Such Great Heights Final Report

Christian Formation

Christian Formation is at the core of what we are called to do as part of St. Paul's mission of "proclaiming Christ in the heart of the city." Christian Formation is a lifelong process of learning about our faith and living into our baptismal covenant. We are called to provide developmentally appropriate and substantive opportunities for people to learn and grow in their relationship with Christ and one another.

Of the feedback we received in the area of Christian Formation for adults, there were some key themes. A number of comments revolved around the desire for substantive and intellectually challenging education programs. Another cluster of comments centered on the desire to see more biblically based programs.

Christian Formation is about more than educational programs. A number of people wanted to see more opportunities for small group experiences, which would bring provide a means for building stronger relationships.

Strengths

• Strong youth programs which encourage reflection and strong group relationships.
• A children's program, Workshop Rotation Model, which honors the fact that not all children learn the same ways and that is developmentally appropriate.
• Lenten lunch program as Christian formation for members of St. Paul's as well as the wider community.

Challenges

• Budget constraints. There seems to be a strong desire for speakers with name recognition at weekly forums.
• Volunteers to sustain the variety of course offerings that members of St. Paul's would like to see.

Goals

• The development of small group opportunities, which would be offered at varying times and locations.
• Reevaluation of adult education program goals and establishing priorities.
• Examine ways to provide formation experiences for those who currently attend St. Paul's on Sunday and those who work downtown and see St. Paul's as their weekday church.