a missional approach to Forming Lutheran Disciples
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When many Christian congregations are asking, “How can we draw new members into our midst?” the authors reframe the question: “How can congregations make new disciples and deepen the faith of long-time Christians?” Rediscovery of the early church catechumenate provides a means to form new disciples in today’s culture. Inspiring case studies of four congregations emphasize the contextual flexibility of adult faith formation. Interviews with catechumenal leaders and participants in adult faith formation reveal how a catechumenate that is central to congregational life can energize and orient the people of God toward the mission of God. Opening windows into congregational life, especially at worship, those who had journeyed through the adult faith formation process describe their experiences and the profound changes that took place in them. Adult faith formation is a journey—not a program—of belonging, believing, and behaving that draws people into Christ’s orbit for life. As one participant said, “For the first time I understood what it meant to be a Christian.” Through the adult catechumenate she heard the voice of Christ, calling her to new life and a rich baptismal identity.
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Latest News
A Catechumenal Vision for Compact Congregations: Challenges Part 1
Last week I (Kent) provided an introduction to this series on creating a catechumenal vision in compact congregations. We will address the challenges and opportunities in these contexts, where the majority of LCMS churches reside. So, first, this week and the next, the challenges. I will address challenges attendant on these compact congregational contexts. Next […]
A Catechumenal Vision for Compact Congregations: An Introduction
Two years ago I lead a workshop in Ottawa, Kansas (shout-out to Pastor Tim Roth and the people of Faith, Ottawa) and being in that small town setting resurfaced questions that have been asked throughout the entire 8 plus years that Rhoda and I have been working on the catechumenate. It was a question raised […]
July 7: Registration Deadline for Kent’s Workshop on Adult Faith Formation
Dr. Kent Burreson’s workshop on the adult catechumenate, part of Concordia Seminary’s Prof Insights Series, will be in Vesper, Wisconsin. Located in central Wisconsin, Vesper is 30 miles west of Stevens Point. The workshop is hosted by Trinity Lutheran Church. Deadline: MONDAY, JULY 7Dates of the workshop: Starts Monday, July 21at noon; ends at noon […]
Our Book IS Now Available!
On June 9, one of my former students from Concordia University, St. Paul, DCE Jackie Druckhammer, texted me today’s banner photo. Her pastor had pre-ordered copies of our book for the church staff at St. John Lutheran Church, Vancouver, Washington. Pictured from left to right are DCE David Schrampfer, Pastor Brian Larson, and Office Administrator […]
Events
We have been privileged to present information about the adult catechumenate in a variety of settings.
This list includes upcoming and past events.
We welcome conversations with church leaders interested in organizing a workshop or presentation on the topic.
Multiethnic Symposium
Learning From Each Other: Catechesis That Raises Up Multiethnic Leaders for the Kingdom In the context of a multiethnic church, catechesis becomes a powerful tool for raising up leaders who can effectively minister to diverse communities. The 2025 Multiethnic Symposium plenaries and sectionals will explore how the church can equip future leaders with knowledge, skills […]
Prof Insights
Kent and Rhoda are scheduled to lead a workshop on the adult catechumenate in the Wisconsin Rapids area (North Wisconsin District). According to the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis website, “The Prof Insights: Faculty-Led Workshop Series offers in-depth study on contemporary topics that influence the practice of ministry and worship. Bringing the Seminary to you, members […]
A Prophetic Challenge
Kent and Rhoda led a three-hour seminar at the annual gathering of the Institute of Liturgical Studies, Valparaiso, IN. Here’s the description of this well-received time of presentations, activities, and discussion: A consumer culture challenges the church on two fronts. From within, an “attractional” pattern for outreach has commodified the church and its message. From […]
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).
