The most recent issue of The Banner includes an article about Faith Formation, something those of us who work in Church education think about quite a bit. In the article “Are You Growing in Faith?” Robert J. Keeley (my husband) discusses how difficult it is too measure faith. Bob suggest that there are four accents that show a vibrant faith: creed, community, call and hope. Take a minute to read the article and then consider the work that we do in church education. Do we address these accents in Sunday school?

“Creed” is pretty easy – we spend a lot of time in Sunday School giving kids information about God and about our faith. But what about the others? Do we build a sense of community in our Sunday School classes? Do we help our students discern their particular calling? Do we give them a hope for the future?  Please comment on how these accents work in your Sunday School.

Here are some other good sources for information and books about Faith Formation:

• CRCNA Faith Formation Committee
• Vibrant Faith Ministries
• Shaped by God edited by Robert J. Keeley
• Helping our Children Grow in Faith by Robert J. Keeley
• Real Kids, Real Faith by Karen Marie Yust
• Joining Children on Their Spiritual Journey by Catherine Stonehouse
   

Note: This article could be used with an adult small group. The online version includes questions that can be used in a small group setting.