Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers
Churches can address the spiritual needs and hungers of people by developing a guided process for spiritually hungry people to become spiritually committed and join in small communities with other seekers for spiritual growth and support, and creating new expressions of Christian community designed especially for spiritual seekers.
One example is an “Introduction to the Christian faith” program—an opportunity for people to investigate the claims of the Christian faith in an informal, no pressure, non-judgmental, and friendly environment. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal setting, and does not assume any background knowledge or belief in Christianity. It can offered in a variety of settings, formats, and times. Second, churches can also create new expressions of Christian community designed especially for spiritual seekers, and design faith formation offerings specifically targeted for spiritual seekers in their twenties and thirties.
For strategies and ideas for "Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers" read the section from Chapter 4 of Faith Formation 2020, pages 195-199.
One example is an “Introduction to the Christian faith” program—an opportunity for people to investigate the claims of the Christian faith in an informal, no pressure, non-judgmental, and friendly environment. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal setting, and does not assume any background knowledge or belief in Christianity. It can offered in a variety of settings, formats, and times. Second, churches can also create new expressions of Christian community designed especially for spiritual seekers, and design faith formation offerings specifically targeted for spiritual seekers in their twenties and thirties.
For strategies and ideas for "Faith Formation for Spiritual Seekers" read the section from Chapter 4 of Faith Formation 2020, pages 195-199.
- The Alpha Course: "Explore the Meaning and Purpose of Life" (Alpha USA): http://alphausa.org
- The Crossing, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral (Boston): http://www.thecrossingboston.org
- Kairos and Young Adult Ministry, Brentwood Baptist Church (Nashville): www.brentwoodbaptist.com/kairos
Apprenticeships in Discipleship
Churches can offer an apprenticeship in discipleship for spiritually hungry people who want to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ and the Christian way of life. An “apprenticeship process” is designed to help people who are hungry for God develop a robust discipleship by helping them understand who God is, what it means to be a Christian, and what it means to live in community as part of God’s kingdom. The apprenticeship process fosters transformation by contrasting the God Jesus revealed with commonly-held beliefs about God; explores how beliefs about God, self, and the world shape people’s lives; encourages soul-training, spiritual practices to help people experience God’s love; and nurtures accountability in a small group setting. Through the apprenticeship process people’s understanding of God is strengthened and healed through spiritual practices, helping people more naturally live the life Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount. An apprenticeship often incorporates one-on-one mentoring, small group sharing, personal study, prayer, and retreat experiences.
For strategies and ideas for "Apprenticeships" read the section from Chapter 4 of Faith Formation 2020, pages 199-201.
The Apprentice Series. James Bryan Smith. (www.apprenticeofjesus.org)
- The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2009.
- The Good and Beautiful Life: Putting on the Character of Christ. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2010.
- The Good and Beautiful Community: Following the Spirit, Extending Grace, Demonstrating Love. Downers Grove: Intervarsity, 2010.
Soul Revolution & the 60-60 Experiment. John Burke. (www.soulrevolution.net)
- Burke, John. Soul Revolution: How Imperfect People Become All God Intended. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008.
Additional Resources
- Chalke, Steve. Apprentice: Walking the Way of Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009.
- Epperly, Bruce G. Holy Adventure: Forty-One Days of Audacious Living. Nashville: Upper Room, 2009.
- Johnson, Jan. Invitation to the Jesus Life: Experiments in Christlikeness. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2008.
- Moon, Gary W. Apprenticeship with Jesus: A Thirty Day Experience. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2009.
- Smith, Stephen W. The Lazarus Life: Spiritual Transformation for Ordinary People. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2008. (http://lazaruslife.com)
- Smith, Stephen W. Living the Lazarus Life: A Guidebook for Spiritual Transformation. Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2009. (http://lazaruslife.com)