the aggregate social change may be quick significant over a few decades. Driving Forces Three Seismic Shifts Ø Major Shock: The Sixties Revolution Ø Aftershock #1 (1970s- 80s): The Rise of Evangelicals and Conservative Churches, and the Religious Right Ø Aftershock #2 (1990s- 2000s): The Rise of Secular Generations 5

6 Driving Forces Ø The rise of the Nones in the 1990s was heavily driven by generational factors. Ø The incidence of Nones was about 5-7% in the pre- boomer generations who reach adulthood before 1960 Ø Double to about 10-15% among the boomers (who came of age in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s) Ø After 2000 doubled again to about 20-30% among the post- boomers (who came of age in the 1990s and 2000s). Driving Forces Ø Being raised with no religion fueled cohort change Ø The Nones were disproportionately raised in nonreligious backgrounds, so some of them are the children of boomers who have discard formal religious affiliations a generation ago. Ø On the other hand, the rise of the Nones is apparent even among young people whose parents were religiously observant. 6

7 Driving Forces Ø Putnam and Campbell suggest the dramatic contrast between a young generation increasingly liberal on certain moral and lifestyle issues (though still potentially open to religious feelings and ideals) and an older generation of religious leaders who seemed to them consumed by the political fight against homosexuality and gay marriage was an important source of the second aftershock. Driving Forces Ø When asked why the rejected religious identification, the new Nones reported that they became unaffiliated, as least in part, because they think of religious people as hypocritical, judgmental, or insincere. Large numbers also say they became unaffiliated because they think that religious organizations focus too much on rules and not enough on spirituality. This youthful generation seems unwilling or unable to distinguish the stance of the most visible, most political, and most conservative religious leaders from organized religion in general. 7

8 Driving Forces 2. Increasing number of people becoming more Spiritual and less Religious Ø Today, 18% of year olds say that are spiritual, but not religious compared to only 11% a decade ago. Ø Religious tinkering & developing a religious or spiritual identity Driving Forces 3. Declining Participation in Churches Example: Catholic Church in USA Ø Steady erosion in Mass attendance: 44% (1987) % (1999) % (2005) CARA reports only 22% in 2010 (weekly) Ø Pre- Vatican II (before 1940): 60% Ø Vatican II ( ): 35% Ø Post- Vatican II (Gen X ): 26% Ø Post- Vatican II (Millennial ): 15% 8

9 Driving Forces Ø Marrying later and beginning families later Ø Dramatic decline in the number of marriages in the Church 50% decline in the past 20 years 33% of Post- Vatican II Catholics marry outside the Church Ø Increase in interfaith marriages 40% among Post- Vatican II generation 50% of all non- Latino marriages Driving Forces Ø The number of Catholic sacramental marriages in the Archdiocese of San Francisco dropped 47 percent from 1990 to 2010, with 1,985 marriages in 1990 falling to 1,060 marriages 20 years later. Ø Over the same period the number of Catholics in the archdiocese grew from 395,000 to 444,008. 9

10 Driving Forces Participation Trends in the Catholic Church (Using figures from the Official Catholic Directory) Catholic population 65.3 million Parishes 19,496 18,674 17,958 Marriages 257, ,000 - Infant Baptisms 1 million 887, ,410 Adult Baptisms 162, , ,00 First Communions 893, ,000 - Confirmations 629, ,000 - Children (parish) 3.5 million 3.1 million 3.1 million Teens (parish) 767, , ,552 Grade school 2 million 1.6 million 1.5 million HS students 682, , ,723 Driving Forces 4. Increasing Diversity & Pluralism in U.S. Society Ø Diversity of ethnic cultures and nationalities Ø No single authority exercises supremacy; no single belief or ideology dominations Ø Tapestry of religious and spiritual alternatives and choices Ø Crisscrossing religious boundaries Ø Spiritual tinkerers 10

11 Driving Forces 5. Influence of Individualism on Christian Identity and Community Ø Religious identity is more autonomous and deliberate today. Ø Decline in the perceived necessity of communal or institutional structures as constituent of religious identity. Driving Forces 6. Changing Structures & Patterns of Family Life in the U.S. Ø Delaying marriage Ø Having fewer children and later in life Ø Decreasing number of children in two- parent households Ø Increasing number of unmarried couples living together Ø Increasing time caring for children 11

12 Driving Forces 7. Declining Family Religious Socialization Ø Parent Influence: The single most important social influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents. Ø Embedded Family Religious Practices: Effective religious socialization comes about through specific religious activities that are firmly intertwined with the daily habits of family life. Driving Forces 7 ½. Aging Baby Boomers Ø Ø Ø On Jan. 1, 2011, the oldest Baby Boomers will turn 65. Every day for the next 19 years, about 10,000 more will cross that threshold. By 2030, when all Baby Boomers will have turned 65, fully 18% of the nation s population will be at least that age (13% today) We are witnessing the emergence of a new stage of life between adult midlife typically focused on career and child- rearing and old age, traditionally marked by increasing frailty and decline. This new stage of life spans several decades and is characterized by generally good health, relative financial stability, and an active, engaged lifestyle. 12

13 Driving Forces 8. Increasing Impact of Digital Media & Web Technologies Ø 93% of teens & young adults are online Ø Computer in your pocket - increasing mobile access - iphone Ø 8-18 year olds spend on average 7½ hours a day with media 13

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17 4 Scenarios Scenarios are built around critical uncertainties about the external environment. That is, the stories are based on different outcomes of a few key uncertainties that are both most important to the future of faith formation in Christian churches and most uncertain in terms of future outcome. 4 Scenarios Two Critical Uncertainties 1. Will trends in U.S. culture lead people to become more receptive to organized religion, and in particular Christianity or will trends lead people to become more resistant to organized religion and Christianity? 2. Will people s hunger for and openness to God and the spiritual life increase over the next decade or will people s hunger for and openness to God and the spiritual life decrease. 17

18 Dominant Cultural Attitude toward Organized Religion Receptive Low High People s Hunger for God and the Spiritual Life Resistant Scenario 4 Uncommitted & Participating Scenario 1 Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Scenario 3 Unaffiliated & Uninterested Scenario 2 Spiritual but Not Religious 18

19 4 Scenarios Receptive to Scenario #4 Uncommitted but Participating Organized Religion Scenario #1 Vibrant Faith and Active Engagement Low Hunger for God High Scenario #3 Unaffiliated and Uninterested Resistant to Scenario #2 Spiritual but Not Religious Organized Religion 19

20 Strategies 1. Faith Formation through the Life of the Whole Church 2. Faith Formation with Digital Media and Web Technologies 3. Family Faith Formation 4. Intergenerational Faith Formation 5. Generational Faith Formation: igeneration ( ) Millennials ( ) Gen X ( ) Boomers ( ) Builders (1945 and earlier) Strategies 6. Milestones Faith Formation 7. Faith Formation in Christian Practice 8. Transforming the World 9. Spiritual Formation 10. Multi- Ethnic Faith Formation 11. Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers 20

21 Strategies 12. Apprenticeships in Discipleship 13. Pathways to Vibrant Faith and Active Engagement 14. Faith Formation in Third Place Settings 15. Empowering the Community to Share their Faith 16. Interfaith Education and Dialogue Scenario 4 Uncommitted & Participating Scenario 1 Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Scenario 3 Unaffiliated & Uninterested Scenario 2 Spiritual but Not Religious 21

22 Scenario #4 + family faith formation, especially young families + milestones faith formation + pathways to deepen faith & engagement Scenario #3 + Third Place settings + community- based ministry, e.g., service and mission + events / concerts Scenario #1 + targeting the igeneration & Millennials + targeting young families + targeting Baby Boomers + empowering the community to share their faith Scenario #2 + Third Place settings + targeting year olds & spiritual seekers + discipleship apprenticeships + developing pathways to deepen faith & engagement Strategies Scenario 1 Ø Lifelong faith formation Generationally- speci ic faith formation igeneration Millennials Gen X Baby Boomers Multi- generational Faith Formation Ø Targeting young families Ø Empowering the community to share their faith 22

23 Strategies Scenario 4 Ø Family faith formation, especially families with children Ø Milestones faith formation Ø Pathways to vibrant faith and active engagement Ø Faith formation in Christian practices Strategies Scenario 2 Ø Targeting the Millennial Generation Ø Milestones faith formation Ø Faith formation in Third Place settings Ø Targeting spiritual seekers Ø Apprenticeships in discipleship Ø Spiritual formation Ø Faith formation in Christian practices 23

24 Strategies Scenario 3 Ø Faith formation in Third Place settings Ø Community- based ministry sponsored by a congregation(s): Family center / early childhood center Service & mission projects Drama and Art Music Family Faith Formation Strengthen family religious socialization, especially in the first decade of life by nurturing a vibrant faith in parents and equipping them with the skills and tools for developing faith at home. Develop the home as a center of faith formation by promoting foundational family faith practices: caring conversations, rituals and traditions, prayer, Bible reading, and service. 24

25 Family Faith Formation Educate and equip parents to embed foundational faith practices into the daily experience of family life. Develop family programs: milestone faith formation, family learning, family service Engage families more fully in the life and ministries of the church community. Family Faith Formation Family Socialization: Begin faith formation early in life at Baptism and focusing on early childhood. Ø family faith formation at home family faith practices Ø parent formation Ø parent support system / mentoring Ø resources for the first 5-6 years of life Ø milestone faith formation 25

26 What does Generational & Intergenerational Lifelong faith formation that is generationally- specific, developed around the specific characteristics of the five generations in a faith community AND intentionally intergenerational across all generations in learning, service/mission, worship, community life 26

27 What does Intergenerational Intentionally Intergenerational Ø intergenerational learning: large group and small group Ø intergenerational Bible study Ø intergenerational service projects and mission trips Ø infuse intergenerational relationships into existing age- group programming, e.g., mentoring What does Intergenerational Develop a faith formation curriculum for the whole community using intergenerational learning. Ø Church Year Feasts and Seasons Ø Creed & Catholic Beliefs Ø Sacraments Ø Morality / Ten Commandments for Today Ø Justice, Peace, Care for Creation, Service, Catholic Social Teaching Ø Prayer Practices and Traditions 27

28 What does Intergenerational Example: Church Year Feasts and Seasons Dec Advent & Christmas Seasons (Preparing for and Birth of the Messiah) Feb Lenten Season (Praying, Fasting, Almsgiving) Mar Triduum (Death of the Messiah) April Easter Season (Resurrection of the Messiah) May Feast of Pentecost (Mission of the Church) Nov Feast of All Saints (Communion of Saints) What does Generational & Intergenerational Generationally- Specific Ø igeneration ( ) Ø Millennials ( ) Ø Generation X ( ) Ø Boomers ( ) Ø Builders (up to 1945) 28

29 What does igeneration & New Ways to Learn digital natives: web, social networking, digital media formed by media & visual learners ability to use technology to create a vast array of content openness to change desire for immediacy learning style: active, engaged, creative (project- centered), visual, practice & performance, digital 29

30 Millennials & Faith Expressive Communalism Emerging adults have embedded their lives in spiritual communities in which their desire and need for both expressive/ experiential activities, whether through art, music, or service- oriented activities, and for a close- knit, physical community and communion with others are met. They are seeking to develop a balance for individualism and rational asceticism through religious experience and spiritual meaning in an embodied faith. 30

31 Millennials & Faith The dominant characteristic was a desire for a theologically grounded belief that makes sense cognitively, combined with nonrational expressive tendencies they want a faith that makes cognitive sense to them and that is also an expressive, embodied spiritual experience. Young adult Christians are searching for a more holistic faith than what a purely cognitive and rational approach can offer. They are seeking both a deep spiritual experience and a community experience, each of which provides them with meaning in their lives, and each of which is meaningless without the other. (Finding Faith by Richard Flory & Donald Miller) Millennials & Faith Expressive Communalism expressive/experiential faith activities (worship, learning, rituals, prayer) and physical community with others a faith that makes cognitive sense to them and that is also an expressive, embodied spiritual experience 31

32 Millennials & Faith Creating deeper community through small groups Making a difference through service Experiencing worship reflecting their culture and revering and revealing God (visual, musical, artistic, experiential) Exploring the Bible and Christian tradition with depth, questioning, and applying faith to life Utilizing the technology to communicate the message and to connect people Building cross- generational relationships Forming the spiritual life spiritual practices & disciplines 32

33 Generation X Desire first for community and belonging, and second for personal fulfillment. Personal fulfillment comes through commitment to the community, and through the experience of belong to such a religious/spiritual community. Religious truth, while important to them, is not a fixed target, and is found through their religious experience, not in texts and doctrines. Truth, for Xers, is best conveyed through stories and myth, and is authenticated through the lived experience of themselves and others, rather than through the pronouncements and propositional arguments of external authorities. Generation X Generation X is moving from written text to narrative and image as a basis for religious belief. Image and story have become dominant and text background. There is a move from the essentially individualistic spiritual quest that characterizes baby boomers to a religious/ spiritual identity rooted in the larger community. Greater individual authority in religious and moral decisions. 33

34 Generation X Religious identity chosen through experience and study. Choosing a specific community, rather than committing to a larger denomination. Being experientially engaged in a religious community, not show up and watch interpersonal relationships with people who express and explore their religious identities in similar ways 34

35 Baby 60 Baby 60 Service: Boomers want to do something interesting and challenging. They are ready to jump into a worthwhile cause where they feel that can make a significant difference. Boomers want service opportunities that have a mission. They want do to do things that give their lives purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. They want to know their contributions truly matter. Show Boomers how they might use their past work experiences as tools for service. Help them tap into their passion. 35

36 Baby 60 Spiritual Growth: Later Adulthood is a season of significant life transitions and people are more responsive to religion. A second reason is Boomers quest to find meaning and purpose in life as they enter the second half of life and evaluate the things that really provide lasting fulfillment. A third reason adults are open to faith and spiritual growth is their desire for meaningful relationships. small group faith formation host events that appeal to interests & needs service opportunities Baby 60 Intergenerational Relationships: Developing intergenerational relationships is one of the best ways to break age- related stereotypes, to share faith across generations, and to help the church become more unified encourage generations to serve together form groups according to similar interests rather than age encourage adults to pray for young people and vice versa host strategic intergenerational events ask adults to tell their stories, at events or programs, and capture them on video or in print 36

37 Builder Generation Spiritual enrichment: spirituality of aging programs, spiritual disciplines and practices, retreats, rituals to acknowledge life transitions Learning: book clubs, classes and courses, Bible study, small groups, trips Nutrition and wellness: exercise programs, nutrition classes, healthy meals with programs Intergenerational: activities, coaching, mentoring Service: tutoring, service local and global, church ministry Community: social activities, trips, dinners, pilgrimages 37

38 Milestones Faith Formation Develop faith formation (learning, worship/ritual, faith practices) around lifecycle milestones, sacramental celebrations, and life transitions to deepen people s faith, strengthen their engagement in church life, and equip them with practices for living their faith. Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Milestones Faith Formation Birth / Baptism & Anniversaries of Baptism Welcoming Young Children to Worship Starting Faith Formation at Church Starting School Kids and Money Blessing of Backpacks First Communion Receiving a first Bible Confirmation Graduation (HS, College) A New Home / Apartment Career / First Job Engagement Wedding Retirement or AARP Card Adult Transitions Death / Funeral 38

39 Stone 1: Raising a Healthy Baby physical, emotional and spiritual needs of infants and their parents; nightly blessing as a family faith practice. Stone 2: Raising a Healthy Preschooler physical, emotional and spiritual needs of preschoolers and their parents; add prayer to the nightly blessing as a faith practice Stone 3: Entry Into School physical, emotional and spiritual needs of kindergarteners and their parents; share highs & lows with children and add it to their nightly prayers and blessing Stone 4: My Bible 120 key verses in young readers Bibles; reading a Bible verse nightly, continue with highs & lows, prayer and blessing nightly 39

40 Stone 5: Livin Forgiven Passover to Lord s Supper, with nightly confession and absolution added to the faith practices of Bible reading, highs & lows, prayer and blessing Stone 6: Surviving Adolescence theological reflection (i.e. setting the Bible verse and the highs & lows of the day together to ask What is God saying to us today? ), adding to confession/ absolution, Bible reading, highs & lows, prayer and blessing continue Stone 7: Confirmation As Ordination youth and parents look at their confession, their confirmation, and their call. Stone 8: Graduation Blessing seniors and their parents look back God s blessings, look to the moment, and look to the future of their new callings 40

41 Prepare Celebrate/ Experience Deepen/ Extend Milestones Faith Formation Multi- faceted Milestones Faith Formation a ritual celebration or a blessing marking the milestone with the whole church community a home ritual celebration or blessing marking the milestone a learning program, often for the whole family or intergenerational, that prepares the individual and the whole family for the milestone and for faith practice at home a tangible, visible reminder or symbol of the occasion being marked resources to support continuing faith growth and practice after the milestone 41

42 Christian Practices What does Faith Formation In my view, an essential task of education in faith is to teach all the basic practices of the Christian faith. The fundamental aim of Christian education in all its forms, varieties, and settings should be that individuals and indeed whole communities learn these practices, be drawn into participation in them, learn to do them with increasingly deepened understanding and skill, learn to extend them more broadly and fully in their own lives and into their world, and learn to correct them, strengthen them, and improve them. (Craig Dykstra) Christian Practices What does Faith Formation Make Christian practices central to faith formation for all ages and generations, at church and home, by focusing on historic Christian practices: honoring the body, celebrating life, discernment, dying well, eating well, forgiving, healing, hospitality, keeping Sabbath, managing household life, living in community, praying, reading the Bible, singing our lives, testimony and witness, and transforming the world (caring for creation, doing justice, peacemaking, serving). 42

43 Christian Practices What does Faith Formation Form people in Christian practices through educational programs, apprenticeships, and immersion experiences that give people a firsthand experience of a Christian practice, equip people to live the Christian practice in their daily lives, and guide reflection on living the practices. Incorporate Christians practices education into faith formation programming for all ages and generations. Christian Practices What does Faith Formation Living Well: Real Faith for Real Life Ø How to Care for Your Body Ø How to Celebrate Life Ø How to Make Tough Choices (Discernment) Ø How to Eat Well Ø How to Forgive Yourself and Others Ø How to Keep a Sabbath Day of Rest Ø How to Manage Household Life Ø How to Pray Well Ø How to Read the Bible and Enjoy It! Ø How to Serve Others 43

44 Christian Practices What does Faith Formation Develop Christian practices apprenticeships where people of all ages can learn how to live a practice from Practice Mentors. Develop immersion experiences for people of all ages using the faith community s lived experience of the Christian practices. Christian Practices Faith Formation Offer people of all ages a variety of Christian practice immersion experiences that give people a firsthand experience of a Christian practice, and guide them in living the practice in their daily lives. For example: Ø hospitality Ø managing household life Ø caring for the body Ø forgiveness 44

45 Christian Practices What does Faith Formation Incorporate Christian practices into all faith formation. Ø focus for the whole year Ø focus for a season Ø focus for a month Ø connect to worship Ø connect to milestones Faith Formation for Service & Mission Make formation for service and engagement in local and global action projects an essential component of faith formation for all age groups and families every year: serving the poor and vulnerable, working for justice to ensure the rights of all people, being a peacemaker, and caring for creation. 45

46 Faith Formation for Service & Mission Ø local and global Ø developmental with increasing depth and scope: 1. introduction: several hours to a full day 2. short term: multi- day and local 3. weeklong and national mission trips 4. global expedition of one or more weeks 46

47 Faith Formation for Service & Mission Incorporate an educational component into all service/mission projects that includes knowledge of the justice issues being addressed, the teachings of Scripture and the Christian tradition on the issues, skills for the specific service/mission project, and reflection on the service/mission involvement. Faith Formation for Service & Mission Service & Action for Justice Experience Theological Reflection Social Analysis 47

48 Faith Formation for Service & Mission Mobilize the Whole Faith Community through an Annual Church- Wide Project. Develop an annual church- wide justice and service project with local- global connections. Focus on a project, such as adopting a local or global action project organized by an organization, or focus an annual theme, such as poverty, care for creation, or peacemaking. For each annual theme develop a comprehensive set of programs and resources (often available from organizations you partner with) for all age groups, families, and the whole community. Faith Formation for Service & Mission 48

49 Faith Formation for Service & Mission Sponsor local and global service/mission projects that are designed for the participation of people from the wider community, providing a public presence of the church in the community from local efforts to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and improve education by adopting a public school to global projects that build schools, care for AIDS victims, and provide wells for water. The church partners with other churches and agencies to establish a serving presence in the community where people who are passionate about transforming the world, but not involved in church life, can work side- by- side with church members and see the Gospel in action. Spiritual Formation Respond to the hunger of people of all ages and generations for growing in relationship and intimacy with God and exploring more deeply the life of the Spirit by providing formation in spiritual disciplines and practices throughout life. 49

50 Spiritual Formation Ø Lectio Divina Ø Scripture Reflection Ø Spiritual Reading Ø Contemplation Ø Praying with Art and Music Ø Fixed- hour Prayer Ø The Examen Ø Sabbath Ø Discernment Ø Fasting Ø Prayer Styles & Traditions Spiritual Formation Ø Teach the spiritual practices & disciplines through courses, workshops, immersion experiences Ø Incorporate spiritual formation into all faith formation programming Ø Offer retreat experiences for all ages and for families Ø Provide spiritual mentors and guides 50

51 Multi- Ethnic Faith Formation Develop faith formation so that is inclusive of a diversity of ethnic cultures and their religious traditions and expressions Develop culturally- specific faith formation that inculturates the Gospel message and Christian tradition so that it is proclaimed and taught in the language and culture of people. Develop intercultural faith formation that brings people of different ethic groups together for learning, relationship building, faith sharing, praying, serving, and celebrating. 51

52 Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers Offer a guided process for spiritually hungry people to become spiritually committed and join in small communities with other seekers for spiritual growth and support. Create new expressions of Christian community designed especially for spiritual seekers. Offer an apprenticeship in discipleship for spiritually hungry people who want to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers 52

53 Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers 53

54 Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers Introduction Dinner: Is there more to life than this? Week 1: Who is Jesus? Week 2: Why did Jesus die? Week 3: How can we have faith? Week 4: Why and how do I pray? Week 5: Why and how should I read the Bible? Week 6: How does God guide us? Week 7: How can I resist evil? Week 8: Why & how should we tell others? Week 9: Does God heal today? Week 10: What about the Church? Weekend: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Apprenticeships in Discipleship Apprenticeship Processes 54

55 Third Place Faith Formation Establish a Third Place gathering space in the community, that offers hospitality, builds relationships, hosts spiritual conversations, provides programs and activities, and nourishes the spiritual life of people. 55

56 Third Place Faith Formation Here is one recent story submitted from the Lifetree Director in Reading, PA recounting their experience from the VERY FIRST night they opened. "Last evening was amazing. We were concerned that we might have too many people and need to turn some away, so we prayed that God would bring just the right number. Off the Avenue Café (where Lifetree is hosted) holds about 48 people. Last evening 47 people showed up. Counting our host that makes 48.The discussion during the event and after was amazing. I actually think the topic could have been about peanut butter cups because the people that showed up just wanted to talk and they wanted to talk about God. We had discussions from feelings to predestination to angels to loss to reincarnation the list goes on and on. People just didn't want to leave. I was up until about 1 AM because I was so excited. Thank you so much for helping us enter this new area of ministry it is going to change our community and us. The Wesley Playhouse 56

57 Sidewalk Van Pathways to Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Develop processes that gradually deepen people s relationship with Jesus Christ, their engagement in church life, and their practice of the Christian faith with a special focus on the needs of the spiritual but not religious (Scenario 2) and the uncommitted but participating (Scenario 4.) 57

58 Pathways to Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Parish Mini- Retreat 101: Catholics Alive! What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Mini- Retreat 201: Alive and Growing Spiritually! maturing in the Catholic faith Mini- Retreat 301: Alive and Gifted! discerning how to serve God in ministry Mini- Retreat 401: Alive in the World! living as witnesses for Christ, as contagious Catholic Christians Mini- Retreat 501: Alive to Praise God! Catholic worship and the sacraments Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Empower people of vibrant faith and active engagement in the church community individuals, small groups, and the whole faith community to share their faith with those who not involved in a church community or spiritually committed. 58

59 Empowering the Community to Share their Faith evangelism is anything you say or do to help another person move into closer relationship with God, or into Christian community. (George Hunter III) The heart of evangelism is having an alive relationship with God, being part of a church you love, and caring that people outside the church find what you ve discovered. (Martha Grace Reese) Evangelism is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and others to bring one person one step closer to Christ. (Evangelical Covenant Church) Empowering the Community to Share their Faith 59

60 Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Step One. Church Leader s Study: Unbinding the Gospel Step Two: All- Church Saturation Study: Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing. six- week, church- wide, small group E- vent! pray each day s scripture and prayer exercise and work with a prayer partner study a chapter of the book with their small group worship with sermons, music, and prayers centered on the week s chapter Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Step Three: An Experiment in Prayer and Community: Unbinding Your Soul. a no- obligation experience of substantial spiritual discussion, prayer and community for people who aren t connected with a church church members invite their friends into a four- week small group experience with short study chapters, an individual prayer journal, prayer partner activities, and group exercises. 60

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62 Shifting from... One Size Fits All Curriculum & Programming to Personalized & Customized Faith Formation focusing on addressing people s spiritual and religious growth by offering a wide variety of religious content and experiences Differentiated Faith Formation Concept 1. A Lifelong Faith Formation Network addresses the diverse life tasks and situations, spiritual and religious needs, and interests of all ages and generations in the four scenarios by offering a variety of content, programs, activities, and resources. 62

63 2. A Lifelong Faith Formation Network guides individuals and families in discerning their spiritual and religious needs and creating personal learning pathways a seasonal or annual plan for faith growth and learning. 63

64 3. Lifelong Faith Formation Network incorporates informal learning, as well as formal learning in faith formation. 64

65 classes & workshops speaker series online courses small group Bible study INTENTIONAL reading /watching a DVD mentoring service/mission activity program at the library or local bookstore FORMAL LEARNING INFORMAL LEARNING self- study Bible study social networking faith- sharing groups UNEXPECTED internet surfing watching a movie TV show shopping at a home improvement store 4. A Lifelong Faith Formation Network utilizes a variety of faith formation models to address the diverse life tasks and situations, religious and spiritual needs, and interests of people: Ø on your own Ø at home Ø in small groups Ø in large groups Ø in the congregation Ø in the community and world 65

66 Activity Face- to- Face Virtual Spiritual & Religious Needs Topics or Themes Activity Activity 1. On Your Own 2. At Home 3. In Small Group 4. In Large Group 5. In Church 6. In Community & World Online Communities & Blogs Learning Resources Audio, Video, Print PHYSICAL SETTINGS Interactive Transformative Experiences Courses & Webinars Small Groups Study User- Generated Content 66

67 Move from a curriculum approach to a network approach Provide 24 x 7 x 365 faith formation for all ages and generations anytime & anywhere Integrate faith formation in physical settings church, home, community with virtual (online) faith formation websites, learning programs, resource centers 67

68 Bible study taking place across the whole congregation: on you own, small group, lecture series, family/ intergenerational program culminating In A whole- church, intergenerational gathering (meal, sharing, prayer, Bible learning experiences) for all ages who participated in the Bible study (Online Resources) 4- Week Lecture (video online) Small Group Course (online & physical settings) Family Program On Your Own (Online Resources) Whole Church Gathering Youth Program 68

69 Share It Online Blog/Forum After Mass In Programs Family Conversation Activity Live It Living the Message Daily Living Christian Practices Service Ideas for the Week Sunday Worship Study It Taking Faith Home Insert Homily Video + Study Guide Daily Readings Scripture Commentaries Online Bible Study Groups Pray It Weekly Table Prayer Praying with the Saints AM & PM Prayer Family Faith Practice Mentors 4 Keys Activities for Home Prayer, Rituals, Bible, Family Conversation, Service Parent Faith Formation & Parenting Skills Social Media, Workshops, Online Resources Baptism Milestones Baptism Anniversary, First Prayers, Start of School Support Groups Mom s Group, Dad s Group Early Childhood Program Family Gatherings Quarterly Church Gatherings Family Small Group Clusters 69

70 Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers Offer a guided process for spiritually hungry people to become spiritually committed and join in small communities with other seekers for spiritual growth and support. Create new expressions of Christian community designed especially for spiritual seekers. Offer an apprenticeship in discipleship for spiritually hungry people who want to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. 70

71 Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers Introduction Dinner: Is there more to life than this? Week 1: Who is Jesus? Week 2: Why did Jesus die? Week 3: How can we have faith? Week 4: Why and how do I pray? Week 5: Why and how should I read the Bible? Week 6: How does God guide us? Week 7: How can I resist evil? Week 8: Why & how should we tell others? Week 9: Does God heal today? Week 10: What about the Church? Weekend: Who is the Holy Spirit? What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit? How can I make the most of the rest of my life? Pathways to Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Develop processes that gradually deepen people s relationship with Jesus Christ, their engagement in church life, and their practice of the Christian faith with a special focus on the needs of the spiritual but not religious (Scenario 2) and the uncommitted but participating (Scenario 4.) 71

72 Pathways to Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Parish Mini- Retreat 101: Catholics Alive! What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? Mini- Retreat 201: Alive and Growing Spiritually! maturing in the Catholic faith Mini- Retreat 301: Alive and Gifted! discerning how to serve God in ministry Mini- Retreat 401: Alive in the World! living as witnesses for Christ, as contagious Catholic Christians Mini- Retreat 501: Alive to Praise God! Catholic worship and the sacraments Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Empower people of vibrant faith and active engagement in the church community individuals, small groups, and the whole faith community to share their faith with those who not involved in a church community or spiritually committed. 72

73 Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Step One. Church Leader s Study: Unbinding the Gospel Step Two: All- Church Saturation Study: Unbinding Your Heart: 40 Days of Prayer & Faith Sharing. six- week, church- wide, small group E- vent! pray each day s scripture and prayer exercise and work with a prayer partner study a chapter of the book with their small group worship with sermons, music, and prayers centered on the week s chapter 73

74 Empowering the Community to Share their Faith Step Three: An Experiment in Prayer and Community: Unbinding Your Soul. a no- obligation experience of substantial spiritual discussion, prayer and community for people who aren t connected with a church church members invite their friends into a four- week small group experience with short study chapters, an individual prayer journal, prayer partner activities, and group exercises. Empowering the Community to Share their Faith evangelism is anything you say or do to help another person move into closer relationship with God, or into Christian community. (George Hunter III) The heart of evangelism is having an alive relationship with God, being part of a church you love, and caring that people outside the church find what you ve discovered. (Martha Grace Reese) Evangelism is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and others to bring one person one step closer to Christ. (Evangelical Covenant Church) 74

75 @Home 4 Keys Resources Online Resources Correlated to Topics Online Prayer Partner Gathered Program Mentors Social Media for Connection Blog for Reflections 75

76 Shifting from providing religious content and programming to curating religious content and experiences for all ages A content curator is someone who continually finds, groups, organizes, and shares the best and most relevant content on a specific subject to match the needs of a specific audience. What would you curate? Congregational Programs & Activities Community Programs & Activities People Resources Print Resources Audio & Video Resources Art, Drama, and Music Resources Online Content: Websites, Courses, Blogs Apps & Digital Resources 76

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