Lutherans tend to approach catechesis in a one size fits all mode. Grounded in Luther’s Catechisms (which is, of course, a good place to be grounded), the approach is often fairly uniform across times and locations. It is very intellectually-focused, seeking to expose the catechumens to what Scripture and the church teach so that they […]
Prepare to Be Baptized Series Reflection on Scripture is part of the adult catechumenal process from the beginning, but during Lent and this time of “intense preparation” for baptism or its affirmation, that reflection is intended to draw the catechumens more deeply into relationship with Jesus. The gospels readings from Series A of the lectionary […]
Last week Kent Burreson introduced this four-week series on the intentional period of preparation during Lent for those who will be baptized, confirmed, or reaffirm their faith at the Easter Vigil. The place of prayer in the life of a Christian is highlighted in the Gospel text for Ash Wednesday, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21. In this […]
The season of Lent ushers in a period of intentional preparation [Intense Preparation (Go Make Disciples) or Purification and Enlightenment (RCIA)] for those who are going to be baptized (the Elect) and those being confirmed and reaffirming their faith at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. This period focuses them on spiritual preparation for baptism […]
As announced earlier, Rhoda Schuler will be presenting a breakout session at the Best Practices Ministry Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.Conference dates are February 16-18, 2023.Her breakout session is Friday, February 17 from 8:30 to 10:00 am.Registration for the conference is still open! For more information and to register for Best Practices, click here.Dr. Schuler’s session is […]
Pastor Dan Eggold (to the left of the Pascal Candle in the photo) from Grace Lutheran Church, Lafayette, Indiana discusses some “stealth practices” he has used to introduce ritual at Grace. This video is under five minutes long and worth your time. He begins introducing ritual with the youth confirmation and has now included ritual […]
In this series of posts, we have been highlighting practices that allow us to slow walk toward a robust faith formation process. One of those practices would be to make the inquirers and catechumens more transparent to the congregation. In other words, placing the inquirers, catechumens, and newly baptized more in the forefront and at […]
Rhoda Schuler will be presenting a breakout session at the Best Practices Ministry Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Conference dates are February 16-18, 2023; registration is free and includes meals and lots of delicious snacks. The BPM website offers this description:Best Practices Ministry “is a conference hosted by Christ Church Lutheran. For over 10 years we […]
In Paul Hoffman’s words, the catechumenate creates a climate of expectation in the life of a congregation. That climate of expectation blossoms into the longing for personal and congregational transformation that is both deep and wide. It transforms individuals and congregations in deep ways touching on the center of their identities. It transforms in broad […]
Central to a compelling catechumenate is the role of adult sponsors for the catechumens. For a congregation slow-walking toward faith formation practices, developing adult sponsors for the catechumens is one of the lowest hanging fruit, a relatively easy starting place for a congregation. Catechumenates that are successful at transforming catechumens into committed participants in the […]