To couch this in the language of George Lindbeck, we in the LCMS are thoroughgoing cognitive-propositionalists. Our catechetical instruction and formation proceeds out of the (often unexamined) assumptions of the Enlightenment that the primary means of formation go through our heads. The catechumenate calls us to give attention to the variety of ways in which […]
Preaching throughout the season of Easter should be mystagogical, especially in a congregation that has a catechumenate. What does that mean? It means that throughout the Easter season the preacher should proclaim the paschal mystery, the death and resurrection of Jesus as seed of the renewal of all creation and the life of the world. […]
How can one not love a word like Mystagogy! Prior to Lent we discussed key aspects of the Period of Enlightenment—Rituals, Prayer, Reflection, Catechesis. During Lent we will consider primary aspects of the least well known period of the catechumenate: The Period of Mystagogy. We will consider Rituals, Preaching, Catechesis, Service, and Formation and Vocation […]
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 […]