Formation Leaders

Formation

Resources for:

What are we talking about?
Defining "formation"

"Christian formation" refers to our ongoing growth and development as disciples of Jesus Christ. The term reminds us that discipleship implies a lifelong journey of transformation in which we imitate Jesus Christ with the goal of becoming more and more like Christ.

In the past, we spoke more often of “Christian Education,” a term that evokes school-related imagery such as a classroom, teacher, reading and writing. The word “formation” indicates an awareness that we are formed in Christ in all kinds of settings and through many more practices than those found in a classroom.

When we talk about formation, we often focus on Christian practices: things that we do to deepen our relationship with God and follow the Way of Jesus. A few examples of Christian practices include prayer, Bible study, forgiveness, repentance, confession, communion, foot-washing, hospitality, giving to those in need, service, leadership, reconciliation and testimony. --from the December 2011 Scattered Seeds

Christian Formation in the Missional Church

Curated by Shana Peachey Boshart, the Faith Formation page on the Mennonite Church USA website is an excellent compendium of faith formation resources.