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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The Catechetical Narrative
Catechesis has, at its core, a basic narrative or summary of the Christian faith. So, before you even begin to teach the Christian faith to someone, you or the curriculum you use must have thoroughly thought through how to present the Word of Christ systematically and concisely. Luther knew this all too well. In fact, […]
Biblical Literacy and Catechesis
A January 2026 study by the American Bible Society reveals that 42% of Americans did not read the Bible this past year. An additional 20% read the Bible only once or twice. Those who read the Bible once a month or less were 13%. So, 75% percent of Americans are “Not Bible Users” or “Occasional […]
Guest Blogger: Adam Filipek
Kent and I are delighted to announce that Rev. Dr. Adam Filipek has agreed to serve as a guest blogger this fall. His biweekly series, beginning September 25, will draw from his first-hand parish experience and academic research for his Doctor of Ministry degree. In an email suggesting a series topic to us, he wrote […]
A Lament for Mercy: Remembering 9-11
Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me. I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God (Psalm […]
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.
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).
