Faith Development
Understanding the meaning and impact of liberal faith strengthens us as individuals and as communities. Clarifying our identity is especially important during periods of transition, as illustrated by the History Wall exercise many transitioning congregations engage in. One important area of congregational life core to nurturing understanding of identity is our religious education (faith development) programs, for all ages. Laity and clergy alike do well to expand their understanding of UU history, polity, theology, spiritual practice, and more. During transitioning periods, it is especially important to offer educational options, for established members as well as for congregants new to Unitarian Universalism in classes such as Pathways to Membership and the curriculum "Articulating your UU Faith." A more informed membership means more committed congregants and more sustained congregational growth.
These past two years of church life under pandemic has taken a toll on many faith development programs in many congregations. As we resume in-person activities and continue with multi-platform Sunday mornings, clearly a priority is to encourage everyone --- children and youth, and adults --- to return to the extent possible to being present together at the church and perhaps in other locations where we chose to gather. For many of our UU congregations, it seems that re-imagining and re-visioning programs of faith development will be a priority. Faith Development happens in many formats. I urge congregations, especially during transition periods, to restore or maintain a robust roster of faith development opportunities for all ages. As children and youth return to congregational life, so will parents and other adults who accompany them to church.
Children's Faith Development at UU Church of Lancaster, PA: 2019
Based in part on my previous teaching career in college and adult education, I have particular interest in offering classes and other activities in Adult Faith Development programs. In addition to content delivery so to help affirm identity in our liberal faith tradition, teaching classes during interim periods is a very helpful way for me to get to know congregants in these small-group setting. In turn, they come to know me outside of the role of Sunday morning preacher. I look forward to offering adult programs and Pathways to Membership in my next transitioning congregation.
See below for examples of Adult Faith Development Classes, as well as Professional Development Workshops, which I have led over the years and which I would be available to offer in your congregation. Also see the next page of this website for more about "Circles of Trust."
The great end in religious instructions is not to stamp our minds upon the young,
but to stir up their own;
Not to make them see with our eyes, but to look inquiringly and steadily with their own.
In a word, the great end is to awaken the soul, to excite and cherish spiritual life.
- William Ellery Channing
Classes & Workshops (Click on title for document)
CLASSES: Congregational Adult Faith Development
CLASSES: Congregational Adult Faith Development
CLASSES: Seminary