Resources for Adult Formation

Individual Faith Formation

We are made in God’s image and we each have our own individual callings as disciples—God-given strengths, interests, and motivation to grow in faith and love our neighbors as ourselves. There are many faith practices that we can engage with as individuals to explore and deepen our faith. Jesus takes time throughout his ministry to spend intentional time in solitude in prayer and worship, and we should, too. Explore our resources and suggestions for individual adult formation.

Gathered Formation

Much of our faith formation occurs as we engage in relationship with people around us: family, friends, and other disciples in our congregations and ministries. This is a model set for us by the earliest Christians, and it allows us to explore, to challenge, and to grow in the context and support of a faithful community. Here we offer resources to support gathered formation in families, small groups, and congregational settings.

Prayer

On Your Own

With Others

Diocesan Resource Highlight

Prayer Stations / for individual or congregational use

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Prayer of Self-Dedication, BCP p. 832

Bible Study

Reading the Bible, the written Word of God, is an essential faith practice for all Christians. We don’t just read the Scriptures for information, but we seek to engage with the words as God’s invitation into relationship. Whether you are opening the Good Book for the first time, or you are looking to connect with the God-inspired texts in new ways, we invite you to try some of the resources here.

On Your Own

With Others

Diocesan Resource Highlight

Dwelling in the Word / monthly Bible study (lectio divina) for individuals, families, and small groups
Morando en la Palabra / estudio bíblico mensual (lectio divina) para individuos, familias y grupos pequeños

Open My Eyes / monthly Bible study using visual faith for individuals, families, and small groups
Abre Mis Ojos / Estudio bíblico mensual utilizando la fe visual para individuos, familias y grupos pequeños

Explore More Faith Formation

Faith Practices

We naturally gravitate towards some faith practices, while others may challenge us. Explore our resource playlists for a variety of faith practices, including prayer, worship, listening, and serving.

Seasonal Resources

The church year provides an excellent framework for formation, ensuring that we experience the fullness of Christian discipleship. We offer resources for every season to keep your formation fresh and fulfilling.

Diocesan Events

The Diocese of New Jersey supports formation ministry in a variety of ways, by providing resources for use by individuals, groups, and congregations, but also by hosting events and studies (in person and online) throughout the year.

Education for Ministry

Many people have been taught that one must be ordained to be a minister, but our vows at baptism say something different: that all baptized Christians are ministers. God calls us to be active participants in ministry. What is that ministry? As the Church, we are called to continue the ministry of Jesus. We are called to be the hands, heart, and incarnate body of Christ in our own place through worship, reflection, in service to others, and by the proclamation of God’s Word to all people.

The EfM program is designed to help Christians prepare for their ministry. It is that vocation for which we pray at the end of the communion service: “And now, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.”

Third-Third Ministry

Adults in the “third-third” of life, usually after their children have reached adulthood and retirement is at hand, have unique faith formation needs and opportunities.

Some adults in this stage may have more time and disposable income that allows for deeper involvement in church ministries, including formation. Others may be focused on demands like caring for grandchildren, spouses, or others. Yet others may be mourning losses, the transition of retirement, or the ending of former ministries or vocations. It is a complex season of life which can be supported with appropriate formation ministry—all people have God-given gifts to develop and share in the church.

School for Ministry

We are sent, yes!  All of us!  By virtue of our baptism!  But to whom?  In what capacity?  For what ministry?  And how should we prepare?  If you are asking these questions, you may want to explore the New Jersey School for Ministry.  It is open to all – especially those seeking to be formed for new or renewed lay leadership, and those discerning possible calls to either the diaconate or to priestly ministry.  

The School for Ministry is the door to a journey.  Those who pass through this door must understand that the destination is not predetermined.  Openness and possibility are the marks of this journey, for the journey belongs to God.