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
It’s Time for the Catechumenate
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2). As Rhoda and I write in chapter 6 of Journey to Jesus:In the Lutheran tradition the baptismal paradigm of dying and rising (Rom 6) is central to the mission of the faith formation process. As Pastor Droegemueller at Living […]
Review of “Ever to Emmaus” by Arthur A. Just Jr. (Part 4)
Rhoda handed off to me the masterful theology of Diakonia from Galatians and chapter 9 of Ever to Emmaus, leading directly into the final chapter 11—Just’s personal diakonia in Spain (“I Will Leave for Spain by Way of You”)—and chapter 12—international theological education (“Word and Sacrament: The Means for Mission”). The liturgical mission has a […]
Ever to Emmaus” by Arthur A. Just Jr. (Part 3)
The final section of Art’s memoir (Liturgy, Catechesis, Diakonia, and Missions) includes four chapters, with today’s post covering the first two. The baton for this relay returns to Kent in August for the final blog post on Ever to Emmaus. Reading chapter 8, “Liturgy and the Catechumenate: What Is at Stake in the Worship Wars,” […]
“Ever to Emmaus”: Where to Find the Book
Our thanks to a subscriber who emailed me, asking for information about where to buy the Art’s book. What poor marketing we have done thus far! To purchase the book, click here.
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).
