Part 2. Responding to the Signs of the Times John Roberto, LifelongFaith Associates To download the PowerPoint Presentation go to: Presentations on www.lifelongfaith.com 1
Vision of Faith Formation Churches want faith formation that helps people... Ø grow in their relationship with God throughout their lives Ø live as disciples of Jesus Christ at home, in the workplace, in the community and the world Ø develop an understanding of the Bible and their faith tradition Ø deepen their spiritual life and practices Ø engage in service and mission Ø relate the Christian faith to life today Ø participate in the life and ministries of the faith community The changing world is putting tremendous pressure on the effectiveness of older models of faith formation. 2
The changing world is putting tremendous pressure on the effectiveness of the current models of adult faith formation. We are living in the midst of a convergence of forces moving us toward new models. Generational Change Millennials & igeneration New Digital Technologies Abundance of Resources Diversity of Religious Belief & Practice 21st Century Faith Formation New Models of Learning 3
Motivation for Learning Ø Autonomy: desire to direct our own lives Ø Mastery: urge to get better and better at something that matters Ø Purpose: the yearning to do what we do in the service of something larger than ourselves Learning is a process of active inquiry with the initiative residing within the individual. We need new models of faith formation & learning suited to this historic moment, and not simply enhancements or makeovers of existing models that were developed in the 19 th and 20 th century. 21 st Century Faith Formation 4
LifeChurch.tv LifeChurch.tv 5
A New Model Needs to Address 1. Changing World, Changing People 2. A Networked & Connected Society 3. A Lifelong Approach 10 Decades of Life 4. Diverse Religious & Spiritual Needs You never change things by ighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete. Buckminster Fuller 6
21 st Century Faith Formation 1. It is now possible to provide faith formation for everyone, anytime, anywhere, 24 x 7 x 365. 2. It is now possible to deliver religious content and experiences to people wherever they are, 24 x 7 x 365. 3. It is now possible to customize and personalize faith formation around the life tasks and issues, interests, religious and spiritual needs, and busy lives of people. 21 st Century Faith Formation 4. It is now possible to engage people in a wide diversity of programs, activities, and resources that incorporate a variety of ways to learn on your own, with a mentor, at home, in small groups, in large groups, in the congregation, and in the community and world delivered in physical gathered settings and virtual online settings. 5. It is now possible to connect people to each other in physical places and virtual spaces. 7
New Mobile Technologies New Digital Technologies 8
New Online Learning Environments 9
New Digital Resources edx Online education 10
The collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum on display includes examples of pre- 20th- century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and decorative arts; and 19th- and 20th- century American and European photographs. THE BIG IDEA Faith Formation for All Ages & Generations Lifelong & Lifewide 11
The Big Idea We are moving from... One Size Fits All Evangelization, Faith Formation & Church Programming to Networks of Personalized & Customized Evangelization & Faith Formation - - - From: People being where we are (parish) To: Faith formation being where people are! 21 st Century Faith Formation Creating Networks of Personalized & Customized Faith Formation Activities & Resources focusing on addressing people s spiritual and religious diversity by offering a wide variety of religious content and experiences Older Adults Mature Adults Children & Families Mid- Life Adults Adolescents & Families Young Adults 12
New Faith Formation Ecosystem Yesterday: Culture Today: Network Parish Parish Catholic School Home Social Networks Home Ethnic Culture Online/ Virtual Community Fashioning a Network Fashioning faith formation around the people Life stage issues & tasks, concerns and interests Milestones and life transitions Religious and spiritual needs & faith journey Ethnic and cultural needs Delivering a wide variety of content & experiences in physical settings & virtual settings Personalizing content & experiences Using a variety of methods and approaches 13
Target the Diversity Vibrant Faith & Active Engagement in the Community Minimal Engagement with Faith and the Community Spiritual but Not Religious Not Religiously Affiliated Faith Formation Content 1. Parish Programs & Activities 2. Community Programs & Activities 3. People Resources 4. Print Resources 5. Audio & Video Resources 6. Art, Drama, and Music Resources 7. Online Content: Websites, Blogs, Video 8. Online Education: Webinars, Courses 9. Apps & Digital Resources 14
Faith Formation Settings Community & World On Your Own Mentored Church Community Face- to- Face & Virtual @Home Large Group Small Group Faith Formation Methods 1. Large Group Learning: workshops, speaker series, multi- session or single session programs, intergenerational and family programs, conferences 2. Small Group Learning in physical or virtual places: discipleship, faith sharing, Bible study, theology, lectionary or sermon- based, practice- focused groups (justice & service), life- cycle specific, support groups 3. Courses: on your own, small or large group, online or physical settings 15
Faith Formation Methods 4. Webinars 5. Audio and Video Podcasts 6. Apps 7. Online Faith Formation Centers 8. Book Clubs (online or physical settings) 9. Retreats, Camps, Extended Programs & Trips 10. Study- Action Projects, Mission Trips Extending Events & Programs Extend a gathered event or program with online content and activities. SHARE Write a Blog Entry Create & Share a Video or Project TALK Conversation Questions Event or Program LEARN Watch a Video Listen to a Talk Read a Story PRAY Devotions, Bible Reading, Table Prayer LIVE Action Project 16
Creating Multiple Formats Stream It Live (Record It) Share Learning Gathered Event or Program Learn On Your Own Extend Learning Learn in a Small Group The Long Tail of Network Offerings 17
Families with Children Network Ge ng Started in Faith Experiences Bringing Sunday Worship Home Whole Family Programs Mentors for Parents Intergenera- onal Experiences Paren ng Educa on & Support Groups Children s Programs & Events Parent Faith Forma on Milestones Faith Prac ces: Bible, Prayer, Rituals. Service Milestones Faith Formation Before Baptism Preparation for and Celebration of Baptism Faith Formation After Baptism Faith Formation Before First Eucharist Preparation for and Celebration of First Eucharist Faith Formation After First Eucharist 18
Scenario #4 Parent faith forma on @Bap sm Parent mentoring Bap sm & beyond Deepening Faith & Engagement Milestone & church year rituals VBS & family service, family camp Early childhood FF Mom s groups / Dad s groups Scenario #3 Family life center Family events: movie nights, concerts, children s fes vals Mom s groups, Dad s groups VBS (with parents), family camp, family service Paren ng programs & resources Scenario #1 Faith Prac ces @Home (rituals, Bible reading, devo ons, service, prayer) Parent faith forma on & mentoring Milestones celebra ons @Church family gatherings VBS, family camp, family service Early childhood faith forma on Scenario #2 Small group family experiences VBS (w/parents), family camp, family service, children/family events Paren ng programs Spiritual Seeker experiences for parents Mom s groups, Dad s groups 19
Personalizing Faith Formation Personalized pathways for discipleship & faith growth.... u Guide people in discerning their religious and spiritual needs u Equip people with the resources and tools to learn and grow at their own pace u Provide mentoring and support for the journey Personalizing Faith Formation Assessing Spiritual Growth Reflecting on Growth & New Needs Working with a Mentor/Guide Sharing with the Community Finding Resources on the Network Engaging in Formation 20
Online Blended Physical Fully online with options for face- to- face interaction in physical settings. Mostly or fully online with regular interaction in physical settings. Online platform that delivers most of the program with support, mentoring, and small groups. Programs in physical settings guided by a leader with online components. Programs in physical settings with online resources to supplement the program. 21
Imagine the Possibilities.... u Flipping the classroom so that children and teens are doing project- centered learning with their parents or peers accessing content online through the network website and connecting via a secure social network such as Edmodo AND then refocusing class time on practicing, demonstrating, and performing. 22
Imagine the Possibilities.... u Providing courses, presentations, demonstrations, small group Bible study, and topical learning all with online content that can be conducted via Skype or Google+ with reflections on a blog, Google+ Circle, Twitter, Facebook group, or Edmodo. 23
Imagine the Possibilities.... u Providing online Bible and theology courses using free courses from itunes University or a seminary/university. 24
25
26
Imagine the Possibilities u Online faith formation resource centers 27
Vibrant Faith @ Home Imagine the Possibilities u Developing an online prayer center where people can find daily prayer experiences, offer prayer intentions, pray for others, learn about spiritual practices.... 28
29
30
Imagine the Possibilities Developing justice and service resources where people can learn about social issues, explore Biblical and church teaching on justice, and find ways to act together through local & global projects. 31
32
Sunday Worship Share It Blog/Facebook Ques on A er Worship Sharing @Home Conversa on Ac vity Live It Living the Message Daily Living Chris an Prac ces Service/Mission Idea Ac on Project Sunday Worship Study It Taking Faith Home Sermon Video + Study Guide Daily Readings Scripture Commentaries Online Bible Study Pray It Weekly Table Prayer Praying with the Saints AM & PM Prayer Lec o Divina 33
34
Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King November 20, 2011 Carrying on the Mission of the Shepherd-King Ezekiel 34:11 12, 15 17 Psalm 23:1 2, 2 3, 5 6 1 Corinthians 15:20 26, 28 Matthew 25:31 46 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION Most of us might not realize the responsibilities that came with the job of a shepherd, but this once-important position is key to understanding many Biblical passages and Jesus identity as Shepherd-King. In Jesus day, the shepherd had the awesome responsibility of protecting a highly valued animal. No fences or convenient ways existed to bring massive amounts of food to a large herd. Without the shepherd, the animals were easy prey to wild beasts and were often lost to the expanse of the land. Shepherds were not casual overseers but were constantly on guard over their flocks. The passages this week rely on an understanding of the shepherd s duties. In Ezekiel we find a shepherd who has not done his job, thereby putting the flock in danger. A new shepherd the Lord comes to save the abandoned herd. In light of the New Testament and their faith, Christians understand this shepherd as the Lord Jesus. Parallel to Ezekiel s scenario, Matthew tells about a shepherd who comes to sort the good from the bad while rescuing the weakest members of the flock. Because the weak animals of the flock are overlooked to protect the majority, Jesus surprises his audience by delegating responsibility for them and clearly defining their tasks for them. His words are the basis for what Catholics have traditionally called the corporal works of mercy. SHARING FAITH What traits do you associate with the title of shepherd? Where do these ideas about shepherds come from? What images from today s world might be used to describe Jesus unique style of leadership? What skills and personal qualities did shepherds have in Jesus time? Why do you think Jesus chose to identify himself with a shepherd? What prevents you from seeing God in all people? LIVING THE LITURGY Many find guiding principles for life in this passage from Matthew s account of the Gospel. Look out for the citation of this Sunday s Gospel on license plates and t-shirts. Think about why this particular passage might speak to people. Make a crown for the center of your table. Decorate it with symbols or words that tell about the qualities of Christ the King. Leave the crown in place until next Sunday, when Advent begins. Look at a hidden picture book or puzzle. After finding some of the missing objects, decide what makes the things you are looking for so hard to find. Discuss strategies for the rest of your search. Talk about how we miss seeing the presence of Christ the King in our families, neighborhood, and world. The Word to Go 2011 2011 Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. All rights reserved. Orders 1-800-933-1800. Imprimatur granted by Reverent John F. Canary, STL DMIN on May 27, 2008. Art by Martin Erspamer, OSB. 35
Life Issues 36
37
Discovering Faith Discovering Faith 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? 38
Discovering Faith Getting (re) Started 1. Spirituality: What s the Buzz? 2. Who is Jesus? 3. Do We Need the Spirit? 4. Can I Accept God s Mercy? 5. Can Mass Make My Life Meaningful? 6. The Church and Me Discovering Faith Our Lady of Soledad Parish, CA 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 39
A Third Place gathering space in the community, offers hospitality, builds relationships, hosts spiritual conversations, provides programs and activities, and nourishes the spiritual life of people. 40
Building Congregations Around Art Galleries and Cafes Life in Deep Ellum is a cultural center built for the artistic, social, economic, and spiritual benefit of Deep Ellum and urban Dallas. Through its four pillars of Art, Music, Commerce, and Community, it strives to promote life and growth in our city through creative initiatives and strategic partnerships. Life in Deep Ellum is about a way of life, cultivating purpose, and guiding people into relationship with God. Network Examples 41
Baby Boomer Adult Network Blog Social Media Scripture Enrichment Faith Enrichment Peer Connec ons Spiritual Enrichment Intergenera onal Experiences & Connec ons (Re)Discovering Faith Jus ce, Service, Mission Sunday Worship through the Week Family & Grandparents Mature Adult Life Issues, Transi ons, & Milestones Adult Faith Formation: Baby Boomers Scenario #4 + Adult life issues & transitions + Re- discovering faith & practice & church engagement + Church year feasts/seasons + Local service & mission trips + Family milestones, grandparents + Online FF center Scenario #3 + Adult life issues & transitions + Third Place faith formation + Events (movie nights, concerts, festivals, trips) + Local service & mission trips + Family milestones, grandparents + Online resource center Scenario #1 + Adult life issues & transitions + Faith Enrichment + Bible Study + Spiritual Enrichment + Local service & mission trips + Family milestones, grandparents + Online FF center Scenario #2 + Adult life issues & transitions + Local service & mission trips + Spiritual formation & practices + Spiritual seeker faith formation + Third Place faith formation + Family milestones, grandparents + Online resource center 42
Youth Network Parent Educa on & Support Groups Youth Group Confirma on Program Parent Faith Forma on Adolescent Life Issues Intergenera- onal Experiences & Connec ons Youth Network Parent- Teen Ac vi es & Resources Youth Leadership Bible Study & Religious Learning Milestones Service Projects Mission Trips Prayer & Spiritual Forma on 43
Young Adult Network Social Media Connec ons Weekly Gathering & Worship Life Issues, Transi ons, & Milestones YA Community Events Scripture Enrichment Discovering Faith (Alpha Course) Faith Enrichment Third Place Care Jus ce, Service, Mission Spiritual Enrichment 44
Families with Children Network Ge ng Started in Faith Experiences Bringing Sunday Worship Home Whole Family Programs Mentors for Parents Intergenera- onal Experiences Paren ng Educa on & Support Groups Children s Programs & Events Parent Faith Forma on Milestones Faith Prac ces: Bible, Prayer, Rituals. Service Scenario #4 Parent faith forma on @Bap sm Parent mentoring Bap sm & beyond Deepening Faith & Engagement Milestone & church year rituals VBS & family service, family camp Early childhood FF Mom s groups / Dad s groups Scenario #3 Family life center Family events: movie nights, concerts, children s fes vals Mom s groups, Dad s groups VBS (with parents), family camp, family service Paren ng programs & resources Scenario #1 Faith Prac ces @Home (rituals, Bible reading, devo ons, service, prayer) Parent faith forma on & mentoring Milestones celebra ons @Church family gatherings VBS, family camp, family service Early childhood faith forma on Scenario #2 Small group family experiences VBS (w/parents), family camp, family service, children/family events Paren ng programs Spiritual Seeker experiences for parents Mom s groups, Dad s groups 45
Imagine the Possibilities u Parent network rich with resources for parenting, faith growth, understanding children and teens, etc. u Online courses & video programs u Webinars for parent enrichment u Directory of local and online parenting classes, support groups, websites, etc. u Parenting wiki or blog to share u Parents Facebook page or group 46
ParentFurther ParentFurther Parent Webinar 47
48
Vibrant Faith @ Home 49
1. SHARE your highs & lows of the day 2. READ and highlight a verse of scripture in your bible* 3. TALK about how the bible verse relates to your highs & lows 4. PRAY TURN OFF THE TV, PUT DOWN THE NEWSPAPER, SET THE CELLPHONE ON SILENCE AND INVEST 5 MINUTES IN YOUR FAMILY WITH THESE SIMPLE STEPS. for your highs & lows, for your family, and for the world 5. BLESS one another The Faith 5 Faith Acts In The Home Faith Acts In The Home 50
51
52
53
Family Center The Wesley Playhouse www.freshexpressions.org.uk/stories/ playhouse 54
We Can Now Provide Faith Formation for All Ages & Generations! 55