Rev. Kathy Pittenger provides some practical ways faith formation leaders can support one another and share needs and dreams as our church continues to change.

REV. KATHY PITTENGER
Children’s Initiatives Coordinator, Michigan Conference

Christian education was central in the church where I grew up. One of my first memories is putting my sticker on the attendance chart in my kindergarten Sunday school. Another was sitting next to my grandpa during practice for the musical Daniel. My grandpa played the part of Daniel, and I was one of the lions (complete with a paper bag with a hole cut out for my face and curled yellow and orange pieces of construction paper for the mane). We sang together and learned the story of Daniel and faithfulness.

Christian education was more than transactional; it was relational, experiential, and formational. Perhaps this is one reason why I like the term “faith formation” rather than “Christian education.” Of course, there is an element of education and learning in understanding faith. But when it comes to deepening faith, there is also an element of formation and transformation.

My faith-forming experiences happened in Sunday school, church musicals, youth group, children’s and bell choir, experiential storytelling, intergenerational events, worship, confirmation, and many other ways. While the landscape of our society and the church has changed over the last few decades (and, let’s be honest, the landscape is constantly changing), one of the core pieces of faith formation hasn’t—relationship. It’s not just the experiences or the studies that have shaped me and my faith. It’s the people who were part of those experiences. Who are the people of faith that have shaped you?

As a leader of faith formation, both in a church and on the conference level, I continue to find that people and relationships are the most significant part of my ministry. In honoring that and acknowledging the recently announced conference staff restructure and the changing church landscape, we want to hear from church leaders about their experience with faith formation resources and support from the conference and what would be helpful as we move forward.

There are two ways that leaders can share thoughts, dreams, and realities. First, attend one of the three upcoming listening sessions. These will be held on May 3, 9, and 11 at various times. We will ask several questions that you can respond to in a Zoom meeting setting. Or, you can complete this feedback form. Please keep in mind that the listening sessions and feedback form relate to faith formation/Christian education/discipleship. If you’d like a different option to share your ideas, contact me at [email protected].

Over the past several years, churches have shared with us their Vacation Bible School (VBS) or other summer events they are planning. They are compiled and added to a database for resource sharing. If your church is holding a VBS or summer event that you would like to include on this list, please complete this online form.

Finally, all faith formation leaders benefit from professional development and connection with other leaders. Due to conference restructuring, we are not holding the Rhythms of Grace event this year, but we are excited to partner with Lifelong Faith Associates and provide a significant discount for those interested in attending the Faith for a Lifetime Symposium in the Chicago area. The regular price is $390.00. Thanks to an event discount and a conference grant provided by the Christian Education Sunday Special Offering, participants can attend for $90 plus travel (for Michigan Conference UMC leaders only). There is also an option to stay at the retreat center on Wednesday night, with meals included, for an additional cost. Several people will be carpooling, which will be another opportunity to connect with leaders and share costs. Space is limited, so if you are interested, please get in touch with me or register today. For the reduced price, you must click here to sign up (use this password: FFAL23IL).

These are ways that we can be relational as we share stories, dreams, needs, and prayers and as we learn and grow as leaders. If you have questions or need support in the faith formation ministries at your church, please feel free to reach out.

Last Updated on October 31, 2023