Adult Faith Formation Innovation Lab · Vibrant Faith - Adult Faith Formation Innovation Lab 4 Motivation: Why Adults Participate in Learning Drawing on decades of scientific research

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 1

AdultFaithFormationInnovationLabPresenter:JohnRoberto,VibrantFaithLeadershipTeam

Email:jroberto@lifelongfaith.comVibrantFaith.orgLifelongFaith.comSeasonsofAdultFaith.com

Program1. AdultLearningToday2. AdultFaithFormationToday3. Developing21stCenturyAdultFaithFormation

è Personalizingadultfaithformation:Pathwaysofdiscipleshipandfaithgrowthè Programmingadultfaithformation:PlaylistsofcontentandexperiencesforPathwaysè Curatingadultfaithformationè Designingdigitalplatformsforadultfaithformation

ResourcesHandouts/Resources/PowerPointPresentations:https://www.lifelongfaith.com/adult-faith-

formation.htmlRoberto,John.ReimaginingFaithFormationforthe21stCentury.Naugatuck:LifelongFaith

Associates,2015.(availableatwww.LifelongFaith.com)Roberto,John,editor.TheSeasonsofAdultFaithFormation.Naugatuck:LifelongFaithAssociates,

2015.(availableatwww.LifelongFaith.com)LifelongFaithJournal:Fall2015&Winter2016SpecialIssuesonAdultFaithFormation.Availablefor

freeat:http://www.lifelongfaith.com/journal.html.SeasonsofAdultFaithFormationwebsite:www.SeasonsofAdultFaith.com.

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 2

1.AdultLearningToday

LifelongLearners(PewResearch)MostAmericansfeeltheyarelifelonglearners,whetherthatmeansgatheringknowledgefor“doityourself”projects,readinguponapersonalinterestorimprovingtheirjobskills.Forthemostpart,theselearningactivitiesoccurintraditionalplaces–athome,work,conferencesorcommunityinstitutionssuchasgovernmentagenciesorlibraries.Theinternetisalsoanimportanttoolformanyadultsintheprocessoflifelonglearning.AnewPewResearchCentersurveyshowstheextenttowhichAmericaisanationofongoinglearners:

• 73%ofadultsconsiderthemselveslifelonglearners.• 74%ofadultsarewhatwecallpersonallearners–thatis,theyhaveparticipatedinatleastoneofa

numberofpossibleactivitiesinthepast12monthstoadvancetheirknowledgeaboutsomethingthatpersonallyintereststhem.Theseactivitiesincludereading,takingcoursesorattendingmeetingsoreventstiedtolearningmoreabouttheirpersonalinterests.

• 63%ofthosewhoareworking(or36%ofalladults)arewhatwecallprofessionallearners–thatis,theyhavetakenacourseorgottenadditionaltraininginthepast12monthstoimprovetheirjobskillsorexpertiseconnectedtocareeradvancement.

Theselearningactivitiestakeplaceinavarietyoflocations.Theinternetisoftenlinkedtoavarietyoflearningpursuits.However,itisstillthecasethatmorelearnerspursueknowledgeinphysicalsettingsthanchoosetoseekitonline.

• Byan81%to52%margin,personallearnersaremorelikelytocitealocalesuchasahighschool,placeofworshiporlibraryasthesiteatwhichpersonallearningtakesplacethantheyaretocitetheinternet.

• Byasimilarmargin(75%to55%),professionallearnersaremorelikelytosaytheirprofessionaltrainingtookplaceatawork-relatedvenuethanontheinternet.

Peopleciteseveralreasonsfortheirinterestinadditionallearning.Thosewhopursuedlearningforpersonalorprofessionalreasonsinthepast12monthssaythereareanumberofreasonstheytooktheplunge.Personallearnerssaytheysoughttostrengthentheirknowledgeandskillsforamixtureofindividualandaltruisticreasons:

• 80%ofpersonallearnerssaytheypursuedknowledgeinanareaofpersonalinterestbecausetheywantedtolearnsomethingthatwouldhelpthemmaketheirlifemoreinterestingandfull.

• 64%saytheywantedtolearnsomethingthatwouldallowthemtohelpothersmoreeffectively.• 60%saytheyhadsomeextratimeontheirhandstopursuetheirinterests.• 36%saytheywantedtoturnahobbyintosomethingthatgeneratesincome.• 33%saytheywantedtolearnthingsthatwouldhelpthemkeepupwiththeschoolworkoftheirchildren,

grandchildrenorotherkidsintheirlives.

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VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 4

Motivation:WhyAdultsParticipateinLearningDrawingondecadesofscientificresearchonhumanmotivation,DanielPinkinhisbookDrive:TheSurprisingTruthaboutWhatMotivatesUsexposesthemismatchbetweenwhatresearchshowsandhowwemotivatepeople.Whilecarrotsandsticks(policiesandrequirements)workedsomewhatsuccessfullyinthetwentieth-century,assembly-linemodel,that’spreciselythewrongwaytomotivatepeopletoday.Hedescribesthreetypesofmotivation:Motivation1.0presumedthathumanswerebiologicalcreatures,strugglingforsurvival.Motivation2.0presumedthathumansrespondedtorewardandpunishmentsintheirenvironment.Motivation3.0presumesthathumanshaveathirddrive—tolearn,tocreate,andtobettertheworld.Motivation3.0hasthreeessentialelements.

• Autonomy:thedesiretodirectourownliveswithautonomyovertask(whattheydo),time(whentheydoit),team(whotheydoitwith),andtechnique(howtheydoit).

• Mastery:theurgetogetbetterandbetteratsomethingthatmatters—tobeengageddeliberatepracticetoproducemastery.

• Purpose:theyearningtodowhatwedointheserviceofsomethinglargerthanourselves,toseekpurpose—acausegreaterandmoreenduringthanourselves.

DanielPinkwrites,“Thesecrettohighperformanceandsatisfaction—atwork,atschool,andathome—isthedeeplyhumanneedtodirectourownlives,tolearnandcreatenewthings,andtodobetterbyourselvesandourworld”(145).Thekeymotivationinadultlearningisthatadultsaremotivatedtolearnandgrowastheyexperienceneedsandintereststhatadultlearningactivitieswillsatisfy.Adultsaremotivated....

• whenfacinglifetransitions.Theyseeklearningandsupporttocopewithchangesintheirlivesthatgiverisetonewdevelopmentaltasks,e.g.,raisingchildren,agingparents,financialmatters,jobchanges,divorce,etc.

• whenthereisagapbetweentheirpresentlevelofunderstanding,skill,performanceand/orgrowthandthedesiredlevelorgoalthattheysetforthemselvesorthattheirorganizationorcommunityexpectsofthem

• byappealingtopersonalandspiritualgrowthand/orpersonalbenefits.• whentheyidentifytheyhaveaneedtolearn• whenthebenefitsofalearningexperienceoutweightheirresistance• whenprogramsareenjoyableandenriching• whentheyhavetheopportunitytodosomethingtheycouldnotdobefore• bysettingsthathaveanatural,interactive,communalfeel• whenprogramsaresensitivetotheirtimeconstraintsbykeepingcommitmentsshortintermsofduration

andofferingchoicesoftimesforparticipationStudiesofmotivationshowthatadultsbringdiverseattitudesandexpectationstotheirlearningexperiences.Wecanidentifyatleastfourdifferentorientationsforlearning:

• agoal-orientationinwhichlearningisseenasleadingtoachangeinworkorpersonalstatus• anactivity-orientationinwhichparticipants’socialinteractionsareespeciallyvalued,• alearning-orientationinwhichaloveoflearningunderliesthelearner’sengagementandparticipation,• aspiritual-orientationinwhichlearnersseeknewmeaningandperceiveeducationasthestartingpoint

forthinkinginnewways.(SchusterandGrant)

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Characteristicsof21stCenturyAdultLearning1. MobileLearning–accessingdigitalcontentonmobiledevices,availableanywhere,anytime,24x72. Content&Technology–deliveringcontentusingthelatestdigitaltechnologies3. MicroLearning–designinglearningintosmallbitsofcontentandexperiences4. Video–usingshort,engagingvideos(nowthemostpopularmethod),andifnotvideos,makeitvisuallyrich5. PersonalizedLearning–tailoringlearningtoeachadult’sinterests,needs,waystolearn,etc.6. LearnerCenteredSpaces–creatingspacesmorelikeStarbucksthanaclassroom7. LearnbyDoing–applyingnewknowledgeandskillsbypracticinginasrealisticasettingaspossible.8. LearningisSocial–learningfromeachother:interact,discussandexchangeinformation9. Storytelling–tellrelevantstories,presentcasestudiesandshowexamples10. LearningStyles–incorporatingadiversityoflearningactivities/methodsinalearningexperience:1)hands-

on,concreteexperiences,2)reflectiveobservation,3)explorationandanalysis,4)activeexperimentation11. MultipleIntelligences–integratingtheeightmultipleintelligencesintolearningexperiencestherebyprovide

agreatervarietyofwaysforpeopletolearn12. Multisensory:utilizingallofthesensesinalearningexperiencewherepeoplecantaste,smell,touch,and

hearthingsrelatedtothetopicofthesession13. SmallGroupParticipation–incorporatingsmallgroupparticipationsothatpeoplecandiscussandreflect

togetherontheirlearning,exploreandquestion,andenvisionwaystopracticewhattheyarelearning14. Practice&Application–practicingandperformingwhatpeoplearelearningbyincorporatingreal-life

applicationactivitiesinthelearningexperience

2.AdultsToday

TheLifeTasksoftheSeasonsofAdulthood(FromTheSeasonsofAdultFaithFormation,editedbyJohnRoberto,LifelongFaithAssociates,2015.)

KeyCharacteristicsofYoungAdultsü Exploringtheiridentity:tryingoutvariouspossibilities,especiallyinloveandwork,developingan

individualsenseofautonomy,andstabilizingaself-conceptandbodyimageü “Tinkering”—puttingtogetheralifefromtheskills,ideas,andresourcesthatarereadilyathandü Developingandmaintainingintimaterelationshipswithtrust,love,andcaringü Transitioningfromtheirfamilyoforigintowardestablishingindependenceinlivingarrangement,

finances,career,andotheraspectsoftheirlivesü Differentiatingselfwithoutrepudiatingorreplacingtheirfamilyoforigin—sortingoutemotionallywhat

theytakefromtheirfamilyoforigin,whattheyleavebehind,andwhattheywillcreateforthemselvesü Developingacareerandoccupationalidentityandworkingtoestablishawork-lifebalance.ü Adjustingtotheexpectationsandresponsibilitiesofthe“adult”worldü Committingtoamaritalpartner,definingandlearningtherolesofmarriedlifeü Startingfamiliesandhavingchildren;establishinganewfamilywithitsownrules,roles,responsibilities,

values,andtraditions,anddevelopingparentingrolesandskillsü Engaginginareligious-theologicalreevaluationand,sometimes,reinvention

KeyCharacteristicsofMidlifeAdultsü Exploringhowtheselfisadjustedinthecontextofcommittedfamily,work,andcivicrelationshipsandto

therolesofparents,colleagues,leaders,teammembers,andmore.ü Anchoringthemselvesinaparticularwayoflifefilledwithcommitmentsandrelationships

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ü Maintainingintimaterelationshipswithothermidlifeadultswhiledevelopingthecapacityfornewkindsofrelationshipswiththoseyoungerandolderthanthemselves.

ü Caringandguidingthenextgenerationandoftencaringfortheoldergenerationü Buildingextensivepersonalnetworksforthemselvesandtheirfamilies—traditionalnetworksaroundtheir

families,coworkers,churches,andotherorganizations,supplementedbydigitalsocialnetworksthatallowmorefrequentconversations

ü Evaluatingtheirlivesatitsmidpointandoftengrowingbeyondthepressuresofthepresentmomenttowardanappreciationofthedeepermeaningssymbolizedinreligioustradition.

ü Reflectingon“Whatarewespendingandbeingspentfor?Whatcommandsandreceivesourbesttimeandenergy?Whatcauses,dreams,goals,orinstitutionsarepouringoutourlifefor?Towhatorwhomarewecommittedinlifeandindeath?Whatareourmostsacredhopes,ourmostcompellinggoals,andpurposesinlife?”

ü Engaginginfamilylifeandparentingchildren,adolescents,and,often,youngadults:workingtoallowfortheincreasingindependenceofadolescentswhilemaintainingenoughstructuretofostercontinuedfamilydevelopment;adjustingpatternsoffamilycommunication,traditions,andcelebrationsforadolescentandyoungadultchildren;adaptingtoanempty-nesthouseholdandredefiningthemarriagerelationshipandrolesnowthatchildrenarenolongerathomefull-time

ü Seekingareligionthatemphasizespersonalidentity,religiousexperience,andaquestforreligiousidentityincommunity;seekinganauthenticreligiousexperiencethatacknowledgestheambiguities,trials,andsuccessesoflife

KeyCharacteristicsofMatureAdultsü Addressingthechallengeofgenerativity(oritsfailure,stagnation)—establishingandguidingthenext

generation,strivingtocreateornurturethingsthatwilloutlastthemthroughcaringforothers,andcreatingandaccomplishingthingsthatmaketheworldabetterplace

ü Addressingthechallengeofintegrity—reflectingonthelifetheyhavelivedandcomingawaywitheitherasenseoffulfillmentfromalifewelllivedorasenseofregretanddespair

ü Experiencingphysicalchangesanddecline,comingtotermswiththecognitivechangesrelatedtoachangedperspectiveontimeandapersonal,existentialawarenessofdeath;seekingtostayphysicallyandmentallyfit

ü Thinkingabout,planningfor,anddisengagingfromtheirprimarycareeroccupations,launchingsecondorthirdcareers,anddevelopingnewidentitiesandnewwaystobeproductivelyengaged

ü Retiringfromfull-timeworkandplanningforsufficientincomethatwilllastintotheirlateradultyearsü Blending(part-time)work,volunteeringandcivicengagement,pursuitofnewinterests,travel,andtheir

roleasgrandparentintoanewlifestyleforthematureadultyearsü Havingadequatehealthcareintolaterlifeandprovidingfortheirownoraspouse/partner’slong-term

careneedsü Establishingnewpatternsofrelatingtospouses,children,siblings,parents,andfriends;andleavingsome

existingrelationshipsandbeginningnewonesü Experiencingchangesinthemaritalrelationshipnowthatparentingresponsibilitiesareminimal,

developingadult-to-adultrelationshipsbetweengrownchildrenandtheirparents,becominggrandparents,realigningrelationshipstoincludein-lawsandgrandchildren,andcaringfortheoldergenerationanddealingwithdisabilitiesanddeath.

ü Movingtotheverycoreoftheirfaithtradition,whileappreciatingotherreligioustraditions;seekingaself-reflectivequestforindividualwholeness,asearchfordepthandmeaning,aswellasguidanceforlivingone’slife;recognizingthatspiritualitymustbecultivatedthroughsustainedpractice

ü Seekingtobeinservicetoothersthatismissiondrivenandcanmakeadifference;doingthingsthatgivetheirlivespurpose,meaning,andfulfillment

ü Seekingspiritualgrowthinatimeofsignificantlifetransitionsandinatimewhentheyaresearchingformeaningandpurposeinlifeastheyenterthesecondhalfoflifeandevaluatingthethingsthatreallyprovidelastingfulfillment;connectingwithotherstotalkaboutspiritualandlifeissues

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ü Seekingintergenerationalrelationshipstosharetheirlives,stories,andfaithacrossgenerations,andtobeunitedwiththewholefaithcommunity

KeyCharacteristicsofOlderAdults

ü Remainingvitalandactivelyengagedinthelivesoftheircommunity,church,socialnetwork,andfamilywellintotheir80sand90s

ü Experiencingchangesintheirbodyandadeclineinmentalandphysicalability,suchasalossofhearingorvisionordexterity

ü Continuingtolearnandprocessnewinformation,andmanylivewellintotheir90swithmemoryandlogicintact

ü Addressingthechallengeofintegrity—reflectingonthelifetheyhavelivedandcomingawaywitheitherasenseoffulfillmentfromalifewelllivedorasenseofregretanddespair.Theyarecultivatingwisdominwhichone’sperspectiveontheworldandhumanrelationshipsreflectaninnersenseofliberationfromtherules,roles,andritualsofthepast

ü Takingonnewrolesasseniorcitizensandadjustingtotheroleofmentorandsageintheirextendedfamily

ü Experiencinglossesoffriendsandlovedones:deathofaspouse,familymembers,andclosefriendsü Facingthegrowingandcontinuouschallengeofmaintainingtheirindependenceanddesiringtostayin

theirownhomes(“aginginplace”)orcomingtoacceptbeingcaredforbytheirfamilyandmovingfromtheirownhomeintootherlivingarrangements(withtheirchildrenorinseniorlivingorassistedlivingsituations)

ü Becomingreconciledtotheirimpendingdeathandacceptingtheirpersonalmortality;dealingwithquestionscomingfromthenearnessofdeath:Whatislifeabout?Howdowewanttodie?

ü Growingintoadeeper,morepersonalfaiththatisclearlytheirownanddesirewaystocontinuallyenrichtheirfaithlife

ü Beingengagedinthelifeoffaithcommunitieswithamoretraditionalworshipexperienceü ValuingtheBibleandtheChristiantraditionanddesiringtocontinuetheirlearningasChristians

Spiritual-ReligiousIdentitiesofAdultsVibrantFaithandEngagedintheCongregationAreligiousfaithiscentraltothelivesoftheengaged.ThesearewhoareactivelyengagedinaChristianchurch,arespirituallycommitted,andgrowingintheirfaith.Theseareparentswhoaretransmittingthisfaithtotheirchildrenandareactivelyengagedasafamilyinachurchcommunity.Thesearechildren,adolescents,adults,andparents/grandparentswhoarespirituallycommittedandgrowingintheirfaith.TheyhavefoundtheirspiritualhomewithinanestablishedChristiantraditionandalocalfaithcommunitythatprovideswaysforthemtogrowinfaith,worshipGod,andlivetheirfaithintheworld.Theyarepracticingtheirfaithathomeandindailylife.ModerateFaithPracticeandOccasionallyEngagedintheCongregationTheseareadultsandfamilies(children,adolescents,parents/grandparents)whoparticipateoccasionallyinchurchlife—inseasonalcelebrations,sacramentsandmilestones,majorevents,andage-groupprograms.Forparentstransmittingareligiousfaithprimarilymeansbringingtheirchildrentoeducationalprogramsatchurch.Somemayevenattendworshipregularlyandsendtheirchildrentoreligiouseducationclasses.Theirspiritualcommitmentislowandtheirconnectiontothechurchismoresocialandutilitarianthanspiritual.Whilereceptivetoanestablishedchurch,theydonothaveafaithcommitmentthatwouldmaketheirrelationshipwithGodandparticipationinafaithcommunityapriorityintheirlives.Theiroccasionalengagementinchurchlifedoesnotleadthemtowardspiritualcommitment.

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Spiritual,butNotReligiousTheseareadultswhoarespirituallyengaged(relationshipwithGod,meaningfulspirituallife),butinvolvedinorganizedreligionandanestablishedChristiantradition.SomemayjoinanondenominationalChristianchurchfocusedontheirspiritualneeds,whileothersmayfindanoutletfortheirspiritualhungerinsmallcommunitiesoflike-mindedspiritualseekers,inlocalorglobalactsofservice,orinonlinespiritualresourcesandcommunities.TheSpiritualbutNotReligiousreflectagrowingminorityoftheAmericanpopulation,especiallyamongyoungadults.UnaffiliatedFortheunaffiliatedreligionisnotpersonallyimportantintheirlives(andtheirfamily’slife).TheyarenotaffiliatedwithorganizedreligionandestablishedChristianchurches.TheUnaffiliatedrejectallformsoforganizedreligionandreflectasteadilyincreasingpercentageoftheAmericanpopulation,especiallyamongyoungadults.Manyadults(MillennialsandGenX)leftorganizedreligionbecausetheystoppedbelievinginthereligion’steachings(topreason)ortheirfamilywasneverthatreligiouswhentheyweregrowinguportheirexperienceofnegativereligiousteachingaboutortreatmentofgayandlesbianpeople(PRRIresearch,2016).Manyparentsare“firstgenerationNones”andarenowraisingtheirchildreninreligiouslyuninvolvedandunaffiliatedhomescreatinga“secondgenerationofNones.”

3.AdultFaithFormationToday

Features1. Adultfaithformationaddressesthediverselifetasksandsituations,needsandinterests,andspiritualand

faithjourneysofadultsinthefourseasonsofadulthood—youngadults(20s-30s),midlifeadults(40s-50s),matureadults(mid50s-mid70s),andolderadults(75+).

• YoungAdultLifeStage(20s-30s)&MillennialGeneration(born1980-99)• MidlifeAdultLifeStage(40s-50s)&GenerationX(born1961-1979)• MatureAdultLifeStage(late50s–mid70s)&theBabyBoomGeneration(1946-60)• OlderAdultLifeStage(75+)&theBuilderGeneration(before1946)

2. Adultfaithformationaddressesthediversereligious-spiritualidentitiesamongadultstoday.Thereisa

spectrumofreligious-spiritualidentities(andcorrespondingneeds):thosewhoarereligiously/spirituallycommittedandengagedinthefaithcommunity;thosewhoarewhoarelessreligiouslycommittedandparticipateoccasionallyinthefaithcommunity;thosewhohaveleftestablishedchurchesandreligion,butarestillspiritualandspirituallycommitted;andthosewhounaffiliated,uninvolved,andclaimnoreligiousidentity.

3. Adultfaithformationisperson-centered,notcontent-orprogram-centered.Thecontent,experiences,

programs,methods,anddeliverysystemsneedtobedesignedaroundthelivesoftheadults.Whilethismaysoundself-evident,itisnot.Toomuchofadultfaithformationisdevelopedfromaprovider-centered,program-drivenmodelwheredenominations,publishers,andchurchesdetermineanddeliverthecontentandprogramming.

Thedaysofthe“onesizefitsall”mentalityareover.WecannolongerfocusonhowtogeteveryadulttoparticipateinasmallfaithsharinggrouportocometotheLentenseriesortostudytheBible.Adultfaithformationisnolongeraboutfindingtheprogramtoattractalladults.Itisaboutaddressingthediversityof

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adultlearningneedswithavarietyoffaithformationcontent,experiences,activities,programs,andresources.

4. Adultfaithformationprogrammingistargetedandtailoredtothelivesofadults—ateachstageoflifeandin

eachgeneration.Adultfaithformationprovidesavarietyofcontent,methods,formats,anddeliverysystemstoaddressthediverselifetasksandsituations,needsandinterests,andspiritualandfaithjourneysofadultsinfourstagesofadulthood—youngadults(20s-30s),midlifeadults(40s-50s),matureadults(mid50s-mid70s),andolderadults(75+).

• Adultfaithformationprovidesavarietyofexperiences,programs,activities,resources,andsocial

connectionsthatareavailableanytimeandanywhere,inphysicalplacesandonlinespaces• Adultfaithformationincorporatessevenlearningenvironments—self-directed,mentored,athome,

insmallgroups,inlargegroups,church-wide,inthecommunity,andintheworld—inonlinespacesandphysicalplaces,toprovideavarietyofwaysforpeopletolearnandgrowinfaiththatrespectstheirpreferredstylesoflearning,theirlifesituations,andtheirtimeconstraints.

• Adultfaithformationprovidesavarietyofwaysforpeopletolearnandgrowinfaiththatrespectstheirpreferredstylesoflearning,theirlifesituations,andtheirtimeconstraints.

5. Adultfaithformationrecognizesthatlearningandgrowthisaprocessofactiveinquirywithinitiativeresiding

intheadultlearnerandthatadultsaremotivatedtolearnastheyexperienceneedsandintereststhatadultlearningactivitieswillsatisfy.

6. Adultfaithformationprovidestheopportunityforpersonalizedandcustomizedlearningandfaithgrowth,

givingadultsanactiveroleinshapingtheirownlearningandmovingalongtheirownpersonaltrajectoriesoffaithgrowth.Personalizingfaithformationistailoringlearningaroundeachadult’sstrengths,needsandinterests—includingenablingchoiceinwhat,how,whenandwherepeoplelearn(growinfaithanddiscipleship).

7. Adultfaithformationisdigitally-enabled—blendinggatheredcommunitysettingswithonlinelearning

environmentsandutilizingtheabundanceofdigitalmediaandtoolsforlearningandfaithformation;anddigitally-connected—linkingintergenerationalfaithcommunityexperiences,adultpeerexperiencesandprograms,anddaily/homelifeusingonlineanddigitalmedia.Thedigitalworldhasgiveustechnologiesandresourcesthatallowustobuildfaithformationaroundindividualsandgroupswithaparticularspiritualorreligiousneed,interest,passion,concern,orlifeissue.Wenolongerhavetoworryaboutreachinga“massaudience.”

DigitalFaithFormationStrategies• GatheredusingOnlineContent:Agatheredeventorprogramthatusesonlinecontentaspartofthe

designoftheeventorprogram• GatheredwithOnlineContent:Agatheredeventorprogramthatprovidesonlinecontentand

activitiestoextendandexpandthelearningfromthegatheredprogram• OnlineandGatheredContent:Onlinelearningfocusedonpresentingthecontentoftheprogram

combinedwithface-to-face,gatheredsessionsusingactivelearningmethodstodiscuss,practiceandapplythecontent.

• MostlyOnlineContent:Amostlyonlineprogramwithopportunitiesforregularinteractioninface-to-face,gatheredsettings

• FullyOnlineContent:Anonlineprogramwithalllearningdoneonlineandlimitedface-to-faceexperiences

8. Adultfaithformationintentionallynurturescommunitiesoflearningandpracticearoundtheshared

interests,needs,lifestages,andactivities.

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9. Adultfaithformationisdesignedasanetworkofrelationships,content,experiences,andresources—inphysicalplacesandonlinespaces—thatcanofferadults“playlists”ofengagingandinteractivecontentandexperiencestailoredtotheirneedsandinterests—allofferedonadigitalplatformthatmakesiteasyforadultstofindandfollowpathwaysforgrowthinfaith.

10. Adultfaithformationisincreasinglycurated.Inordertoexpandfaithformationofferings,leaderswillneedto

becomeskilledatcuratingcontent,experiences,programs,activities,andresourcesfromavarietyofsources—especiallyonlineanddigitalmedia—andmatchingcontentwithadultneeds.Wearemovingfromanemphasisondevelopingreligiouscontent,designingandmanagingprogramming,andteaching/facilitatinglearningtodesigningfaithformingenvironments,designingdigitalplatformsforfaithformingcontent,andcuratingreligiouscontentandexperiences.

AddressingAdultLearningPreferencesIncuratingandcreatingadultfaithformationtakeintoconsiderationthedistinctwayseachgenerationofadultslikestolearn.Oneexampleofthedifferenceamongthegenerationsisthelengthofalearningprogramoractivity.Traininginthecorporateworldisemphasizingmicrolearningandepisodiclearning—smallerunitsoflearningthatcanbecombinedintoextendedlearningprograms.Forexampleamicrolearningunitcouldbe5,10,or15minutesinlength.Thisstyleappealsmoretotheyoungergenerationsthanoldergenerations.(JustthinkofhowthetypicalYouTubevideois3-5minutesinlengthtoday,buttenyearsagowastypically10-15minutesorlonger.)Ingeneral,wecansaythateachgenerationhasthefollowingpreferences(whichdoesnotmeantheywon’tlearninotherways).

Builders• lectureandexpertpresentations• activitiesthattakeintoaccounttheirage-relatedabilitiestohear,see,andmove• connecttheirexperiencetothetopic• structureandpredictability(nosurprises);low-risklearningenvironment• independentskillpracticetime• stilllikeprintedresourcesandbooksforstudyBoomers• groupinteractionsanddiscussions• storytelling• chancestotrynewskillsindependently• stable,risk-freeenvironmentbutwanttointeractwithothers• experiential,practical,andfunactivitiesthatallowforteamexercises• usetechnologyasmeansforlearning• blendofpeoplewhopreferprintedbooksandthosewholearnonline GenXers• learnbydoing• experientialwithlotsofdirectexperienceactivities• shorter,episodiclearningexperiences• visuallearning(images,videos)• practicalandrelevant(WhatwillIdowiththislearning?)• discretiontocompletetaskstheirownway• preferindependentself-directedlearning,includingindividualprojects• usetechnologywherepossible,includingonlinelearning,video,etc.• willturntodigitalresourcesovertheprintedresources

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Millennials• microlearningandepisodiclearningexperiences• lotsofactivity-basedgroupwork• fast-moving,interactiveactivities• visuallearning(images,videos)• technologyenabledlearningusingtheirowndevicesforlearning• collaborativelearningenvironmentswithpeerinteraction• entertainmentandlearningatthesametime

3.Developing21stCenturyAdultFaithFormation

KeyFeatures1. Addresslifetasksoftheseasonsofadulthood2. Addressthediversereligious-spiritualidentitiesofadultstoday3. Becomingperson-centered4. Targetandtailorprogramming,providevarietyofcontentandprogramming5. Buildonmotivationofadults6. Personalizeandcustomizefaithformation7. Usedigitallyenabledandconnectedmethodsandstrategies8. Nurturecommunitiesoflearningandpractice9. Designadultfaithformationasanetworkofrelationships,content,experiences,andresources10. Curatecontent,experiences,resources,andevents

Part1.DevelopingaPathwaysModelforDiscipleshipandFaithGrowthPersonalizedlearningistailoringlearning(faithformation)aroundeachadult’sstrengths,needsandinterests—includingenablingchoiceinwhat,how,whenandwherepeoplelearn(growinfaithanddiscipleship).APathwayisaprocessforhelpingpeoplediscernwheretheyareintheirfaithjourneyandtochartapathforfaithgrowth—togetfromwheretheyaretoacloserrelationshipwithJesusandadeeperpracticeoftheChristianfaith..Peopleshouldbeabletoclearlyunderstandwheretheyareintheirfaithjourneyandtheirnextstepsinfaithgrowth.Theydon’thavetodoeverything,theyjustneedtodotheonenextthing..APathwayislife-centered,reachingintoeveryareaofaperson’slife:relationships,familylife,lifetransitions,marriage,parenting,financialstewardship,spiritualformation,professionalandworklife,servicetoothers,andmore.APathwayisholisticincorporatingthewholeperson:head,heart,andhands.

• Awayofthehead(inform)demandsadiscipleshipoffaithseekingunderstandingandbeliefwithpersonalconviction,sustainedbystudy,reflecting,discerninganddeciding,alltowardspiritualwisdomforlife.Thisrequiresthatweeducatepeopletoknow,understand,andembracewithpersonalconvictionChristianity’scorebeliefandvalues.

• Awayoftheheart(form)demandsadiscipleshipofrightrelationshipsandrightdesires,communitybuilding,hospitalityandinclusion,trustinGod’slove,andprayerandworship.Thisrequiresthatwefostergrowthinpeople’sidentitythroughformationandtheintentionalsocializationofChristianfamilyandcommunity.

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• Awayofthehands(transform)demandsadiscipleshipoflove,justice,peace-making,simplicity,integrity,healing,andrepentance.Thisrequiresthatwefosterinpeopleanopennesstoalifelongjourneyofconversiontowardholinessandfullnessoflifeforthemselvesandforthelifeoftheworld.(SeeWillThereBeFaith:ANewVisionforEducatingandGrowingDisciples.ThomasGroome,HarperOne,2011,pages111-119).

APathwayfocusesonfaithmaturing.ThegoalofaPathwayistodevelopdisciplesandpromotefaithgrowth.APathwayiscreatedaroundthechurch’svisionofdiscipleshipandmaturefaith—identifyingcharacteristicsoffaithmaturingthatcanbeusedforpeopletodiscerntheirfaithjourneyandchartapathforgrowth.

DesigningaPathwaysModelforDiscipleship&FaithGrowth1. Identifyatargetaudience(s):youngadults,midlifeadults,matureadults,olderadults.2. Describethelifestageandreligious-spiritualcharacteristicsofyourtargetaudience.3. IdentifyhowyouwillusethePathwaysmodel,forexample:

• Sacraments/milestones:Marriage,Baptism,FirstEucharist,Confirmation• RCIA,evangelization,andnewmemberprocesses• Gatheredadultfaithformationprogramming• Affinitygroups• On-rampswherepeopleinyourchurchmightstartthediscipleshipjourney

4. DevelopthecontentforthePathways• Lifeandfaithcharacteristicsofthetargetaudience• Characteristicsofmaturefaith

5. Developa‘discernmentcontinuum”thatgivespeopleawaytoreflectontheircurrentgrowth,e.g.,• Inquiring---GettingStarted---MakingProgress---GoingDeeper• Howtrueiseachstatementforyou:1=nottruefromme,3=somewhattrueforme,5=verytrueforme

CharacteristicsofMatureAdultFaithandDiscipleship(OurHeartsWereBurningWithinUs,1999)Thedefinitiveaimofcatechesisistoputpeoplenotonlyintouch,butalsoincommunionandintimacy,withJesusChrist.Startingwiththe"initial”conversionofapersontotheLord,movedbytheHolySpiritthroughtheprimaryproclamationoftheGospel,catechesisseekstosolidifyandmaturethisfirstadherence.Itproposestohelpthosewhohavejustconverted"toknowbetterthisJesustowhomhehasentrustedhimself:toknowhis'mystery',thekingdomofGodproclaimedbyhim,therequirementsandcommentscontainedinhisGospelmessage,andthepathsthathehaslaiddownforanyonewhowishestofollowhim.”(GeneralDirectoryforCatechesis,80)ThislifeofintimateunionwithChristintheChurchismaintainedbythespiritualhelpscommontoallthefaithful:,

• activeparticipationintheliturgy• frequentreadingofthewordofGod,sacredwritingsofourtradition,andtheofficialdocumentsofthe

Church• involvementinthecommunitylifeandmissionoftheChurch• personalprayer• participationintheworksofjusticeandservicetothepoor• thefulfillmentofourhumanobligationsinfamilyandsocietythroughtheactivepracticeofloveforGod

andneighbor(51)AstheGeneralDirectoryforCatechesisstates:"ThematurationoftheChristianliferequiresthatitbecultivatedinallitsdimensions:knowledgeofthefaith,liturgicallife,moralformation,prayer,belongingtocommunity,

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 13

missionaryspirit.Whencatechesisomitsoneoftheseelements,theChristianfaithdoesnotattainfulldevelopment.”(89)Theongoingdevelopmentofaliving,explicit,andfruitfulChristianfaithinadulthoodrequiresgrowthinallsixdimensions.EachofthemisafundamentalaspectofChristianlifeandafoundationalcontentareaforadultfaithformation.Theexplorationofthesixdimensionsthatfollowarepresentedascontentsummariestoindicatewhatadultfaithformationprogramsandopportunitiesseektoaccomplish.(90)

KnowledgeoftheFaith(91)• ExploretheScripturessothatadultsmaybehearersanddoersoftheword.• BecomefamiliarwiththegreatteachingsofChristianity(itscreedsanddoctrines)• StudytheChurch'steachingonthedignityofthehumanpersoninitssocialdoctrine,includingitsrespect-

lifeteaching.• LearntherichnessoftheChurch'stradition,explorethetheologicalandculturalheritageinwhichfaithis

expressed,andgainperspectiveoncontemporaryeventsandtrendsthroughanunderstandingofchurchhistory.

LiturgicalLife(92)• Understand,live,andbearwitnesstothepaschalmystery,celebratedandcommunicatedthrough

thesacramentallifeoftheChurch.• Acquirethespirituality,skills,andhabitsoffull,conscious,andactiveparticipationintheliturgy,

especiallytheeucharisticliturgy.• AppreciateandappropriatelyparticipateintheChurch'sdailyprayer,theLiturgyoftheHours,andlearn

topraythepsalms,"anessentialandpermanentelementoftheprayeroftheChurch."

MoralFormation(93)• StudytheTenCommandments,theBeatitudes,andthemoralcatechesisoftheapostolicteachings,and

liveinaccordwiththem.• Appreciatethedignity,destiny,freedom,andresponsibilityofthehumanperson,togetherwiththe

realityofsinandthepowerofGod'sgracetoovercomeit.• Learnhowtoacquireandfollowawell-formedconscienceinpersonalandsociallife,clarifying

currentreligiousandmoralquestionsinthelightoffaith,andcultivatingaChristiandiscernmentoftheethicalimplicationsofdevelopmentsinthesocio-culturalorder.

• Livealifestylereflectingscripturalvaluesofholiness,simplicity,andcompassion.Prayer(94)• BecomefamiliarwiththediverseformsandexpressionsofChristianprayer.• ExperienceandappreciatetherichnessoftheCatholicascetical-mysticaltraditionasithastakenform

acrossthecenturiesindiversehistoricalandculturalsettings.• Developaregularpatternofpersonalprayerandspiritualreflection,recognizingvocalprayer,meditation,

andcontemplativeprayerasbasicandfruitfulpracticesinthelifeofadiscipleofJesus.CommunalLife(95)• PursuepersonalandspiritualgrowthinhumanandChristianmaturity.• CultivatethehumanvaluesandChristianvirtuesthatfostergrowthininterpersonalrelationshipsand

incivicresponsibility.• Shareactivelyinthelifeandworkoftheparish,.• LearntheChurch'steachingonthenatureandmissionoftheChurch,.

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 14

MissionarySpirit(96)• Cultivateanevangelizingspiritamongallthefaithfulasanintegralelementoftheirbaptismalcalling,of

theChurch'snatureandmission,andofaCatholicwayoflife.• MotivateandequipthefaithfultospeaktoothersabouttheScriptures,thetraditionandteachingsofthe

Church,andone'sownexperienceoffaith.• ExploreandpromotetheapplicationsoftheChurch'smoralandsocialteachinginpersonal,family,

professional,cultural,andsociallife.• Understandtheimportanceofservingthoseinneed,promotingthecommongood,andworkingfor

thetransformationofsocietythroughpersonalandsocialaction.

CharacteristicsofFaithMaturing(DevelopedfromresearchstudiesonfaithmaturingandtheNationalInitiativeonAdultCatechesis)1. SustainingapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChristsupportedthroughregularprayer,faithsharingandBible

reading.2. MakingtheChristianfaithawayoflifebyintegratingtheirbeliefsintotheconversation,decisions,and

actionsofdailylife.3. PossessingavitalfaithandbeingawareofGodpresentandactiveintheirownlife,thelivesofothers,andthe

lifeoftheworld.4. Seekingspiritualgrowthbyactivelypursuingquestionsoffaith,learningwhatitmeanstobelieveinGod,and

whatit’sliketobeadiscipleofJesusChrist.5. Livingalifeofservicebycaringforothers,reachingoutthoseinneed,andaddressinginjusticeintheworld.6. SharingtheGoodNewsthroughwordsandactions,throughChristianstewardshipandworkingforpeace,

justiceandhumandignity.7. Participatingfully,consciously,activelyandregularlyintheritualandworshiplifeofthefaithcommunity.8. ArticulatingthefundamentalteachingsoftheChristianfaithanddemonstratingacommitmenttolearning

andgrowinginthisfaith.9. ExercisingmoralresponsibilitybyapplyingChristianethics,virtues,principles,values,andsocialteachingto

moraldecision-making,lifesituations,andininteractionswiththelargerculture.10. PracticingfaithinJesusChrist,privatelyandpublicly,throughparticipationinthecongregation’sworship,

ministries,andleadership.11. DiscerningandusingtheirgiftstoactivelybelongtoandparticipateinthelifeandmissionoftheChristian

community.12. ExploringGod’scalltovocationthroughprayer,reflection,anddiscernment.13. Possessingapositivespiritwithlovingandhopefulattitudestowardothersandlife,convincedthattheycan

maketheworldabetterplace.Background:EightMarksofMatureFaith(SearchInstitute)• MarkofFaith#1:TrustingandBelieving• MarkofFaith#2:SeekingSpiritualGrowth• MarkofFaith#3:IntegratingFaithandLife• MarkofFaith#4:HoldingLife-AffirmingValues• MarkofFaith#5:ExperiencingtheFruitsofFaith• MarkofFaith#6:NurturingFaithinCommunity• MarkofFaith#7:AdvocatingSocialChange• MarkofFaith#8:ActingandServing

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 15

Part2.DevelopingPlaylistsofContent&ExperiencesAlearningplaylistisacuratedgroupofdigitalandlocallearningexperiencesandresources(e.g.videos,websites,books,games,articles,etc.).Aplaylistweavestogethertheselearningexperiencesintoasequencedpathwaycenteredonacommontheme.Playlistscreatearichnetworkofexperiencesforlearners.Pathway-Specific

þ Contentandexperiencesareselectedtoaddresseachpathway,forexampleresourcesforInquiring,GettingStarted,MakingProgress,GoingDeeper

Settings

þ Independent/Individualizedþ Mentoredþ Family/AtHomeþ SmallGroupþ LargeGroupþ Intergenerational/WholeChurchCommunityþ CommunityandWorld

MultipleIntelligences

þ Verbal-linguistic(word/booksmart)þ Logical-mathematical(number/logicsmart)þ Visual-spatial(art/picturesmart),þ Bodily-kinesthetic(body/movementsmart)þ Musical-rhythmic(music/soundsmart)þ Naturalist(nature/environmentsmart)þ Interpersonal(people/groupsmart),þ Intrapersonal(self/introspectionsmart)

Methods

þ Learnaloneorwithagroupþ Readþ Writeþ Engageinstorytellingandcreatestoriesþ TVshowsþ Featurefilmsþ Watchorcreateavideoþ Conversewithothersþ Createamediaprojectorvideoþ Vieworcreateartþ Viewortakephotographsþ Watchorengageindramaþ Listentoorcreateapodcastþ Listentoorcreatemusicþ Conductademonstrationþ Experiencegames,simulations,videogamesþ Analyzeorcreateacasestudyþ Developanapprenticeshiporinternshipþ Createanexhibitþ Experienceprayerandrituals

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 16

þ Takeafieldtrip(e.g.,churches,museums)þ Participateinamissiontripþ Engageinorcreateaservice/actionprojectþ Keepajournalþ Developamentorrelationshipþ Experienceeventsinthecongregation

OpportunitiesintheChurch

þ Sundayworshipþ Sacramentalcelebrationsþ Adultprogrammingþ Intergenerationalprogrammingþ Serviceandjusticeministriesþ Pastoralcareþ Churchevents

Part3.PublishingPlaylistsPublishthePlaylistsonadigitalplatformandusesocialmediaforconnection,interaction,andsharinglearningreflections.Youcanaddtheplayliststoyourexistingchurchwebsiteorcreateawebsitejustforadultfaithformationandlinkittoyourchurchwebsite.Exampleofanadultfaithformationwebsite:www.SeasonsofAdultFaith.comBuildingawebsiteismademucheasiertodaybytheavailabilityofonlinewebsitebuildersthatprovidepredesignedwebsitetemplates,drag-and-dropfeaturestocreatewebpages,andhostingforthewebsite.ThreepopularwebsitebuilderstoexploreareWeebly(www.weebly.com),Wix(www.wix.com),andSquarespace(www.squarespace.com).Allthreehaveeasytousefeaturesandveryreasonablesubscriptionfees.ForadvancedusersWordPress(http://wordpress.org)providesthousandsofpredesignedtemplates,lotsofcustomizationfeatures,andready-to-useapps.WordPressdoesrequireanunderstandingofwebdesignandsomeprogrammingability.Hereareseveralsuggestionsforwebusabilitytokeepinmindasyoudesign(fromSteveKrug’sexcellentandeasy-to-usebookDon’tMakeMeThink:ACommonSenseApproachtoWebUsability,ThirdEdition,Berkeley:NewRiders,2014).

1. Don’tmaketheuserthink—makewebpagesself-explanatorysotheuserhardlyhasanyperceivedefforttounderstandthem,orexample,clearchoiceoflabels,clearly“clickable”items,simplesearch.

2. Peoplegenerallydon’treadwebpagesclosely;theyscan,sodesignforscanningratherthanreading.3. Createaclearvisualhierarchyandmenusystem(mainmenu,submenus).4. Makeitveryclearhowtonavigatethesite,withclear“signposts”onallpages.5. Omitneedlesswords.6. Thehomepageneedsthegreatestdesigncaretoconveysiteidentityandmission.7. Promoteusergoodwillbymakingthetypicaltaskseasytodo,makeiteasytorecoverfromerrors,and

avoidanythinglikelytoirritateusers.

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 17

Worksheet:DesigningaPathwaysModelforAdults1.Identifyatargetaudience(s):youngadults,midlifeadults,matureadults,olderadults.2.Describethelifestage&religious-spiritualcharacteristicsofyourtargetaudience.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

3.IdentifyhowyouwillusethePathwaysmodel.Forexample:

ü sacraments/milestones:Marriage,Baptism,FirstEucharist,Confirmationü RCIA,evangelization,andnewmemberprocessesü gatheredadultfaithformationprogrammingü affinitygroupsü on-rampswherepeopleinyourchurchmightstartthediscipleshipjourney

4.DevelopthecontentofthePathwaysmodel.Forexample:

ü Lifeandfaithcharacteristicsofthetargetaudience,ü Characteristicsofmaturefaith,etc.

5.Developa‘discernmentcontinuum”thatgivespeopleawaytoreflectontheircurrentgrowth.Forexample:

ü Inquiring---GettingStarted---MakingProgress---GoingDeeperü Howtrueiseachstatementforyou:1=nottruefromme,3=somewhattrueforme,

5=verytrueforme

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 18

Example:AdultFaithGrowthPathwayModel

WebelievethatgrowthinourrelationshipwithGodandinfollowingJesus(discipleship)isalifelongprocess.WeareconstantlytryingtogrowdeeperinourrelationshipwithGodandinlivingtheChristianwayoflifeeachday.Ourchurchiscommittedtohelpingyougrowwhereveryoumaybeinyourfaithjourney.WearecommittedtohelpingyoulivetheChristianwayoflifeeveryday.Tohelpyoudiscoverareasforgrowthandtohelpusserveyoubetter,pleasetakeafewminutestocompletetheAdultFaithGrowthPathway.Itwillhelpyouidentifystrengthsandareasofgrowthinyourownlife.Usethesestatementstoassesswhereyouarehonestlyandprayerfully.Rate“Howtrueeachstatementisforyou”usingtheratingscale:1=nottruefromme,3=somewhattrueforme,and5=verytrueforme.1. IamgrowinginapersonalrelationshipwithJesusChrist. 123452. MyfaithshapeshowIthinkandacteachandeveryday. 123453. ImaketheChristianfaithawayoflifebyintegratingmybeliefsintotheconversation,

decisions,andactionsofdailylife.12345

4. IamawareofGodpresentandactiveinmyownlife,thelivesofothers,andthelifeoftheworld.

12345

5. IhavearealsensethatGodisguidingme. 123456. Iseekspiritualgrowthbyactivelypursuingquestionsoffaith,learningwhatitmeansto

believeinGod,andwhatit’sliketobeadiscipleofJesusChrist.12345

7. IdevotetimetoreadingandstudyingtheBible. 123458. IusetheBibletodiscoverhowIshouldthinkandact. 123459. IpraytoGodandtakequiettimetoreflectandlistentoGod. 1234510. Iamgrowingspirituallythroughspiritualpracticessuchascontemplation,lectiodivina,

prayingScripture,dailyExamen(reflection),andmeditation.12345

11. IcanarticulatethefundamentalteachingsoftheChristianfaith. 1234512. IamgrowinginmyunderstandingoftheChristianfaith—beliefs,traditions,andpractices. 13. IexercisemoralresponsibilitybyapplyingChristianethics,virtues,andvaluestomaking

moraldecisions.12345

14. Myfaithhelpsmeknowrightfromwrong. 15. Ilivealifeofservicebycaringforothersandreachingoutthoseinneed. 1234516. Iaminvolvedinwaystopromotesocialjusticeandaddressinjusticeintheworld. 1234517. Iaminvolvedinactionstocareforcreation. 1234518. IsharetheGoodNewsofJesusthroughmywordsandactions. 1234519. Iparticipateactivelyandregularlyintheworshiplifeofthechurchcommunity. 1234520. Iparticipateinthelife,ministries,andleadershipofthechurchcommunity. 12345

Ways I Can Grow

• AreasWhereINeedto“GetStarted”(lookatthenumbers1and2)

• AreasWhereINeedto“Grow”(lookatthenumbers2and3)

• AreasWhereIWantto“GoingDeeper”(lookatthenumbers4and5)

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 19

AdditionalAdultFaithFormationTopicsBibleü StudyandreadtheOldTestament:ThePentateuch–todiscoversit’smessageandmeaningforlifetodayü StudyandreadtheOldTestament:TheProphets–todiscoverthemessageandmeaningoftheprophetsfor

ourworldtodayü StudyandpraythePsalmsasaspiritualpracticeü StudyandreadthefourGospelstodiscoverthelife,ministry,andmessageofJesusandhowitappliestoour

livestodayü StudyandreadtheLettersofPaultodiscoverhowhismessagetothefirstChristiansappliestoustodayRelationshipwithJesusü Discoverhowtobegin(orbeginagain)myfaithjourneybyexploringtheheartofChristianity:Jesus,the

Gospels,thechurch,andspirituallifeü LearnhowtodeveloparelationshipwithJesusChristandexplorewhatitmeanstobeadiscipletodayindaily

life–athome,atwork,intheworldChristianFaithandTraditionü Learnmoreaboutwhatwebelieveas___________(religioustradition)todayandwhyü ExplorehowcontemporarytheologianspresentwhatitmeanstobeaChristianintoday’sworld,andhow

thatcaninformourexperienceoftheGodinourdailylivesü BecomefamiliarwiththegreatteachingsofChristianity(itscreedsanddoctrines)ü LearntherichnessoftheChurch'stradition,explorethetheologicalandculturalheritageinwhichfaithis

expressed,andgainperspectiveoncontemporaryeventsandtrendsthroughanunderstandingofchurchhistory

ü LearntheChurch'steachingonthenatureandmissionoftheChurch,.Worshipü Understand,live,andbearwitnesstothepaschalmystery,celebratedandcommunicatedthrough

thesacramentallifeoftheChurch.ü Acquirethespirituality,skills,andhabitsoffull,conscious,andactiveparticipationintheliturgy,especially

theeucharisticliturgy.ü AppreciateandappropriatelyparticipateintheChurch'sdailyprayer,theLiturgyoftheHours,andlearnto

praythepsalms,"anessentialandpermanentelementoftheprayeroftheChurch."Prayer&Spiritualityü DevelopspiritualpracticestosustainmylifeasaChristianü Learnthestagesofspiritualgrowthandexperiencespiritualpracticestodeepenmyspirituallifeü Exploreaspiritualityforthesecondhalfoflifeandhowtosustainanddeepenthespirituallifeafter50ü Learnandpracticewaystoprayandmeditateaspartofdailylifeü Getawayforaretreatexperiencetoreflectanddeepenmyspirituallifeü Receivespiritualguidancefromtrainedspiritualdirectorswhowillhelpmeonmyfaithjourneyü ExplorethehistoryandmeaningofChristianworshipandhowtogetthemostoutofSundaymorning

worship.ü BecomefamiliarwiththediverseformsandexpressionsofChristianprayer.ü ExperienceandappreciatetherichnessoftheCatholicascetical-mysticaltraditionasithastakenformacross

thecenturiesindiversehistoricalandculturalsettings.ü Developaregularpatternofpersonalprayerandspiritualreflection,recognizingvocalprayer,meditation,

andcontemplativeprayerasbasicandfruitfulpracticesinthelifeofadiscipleofJesus.

VibrantFaith-AdultFaithFormationInnovationLab 20

MoralLivingü StudytheTenCommandments,theBeatitudes,andthemoralcatechesisoftheapostolicteachings,andlive

inaccordwiththem.ü StudytheChurch'steachingonthedignityofthehumanpersoninitssocialdoctrine,includingitsrespect-life

teachingü Appreciatethedignity,destiny,freedom,andresponsibilityofthehumanperson,togetherwiththerealityof

sinandthepowerofGod'sgracetoovercomeit.ü Learnhowtoacquireandfollowawell-formedconscienceinpersonalandsociallife,clarifying

currentreligiousandmoralquestionsinthelightoffaith,andcultivatingaChristiandiscernmentoftheethicalimplicationsofdevelopmentsinthesocio-culturalorder.

ü Livealifestylereflectingscripturalvaluesofholiness,simplicity,andcompassion.Service&Justiceü ExploremajorsocialissuesandtheresponsibilityofChristianstotransformtheworldü Engageinprojectsandactionsofservicetothoseinneedinourcommunityandregionü Engageinprojectsandactionsofservicetothoseinneedinourworldü ParticipateinmissiontripstoservethoseinneedinourcountryandaroundtheworldLifeIssuesü Discovermystrengthsasaperson(giftsandtalents)andhowtoutilizethemtodevelopmy“calling”inlifeü Figureouthowtobalancethemanycommitmentsinmylife:relationships,family,work,andmoreü Developlifeskillssuchascopingwithstress,communicatingeffectively,managingmytime,dealingwith

angerandsadness,ü handlingconflict,andmoreü Developafinancial“plan”bylearningtheskillsandtoolsforcreatingsavings,developapersonal/family

budget,planningfortheü future(college,retirement),investingwisely,reducingdebt,andmoreü Discernmypurposeinlifeasanadult:whatamIcommittedto,whereIamspendingmytime,whataremy

goalsforthefuture,ü andmore.ü Learnhowtodevelophealthyrelationshipsandletgoofunhealthyonesü Learnhowtoplanforlifeafterretirement—relationships,finances,spirituallife,contributingtothechurch

andthecommunity,andü moreü Joinwithagroupofsingleadultsforsupport,storytelling,andfaithsharingü Participateinasupportgroupwiththoserecoveringfromanaddiction

Faith

GrowthPathw

ays