a missional approach to Forming Lutheran Disciples
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Formational Reading of Scripture Series
Today we wrap up the Formational Reading of Scripture Series by reviewing briefly each of the three “methods” of Scripture study commonly used in adult faith formation settings—African, Luther’s Four Strand Garland, and Visualization. Drawing on Understanding Faith Formation: Theological, Congregational, and Global Dimensions by Maddix, Kim, and Estep, Kent introduced this series by highlighting […]
The Visualization Bible Study Method: More Confessions of a Doubting Thomas
Last week Kent wrote: “Personally, I find this method the most fun and engaging,” a statement that highlights our differences. While we share a desire to spark interest into the possibilities of adult faith formation for congregational renewal, a love of graceful, Christocentric liturgy, and a loyalty to our respective baseball teams (neither of which […]
Formational Reading of Scripture: The Visualization Bible Study Method
The third and final Bible study method often used in the catechumenate is the Visualization Method. While all three methods provide creative ways of listening to the text, this method may be the most creative. While the opportunity for textual reflection is like the other two methods, in Visualization the individual is usually positioned in […]
Luther’s Four-Strand Garland: Lessons in Baptismal Living
Introducing Luther’s “Four-Strand Garland” method of Scripture study last week, Kent wrote: “In contrast with the African method, this method begins to expand more fully into the life of prayer and into the discipled life of the Christian.” While the African Method lends itself to the earliest of the four stages of the catechumenal process, […]
Events
Upcoming Events: Help Us Plan What You Need
Although we are beyond the grant-funded phase of Forming Lutherans, we are still eager to share the results of our research and our knowledge of adult faith formation with LCMS pastors. These are ways in which we can do so at no cost to participants. All options require equipment for a Zoom gathering (strong internet connection, projector and screen, good microphone, and tech person on your end to manage the technology in the room with multiple people).
Congregational Meeting
If you, the pastor of a congregation, would like to introduce congregational leaders to a process of adult faith formation, we could meet virtually with you and your lay leadership, offer resources to introduce the idea of the adult catechumenate to the leadership, and/or lead a session on the type of Scripture study appropriate for […]
Pastors’ Retreat
If one or more circuits has a one- or two-day retreat, we could offer an extended program with a mix of presentations, discussions about current practices for receiving new members, and visioning about how individual congregations might benefit by introducing aspects of adult faith formation incrementally in a congregation. For a successful event, the retreat […]
Winkel Gatherings
Looking for a topic for an upcoming Winkel gathering? If your gathering place has the equipment for a Zoom meeting with a small group, one or both of us could lead a short presentation and discussion on the benefits of an adult catechumenate model. We can tailor the presentation to various times, from a minimum […]
What people say about FormingLutherans.org
The church knows ritual shapes its life. Yet, ongoing changes in worship compel us to better understand how. Forming Lutherans provides answers through ethnographic and qualitative research, testing the power of ritual in real-life congregations, leaders, and individuals.
The research, reflection, speaking, and writing of Drs. Schuler and Burreson provide keen insights and practical applications to pastors and congregations as they seek to teach the baptized to hold fast to all our Heavenly Father has given us through, Jesus, the Word of Truth (John 17:17).
