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
Inverting the Three “BEs”: Believing, Behaving, Belonging
Rhoda’s First Adventure at a Lutheran Camp – Part 3 This will be my final installment of my first experience at a Lutheran camp (as the keynote speaker at the LCMS Northwest District Youth and Family Ministry Conference, held at Camp Lutherhaven, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho). My apologies to CAMP LUTHERHAVEN! I have been using the […]
Formed by Christ, Formed for Service
Rhoda’s First Adventure at a Lutheran Camp – Part 2 Yes, my first experience at a Lutheran camp (as the keynote speaker at the LCMS Northwest District Youth and Family Ministry Conference, held at Camp Lutherhaven, Idaho) was so enriching that I’m sharing a second installment. The opening worship included a rite of thanksgiving for […]
Rhoda’s First Ever Adventure at a Lutheran Camp!
Last month I (Rhoda) had the privilege and joy of serving as the keynote speaker at the LCMS Northwest District Youth and Family Ministry Conference, held at Camp Lutherhaven in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The theme of the conference, “Formed,” was a great opportunity to introduce some of the resources Kent and I have promoted through […]
The Adult Catechumenate and Christian Formation: You Shall Live!
This past week brought this 7 week catechumenate course to a close. With some regret for me personally, because I can no longer, as I tell me students, be the apostolate for the catechumenate—at least to them in the course. But I can in this blog post toward you. In this last reflection I’ll highlight […]
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.
2026 Youth and Family Ministry Conference
The YFM Conference provides relevant leadership training, renewal in a retreat environment, and opportunities to strengthen old and create new friendships. The conference brings together both commissioned and non-commissioned ministers in youth and family ministry in order to share best practices and strengthen the network between leaders across the NOW District and the entire West Coast. Explore the “Formed” […]
“Journey to Jesus” Book Event
Prof. Rhoda Schuler in the library with her book–no, it’s not the solution to the board game Clue, it’s a gathering to learn more about the book as a resource for the church. Dr. Schuler will give brief remarks at 3:15 about the research process the informs the book and thank people and organizations who […]
Festival of Nations, Salem Lutheran Church
In February 2025 Kent and Rhoda were invited by Pastors Gless and Martin to visit and study the multiethnic ministry of Salem Lutheran Church. In September they will return and present their findings to congregational leaders and attend the Festival of Nations, a major annual event of the congregation. The bilingual worship service begins at […]
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).
