John Roberto LifelongFaith Associates jroberto@lifelongfaithsocial, and spiritual-religious; and that parents are the most important inﬂuence on the social and religious lives of

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JohnRobertoLifelongFaithAssociates

[email protected]

www.LifelongFaith.comwww.ReimagineFaithFormation.com

SeasonsofAdultFaith.comFamiliesattheCenter.com

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www.ReimagineFaithFormation.com

LifelongFaithBooks$6discount(shipping)CouponCode:Fordham

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NotJustanEraofChangebut

aChangeofEras

EXPLORINGTRENDS

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0-10 11-19 20s 30s 40s 50s 60s 70s 80s 90s

LifeSpanDiversity

FiveGenerationDiversity

iGenera?on(2000-

Millennials(1980-99)

Genera?onX(1961-1979)

BabyBoomers(1946-60)

Builders(before1946)

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FamilyDiversity

MarriedCouple+NoChildrenMarriedCouple+Children(biologicalorblended)

SingleParent+ChildrenUnmarriedCouple+ChildrenorNoChildrenSameSexCouple+ChildrenorNoChildren

Mul?genera?onalFamily(youngadult,grandparents)GrandparentsasPrimaryCaregivers

Spiritual-ReligiousDiversity

TheUnaffiliateds

TheSpirituals

TheOccasionals

TheAcAves

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DeclineinReligiousSocialization

DeclineinReligiousPracticeØ  Significantindicators,suchasreligious

iden?fica?onasaChris?an,worshipaVendance,marriagesandbap?smsinthechurch,andchanginggenera?onalpaVerns,pointtoadeclineinfamilyreligioussocializa?onacrossalldenomina?ons.

Ø  Thereisalsoadeclineinreligioustradi?onsandprac?cesathome.GenXandMillennialparentsoZenlackthereligiousliteracyandreligiousexperiencesnecessaryforfaithtransmission.

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TheAdaptiveChallengesof21stCenturyFaithFormation

1.  Tendecadesofthelifecycle2.  Fiveuniquegenera?onaliden??es3.  Diversefamilyformsandstyles4.  Diversespiritual-religiousiden??esofpeople5.  Declineinreligioustransmission(athome)and

declineinpar?cipa?oninchurchlifeandprograms

REIMAGING....ANECOLOGICALVIEW

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AnEcologicalViewofFaithFormation1900s-1970s

Church

Family

EthnicTradi?on

Community

FaithFormingEcosystem

•  Digitallyenabled&connected




MISSIONAL INTER-GENERATIONAL

FAMILY

LIFECYCLE:children,youth,youngadults,midlifeadults,matureadults,olderadults

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HolisticVisionofFaithFormation

Ø  Awayofthehead(inform)demandsadiscipleshipoffaithseekingunderstandingandbeliefwithpersonalconvic?on,sustainedbystudy,reflec?ng,discerninganddeciding,alltowardspiritualwisdomforlife.

Ø  Awayoftheheart(form)demandsadiscipleshipofrightrela?onshipsandrightdesires,communitybuilding,hospitalityandinclusion,trustinGod’slove,andprayerandworship.

Ø  Awayofthehands(transform)demandsadiscipleshipoflove,jus?ce,peace-making,simplicity,integrity,healing,andrepentance.

(ThomasGroome)

EpiscopalChurch(TheCharterforLifelongChristianFormation)

“ChristianfaithformationisalifelongjourneywithChrist,in

Christ,andtoChrist.LifelongChristianfaithformationislifelonggrowthintheknowledge,serviceandloveofGodas

followersofChristandisinformedbyscripture,traditionandreason.”

1.  GodInvitesAllPeople–intotheChristianlife2.  GodInspiresAllPeople–toworship,studyScripture,to

learn,toserve3.  GodTransformsAllPeople–todotheworkofJesus,bea

lovingandwitnessingcommunity,propheticaction

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RomanCatholicNationalDirectoryforCatechesis

Christ’smethodofformationwasaccomplishedbydiverseyetinterrelatedtasks.HisexampleisthemostfruitfulinspirationforeffectivecatechesistodaybecauseitisintegraltoformationintheChristianfaith.Faithmustbeknowncelebrated,lived,andexpressedinprayer.Socatechesiscomprisessixfundamentaltasks,eachofwhichisrelatedtoanaspectoffaithinChrist.1.  PromoteKnowledgeoftheFaith2.  LiturgicalEducation3.  MoralFormation4.  TeachingtoPray5.  EducationforCommunityLife6.  MissionaryInitiative

GROWTHINFAITH

CaringRela?onships

Rituals&Milestones

ChurchYearSeasons

LearningtheTradi?on

PrayingSpiritualForma?on

ReadingtheBible

ServingWorkingforJus?ceCaringforCrea?on

Worshipping

AComprehensiveView:EightFaithFormingProcesses

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SeveralKeyResearchStudies

Intergenerational

Connectthegenera?onsInfuseintergenera?onalrela?onships&experiences

Createintergenera?onalexperiences

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CommunitiesofPracticeWeinvitepeopleintothewayoflifethatembodiesGod’slove,justice,compassion,andreconciliation,bybeing,doing,andthinkingaboutittogether.Thebestcurriculumforformingchildren,youth,

andanyoneelseinChristianfaithisguidedparticipationinacommunityofpracticewhere

peoplearevibrantly,passionately,riskingthemselvestogetherinlivesoffaithinaworld

cryingoutfortheloveofChrist.(JoyceMercer)

CommunitiesofPracticeGuidedparticipationinacommunityof

practiceputsapremiumonbothparticipationandpractice....WebecomeChristian,takingontheidentityofonewhoisadiscipleofJesus,

byactingthewayChristiansact,andbytalkingthewayChristianstalk.Overtime

throughpractice,evenourheartsandmindsareformedinthiswayoflife.

(JoyceMercer)

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IntergenerationalLearning

IntergenerationalLearning

1.  BibleStudy2.  FamilyTime3.  WorshipSkills4.  Recrea?onGenOnMinistries

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Intergenerationally:Learning•  Aflexible,relaxedarrival?mewith

drinksandsnacks•  Crea?veexplora?onofaBiblestory/

themethroughcrea?veexperiencesforpeopleofdifferentlearningstylesandofallages.Childrenandadultsarenotseparatedandareencouragedtoexplorethestory/themetogether

•  Ashortbutexplicit?meofworshipwithstory,musicandprayersthatbuildsonthecrea?veexplora?on.

•  Agenerouswelcomeandhospitalityisexpressedthroughadelicioushome-cooked,sit-downmealwithothers

ConnectIntergeneration&Age-Specific

PreparaAon:knowledge&prac?cesforpar?cipa?ngfully

GuidedParAcipaAon:intheeventsofchurchlife&theChris?anFaith

ReflecAon:ontheexperienceandlivingitsmeaningin

dailylife

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ConnectIntergenerational&Age-SpecificWorship1.  Learnaboutworshipandhowtoworship2.  ExperienceSundayworshipwiththefaithcommunity3.  LivetheSundayworshipexperienceathomeandindaily

lifeBible1.  LearnabouttheBibleandhowtoreadit,interpretit,and

applyit2.  ExperiencetheBibleatSundayworshipandathome3.  Developtheirownprac?ceofBiblestudyandreading.

ConnectIntergenerational&Age-SpecificChris?anTradi?on1.  LearnaboutJesusandtheChris?antradi?on2.  ExperiencethelifeofJesusandthetradi?onthrough

par?cipa?oninthelec?onaryandchurchyearfeastsandseasons

3.  LivetheChris?anfaithtodayathomeandindailylifeService&Jus?ce1.  Learnaboutthejus?ceissuesofourdayandthebiblical

andchurchteachingsonjus?ce,service,andcareforcrea?on

2.  Experienceactsofjus?ceandservicewiththefaithcommunity—locallyandglobally

3.  Engageintheprac?cesofservingthoseinneed,caringforcrea?on,andworkingforjus?ce

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EnhanceIntergenerationalRelationships1.  Incorporateintergenera?onaldialoguesintoprogramming2.  Developmentoringrela?onships3.  Involvethecommunityinprayingforeachgenera?on,4.  Organizesocialandrecrea?onalac?vi?esthatbuild

intergenera?onalrela?onships5.  “Intergenera?onalize”age-groupprogramming6.  Integrateintergenera?onalprogrammingintoanage-group

programplanandcalendar7.  Offerserviceprojectsandmissiontripsforallages8.  Offersimple,one-?meintergenera?onalexperiences:arts,

music/concerts,drama,socialevents,serviceprojects,sports,educa?onalexperiences

FamiliesattheCenter

Family&Parents

Schools&Churches

Community

TheFamily-at-theCenterApproachrecognizesthatparentsandthefamilyarethemostpowerfulinfluenceforvirtuallyeverychildandyouthoutcome—personal,academic,social,andspiritual-religious;andthatparentsarethemostimportantinfluenceonthesocialandreligiouslivesofchildren,youth,andemergingadults.Giventhecentralroleoffamiliesinshapingthelivesofchildrenandyouth,thevalueofengaging,suppor?ng,andeduca?ngfamiliesshouldbeself-evidenttoallofus.

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FamilyMakesaDifferenceinFaithGrowth

1.  Parents’personalfaithandprac?ce2.  Parent-childrela?onship:close,warm3.  Parents’modelingandteachingareligiousfaith4.  Parents’involvementinchurchlifeandSunday

worship5.  Grandparents’religiousinfluence&rela?onship6.  Religioustradi?onachildisborninto7.  Parentsofthesamefaith8.  Familyconversa?onsaboutfaith9.  Familyreligiousprac?ces:prayer,readingtheBible,

servicetoothers,celebra?ngholidays/rituals

FamilyFaithFormation

1.  GodinEverydayLife2.  FaithPrac?cesatHome3.  Milestones4.  SeasonalEvents5.  EncounteringGodinthe

Bible6.  Intergenera?onal

Connec?ons7.  StrongFamilyLife8.  Parents&Grandparents

asFaithFormers

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DiscoveringGodinEverydayLife

FormingFaiththroughMilestones1.  Birth/Bap?sm2.  Star?ngSchoolYear3.  FirstCommunion4.  ReceivingafirstBible5.  Confirma?on6.  Gradua?on(HS,College)7.  Engagement8.  Wedding9.  Re?rement10.  Death/Funeral

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FormingFaiththroughMilestones

Nurturing RELATIONSHIPS• Positive communication• Affection

Establishing ROUTINES• Family meals• Shared activities

Maintaining EXPECTATIONS• Openness about tough

topics

Adapting to CHALLENGES• Management of daily

commitments

Connecting to COMMUNITY• Neighborhood

cohesion

ec o• Emotional openness• Support for sparks

S a ed ac v es• Meaningful traditions• Dependability

p• Fair rules• Defined boundaries• Clear expectations• Contributions to family

• Adaptability• Problem solving• Democratic decision

making

• Relationships with others

• Enriching activities• Supportive resources

DevelopingaStrongFamilyLifeFamilyAssets–SearchInstitute

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DevelopingaStrongFamilyLifeDevelopmentalRelationships–SearchInstitute

ExpandPossibiliAesSharePower

ProvideSupport

ChallengeGrowthExpressCare

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LifeCycleFaithFormationAgegroupandgenera?onalfaithforma?onaddressestheuniquelifetasks,needs,interests,andspiritualjourneysofpeopleateachstageoflife.

IntergeneraAonalFaithCommunity

Children&Parents

Youth&Parents

YoungAdults

Mid-lifeAdults

MatureAdults

OlderAdults

LifeCycleFaithFormation•  CaringRela?onships•  ChurchYearFeasts&Seasons

•  LearningtheTradi?on•  Prayer&SpiritualForma?on

•  ReadingtheBible•  Rituals&Milestones•  Service&WorkingforJus?ce

• Worship

Children

•  CaringRela?onships•  ChurchYearFeasts&Seasons



• Worship

Teens•  CaringRela?onships•  ChurchYearFeasts&Seasons



• Worship

YoungAdults

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LifelongCycleFormation•  CaringRela?onships•  ChurchYearFeasts&Seasons



• Worship

MidlifeAdults




• Worship

MatureAdults




• Worship

OlderAdults

MissionalFaithFormation²  Expandandextendthechurch’s

presencethroughoutreach,connec5on,rela5onshipbuilding,andengagementwithpeoplewheretheylive—movingfaithforma?onoutintothecommunity.

²  ProvidepathwaysforpeopletoconsiderorreconsidertheChris?anfaith,toencounterJesusandtheGoodNews,andtoliveasdisciplesinasuppor?vefaithcommunity.

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GodonTap

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AlphaCourse

Alpha:PathwaystoChristianFaithIntroduc?onDinner:Istheremoretolifethanthis?Week1:WhoisJesus?Week2:WhydidJesusdie?Week3:Howcanwehavefaith?Week4:WhyandhowdoIpray?Week5:WhyandhowshouldIreadtheBible?Week6:HowdoesGodguideus?Week7:HowcanIresistevil?Week8:Why&howshouldwetellothers?Week9:DoesGodhealtoday?Week10:WhatabouttheChurch?Weekend:WhoistheHolySpirit?

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REIMAGINING...ANETWORKVIEW

ThePrintEra(1500s-)

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TheMultimediaEra(1960s-)

TheDigitalEra(2000s-)

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AshiZfromeducaAontolearninganywhere,anyAme.AshiZfromconsumpAonofinformaAontoparAcipatorylearning.

AshiZfrominsAtuAonstonetworks.

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Malcolm

Knowles

LearningComm

unity1970s

ThinkingLikeaNetwork1.  Avarietyofrela?onships,content,experiences,and

resources2.  Newmethods:immersive,mul?media,mul?-

sensory,highlyvisual,par?cipatory,experien?al3.  Newformats:episodic,micro-learning,ondemand,

mobile,24x7,4.  Newdigitalmediaanddigitalplasorms:websites,

apps,video,podcasts,socialmedia5.  Mul?pleenvironments:self-directed,mentored,at

home,insmallgroups,inlargegroups,church-wide,inthecommunity,andintheworld.

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AdultFaithFormationNetwork

PlaylistsofContent&Experiences

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FamilyFaithFormationNetwork

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WholeCommunityNetwork

PersonalizingFaithFormation

1.AssessingLearningNeeds&Competencies

2.WorkingwithaMentortoDevelopa

Plan

3.FindingProgramsandResources

4.EngaginginLearning

5.SharingwiththeOthers

6.Reflec?ngonGrowthandIden?fyingNew

Needs

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Pathway of the Heart � I cherish warmth in my

relationships. � My decisions are led by my

feelings. � There are stories in the

Bible that warm my heart. � I value harmony and peace. � I view God as a loving,

nurturing parent. � I connect with people through

emotions.

Pathway of the Soul � I tend to project possibilities

for the future. � I sense and experience

things that cannot be seen or measured.

� Silence, meditation, and reflection are important to me.

� I appreciate metaphorical language.

� I view God as a Holy Mystery. � I like to dream.

Pathway of Strength � I have a strong desire to make

life better for the poor and oppressed.

� I like to do things that are practical and help people.

� Doing hands-on, physical activities is more satisfying to me than reading and discussing what I read.

� I like to think of myself as an agent for change.

� I experience God best when serving others.

Let us know how we can help you start or continue your journey of faith.

Which Pathway to Faith Will I Follow?

Heart, Mind, Soul or Strength? Review the traits listed under each pathway and see which pathway best describes you. You may have a primary path and a close secondary path. It is even possible that you see reflections of yourself in all four pathways.

Pathway of the Mind � I use logical analysis to come

to conclusions. � I look for objective information. � I try to determine the cause

and effect of things. � I like to study the Bible and

think about its teachings. � I view God's laws and

precepts as rules for giving order to the world.

� I might appear aloof because I’m thinking deeply.

PATHWAYS to

Spiritual Growth

BELIEVING IN CHRIST

How am I Doing with my Membership Vows?

Believer growing in Christ

primarily through large

group experiences while

developing a heart for the

needs of others.

First steps toward spiritual

growth for believers who

desire to learn more about

the Christian faith, the

world and the Church.

Christ-centered believer

who consistently

surrenders to God’s will,

reproduces the Christian

faith in the life of others

and lives a life of service.

Mature believer who

desires a deeper level of

shared life with others

while also seeking ways to

unselfishly serve.

Prayers & Personal Devotional Practices

Presence throughWorship & Growth Groups**Growth Groups include Sunday School classes, Disciple Bible studies, Wednesday Night Live classes, men’s and women’s studies, etc.

Gifts through Tithes & Offerings

Service to the Church and Community

Witness -- Sharing God’s Love with the World

• When I pray, I focus on my needs.

• I seek to grow closer to God through prayer.

• I ask God for things or circumstances that I desire.

• I seldom read the Bible.

• Attending worship is not a high priority.

• I’m starting to see the value of joining a

Growth Group.

• I have visited a Growth Group.

• I give as I am able.

• I participate in acts of Christian service when

I can.• I serve others when it’s convenient.

• I am interested in taking the spiritual gifts

assessment to learn

how to serve others.

• I believe I am a sinner separated from God

aside from grace.

• I believe the God of the Bible is the only true

God - Father, Son and

Holy Spirit.

• I believe people who deliberately reject Jesus

Christ as Savior will not

be granted eternal life.

• I believe that Christ suffered and died for

my sins.

• I have responded to God’s gift of grace,

forgiveness and eternal

life.

• I believe nothing I do or have done can earn my

salvation.

• I acknowledge my sin and have received God’s

forgiveness.

• I thank God for who He is and what He is doing

in my life.

• I pray occasionally to seek God’s direction for

my life.

• I pray occasionally for

other people.

• I read the Bible occasionally to know

God, the truth, and find direction for my life.

• Attending worship is a higher priority than it

used to be (two out of

four weeks)

• I occasionally attend a

Growth Group (two out

of four weeks).

• I believe I cannot grow as a Christian unless I am an active member

of a local church.

• I believe I cannot grow as a Christian unless I am an active member

of a Growth Group.

• I am moving toward giving 10% of my income

to the church.

• I have a growing awareness of the need

for God’s direction in my

finances.

• I have found/would like to find a place where I can use my spiritual

gifts in the church or

community.

• I participate occasionally in a service project in the

church or the

community.

• I know and occasionally use my spiritual gifts to

fulfill God’s purposes. • I’m interested in participating in a

short-term local or

international mission

trip.

• I can share my testimony. • I occasionally invite non-Christians to church,

a Growth Group or other

church events.

under the guidance of the Holy Spirit

GROWING IN CHRIST CLOSE TO CHRIST CHRIST-CENTERED

• I pray regularly with others.

• I pray regularly for the church, the city, the poor

and the persecuted.

• I engage in spiritual disciplines like fasting,

journaling, solitude,

Sabbath, scripture

memorization, etc.

• I experience times of solitude to listen to God’s

direction

• I connect with God in a powerful way through

prayer, solitude and/or Scripture.

• I am disciplined in my spiritual practices.

• I regularly read the Bible to apply God’s teachings

to my life.

• Attending worship is a high priority (three out

of four Sundays).

• I expect to enter the presence of God when I worship.

• I allow other Christians to hold me accountable

for my actions.

• I regularly (three out of four weeks) attend a

Growth Group.

• I practice my faith every day of the week.

• I tithe 10% of my income to the church.

• I recognize that God owns everything.

• In addition to tithing 10%, I try to manage the other 90% according to

God’s principles.

• I feel equipped to lead a Growth Group or a

ministry team at the

church.

• I believe God calls me to be involved in the lives

of the poor and suffering.

• I regularly serve in ministry using my

spiritual gifts.

• I’ve participated in a short-term local or

international mission

trip.

• I feel fully equipped to share my faith with

non-Christians.

• I am comfortable sharing my faith in every aspect

of my life.

• My behavior and actions reflect my faith.

• I pray daily with others.• I pray daily for the church, the city, the poor

and the persecuted.

• I pray for people I do not know.

• I view prayer as a constant conversation

with God, as opposed to

a specific time.• I experience an ongoing dialogue with God

throughout my day.

• I read the Bible daily to deepen my relationship

with God.

• Attending worship is my top priority therefore

I attend every Sunday I am physically able.

• My worship is not compromised by secular

mind sets. I worship to glorify God, no matter

what the music style,

atmosphere or sermon

topic may be.

• My Growth Group is an essential part of my

weekly life.

• I am looking for ways to intentionally disciple

others.

• I sacrificially give beyond the tithe.

• I believe a Christian should live a sacrificial life that is not driven by

pursuit of material

things.

• My first priority in spending money is to

support God’s work.

• Generosity is a way of life for me.

• I feel empowered to go out on my own to meet

the needs of others.

• I feel fully equipped to reproduce my Christian

faith by practicing one-

on-one discipleship

with adults, children or

students.

• Due to my love for all people, service is a way

of life.

• I work closely with a mission organization

after my local/ international mission

experience.

• I have led people to Christ.

• I am walking with another person as he

or she is learning more

about grace on his or

her spiritual journey.

Visit www.centraltolife.com

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Spiritual-ReligiousIdentities

TheUnaffiliateds

TheSpirituals

TheOccasionals

TheAcAves

Personalizing-Pathways

Program

Path1

Mentors/SmallGroups

Resources

Path2

Mentors/SmallGroups

Resources

Path3

Mentors/SmallGroups

Resources

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DigitallyEnabled&DigitallyConnectedFaithFormation

ChurchorSchoolEventorProgram

AtHome&DailyLife

ExtendtheEvent

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SundayWorshipTri-SaintsLutheranChurch

Website• DigitalContenttoExtend&DeepenEvent

SocialMedia

•  Interac?on• Connec?on• Communica?on• Demonstra?on

Mul?pleFormats

• OfferingtheEventinNewFormats

Event

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BuildonanEvent/Experience(Sacraments,VBS,MissionTrip,andmuchmore)

Preparing

• Whattypesofexperiences,programming,ac?vi?es,andresourceswillyoudeveloptopreparepeoplefortheevent?

Experiencing

• Howwillyoudesigntheevent?

• Howwillyouengageagegroups,families,andthefaithcommunity?

Living

• Howwillyousustain/extendtheevent?

• Whattypesofexperiences,programs,ac?vi?es,andresourceswillyouofferpeople?

CelebratingMilestones:Baptism

Church

•  Mentors/Coaches•  Parentprepara?on•  Familygathering•  Ritual•  Intergenera?onal

connec?on•  Celebra?onofBap?sm•  Reunion•  Bap?smalanniversaries

Home

•  Caringconversa?onsandstorytelling

•  Celebra?ngrituals•  Learning•  Praying•  ReadingtheBible•  Serving•  Worshippingtogether

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FliptheModel

@Home/DailyLifeExploringtheContent-print,audio,video,

ac?vi?es

@TheProgramApplyingtheContent:Create–Prac?ce-

Perform-Par?cipate

ChristianInitiation&NewMemberFormation

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Confirmation

IntegrateOnlineandGathered

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Online40-DayLentCurriculumChurchèè Daily&Home ççOnline

•  AshWednesday•  LentenSunday

liturgies•  Sta?onsofthe

Cross•  Lentenprayer•  Lentenretreat•  Lentenservice•  Lentensoup

suppers

•  Fas?ng•  Praying•  Service/

Almsgiving•  Lec?onary

reflec?on•  FamilyLenten

ac?vi?es

•  Lentenlearningresources

•  Lentencalendar•  DailyLenten

prayer•  Weeklytable

prayer•  Videoresources•  Onlineretreat

experience

OnlinePrayer

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PastoralCare

OnlineLearning

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EmergingRolesofFaithFormationLeaders

CurrentRoles

•  Developingreligiouscontent

•  Designingprogramming

•  Managingprogramming

•  Teaching/Facilita?ngprogramming

EmergingRoles

•  Designingfaithformingenvironments—architecture

•  DesigningDigitalPla=ormsforfaithformingcontent

•  Cura5ngreligiouscontentandexperiences

BalancingBothRoles|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|

Documents

John Roberto LifelongFaith Associates jroberto@lifelongfaithsocial, and spiritual-religious; and that parents are the most important inﬂuence on the social and religious lives of