Designing a Faith Formation network

DESIGNING A FAITH FORMATION NETWORK

V I S I O N & P R A C T I C E O F 2 1 S T C E N T U RY FA I T H F O R M AT I O N J O H N R O B E RT O

1. Identify a Target Audience

2. Research the Target Audience

3. Define the Group’s Point of

View

4. Design the Network

5. Test the Network

Prototype

6. Implement the Network with a Wider Audience & Continue

Evaluation and Improvements Networ

k Design Process

INNOVATION DESIGN PROCESSSTANFORD SCHOOL OF DESIGN

Empathize Define Ideate Prototype Test

#1 – IDENTIFY A TARGET AUDIENCE• Children & Families• Teens & Families• 20s-early

30s(Millennials)• Mid 30s-early 50s (Gen

X)• Mid 50s-70s (Boomers)• Older Adults: 70s+

----------------

• Families• Multigenerational• Specialized Groups

1. Life Tasks2. Life Issues3. Milestones and

Life Transitions4. Spiritual &

Religious Needs

5. Ethnic-Cultural Needs

6. Other Needs

#2. RESEARCH YOUR AUDIENCE

Empathy is the foundation of a human-centered design process. To empathize, we:

Observe. View users and their behavior in the context of their lives.

Engage. Interact with and interview users through 1-1 interviews and focus groups.

Immerse. Experience what your user experiences.

Not Religiously Affiliated

Spiritual but Not

Religious

Minimal Engageme

nt with Faith and

Community

Vibrant Faith

& Active Engageme

nt

RESEARCH THE DIVERSE NEEDS

RESEARCH - FOCUS GROUPS8-12 people in your target group

reflecting a diversity of people1. How would you describe your age group in key

words or phrases? 2. What are some of the key life tasks that your age

group is experiencing? 3. What are some of the important life issues that

your age group is experiencing today?4. What are the significant spiritual issues that your

age group is experiencing today? 5. What are the most meaningful experiences you

have in life? What makes these experiences meaningful to you?

RESEARCH - FOCUS GROUPS

6. How important is your relationship with God? Why?

7. Where do you experience God most?8. What is most important to you about being a

Christian (or a member of a particular denomination or faith tradition) today?

9. How do you live your Christian faith? Name some of the ways you put your faith into practice.

10.How can the church help you to continue growing as a Christian? Be specific. Name some of the things you would like to see your church offer for your age group?

RESEARCH - EMPATHY MAP

SAYWhat do you hear your target group

saying?

DOWhat actions and behaviors do you

notice in your target group?

THINKWhat might your target group be thinking? What

does this tell you about their

beliefs/convictions?

FEELWhat emotions

might your target group be feeling?

#3. DEFINE – POINT OF VIEW (POV)

The define mode is when you unpack and synthesize your empathy findings into compelling needs and insights, and scope a specific and meaningful challenge. It is a mode of “focus” rather than “flaring.”

Task: to come up with an actionable problem statement: the point of view of your target audience(s)

DEFINE - POV

Your point of view should be a guiding statement that focuses on specific users, and insights and needs that you uncovered during the empathize mode.

A point of view (POV) is your reframing of a design challenge into an actionable problem statement that will launch you into a generative ideation.

DEFINE - POV

A good point of view (POV) is one that:1. Provides focus and frames the problem2. Inspires your team3. Provides a reference for evaluating competing

ideas4. Fuels brainstorms by suggesting “how might we”

statements5. Captures the hearts and minds of people you meet6. Saves you from the impossible task of developing

concepts that are all things to all people7. Is something you revisit and reformulate as you

learn by doing8. Guides your innovation efforts

DEFINE – POV WANT AD

A POV Want Ad can be a good way to express your distilled findings in an intriguing format. The want ad format tends to accentuate a specific user, and her important character traits. Embed your user, his or her need, and your insights within the format of a want ad.

DEFINE – POV WANT AD

Format

Descriptive characterization of a user. . . . .

followed by “seeks” an ambiguous method to meet an implied need . . . .

plus additional flavor to capture your findings. . . .

MATURE ADULT POV WANT AD

Active, energetic, empty-nest, working & retiring, grandparent (and almost grandparent), “always young” Baby Boomer adults seek a faith community that engages them in meaningful spiritual growth and faith enrichment, provides enriching worship services, engages them in making a contribution to the church & world, and connects them to each other and the other generations in the faith community. Must be a faith community that sees us as an experience-rich generation ready to make a difference in our mature adult years. Just don’t call us OLD or offer us “old people” trips to the casino!

FAMILY POV WANT AD

Family ExampleTime crunched, stressed and pressured families seek connections, support and guidance to develop a strong, healthy, value-centered family life where faith can be applied to daily needs.  Must

deal with contradiction that we want to feel welcome and involved, but don't

bug me or take my time.

YOUNG ADULT POV - WANT AD

Young Adult ExamplesA single energetic young adult seeks a social network. Desires a connection with others to get together and serve our community, hang out & have fun. Passionate about making a

difference and doesn't want to be left on the sidelines.

--------Highly motivated single young adults seek

engaging faith-based social network that will help them navigate fast paced living in a hook-

up town.

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 1. Identify the most important needs of your target audience (life tasks and issues, religious and spiritual needs, interests, concerns, etc.).

Translate needs into themes or content areas your network will address.

Bringing Sunday Worship

Home Whole Family Programs

Intergenera- tional

Experiences

Children’s Programs &

Events

Faith Practices:

Bible, Prayer, Rituals. ServiceMilestones

Parent Faith Formation

Parenting Education &

Support Groups

Mentors for Parents

“Getting Started in

Faith” Experiences

Families with ChildrenNetwork

Youth Network

Youth Group

Confirmation Program

Adolescent Life Issues

Parent-Teen Activities & Resources

Bible Study & Religious

Learning

Prayer & Spiritual

FormationService Projects Mission

Trips

Milestones

Youth Leadership

Intergenera-tional

Experiences & Connections

Parent Faith Formation

Parent Education &

Support Groups

Youth Faith FormationNetwork

Weekly Gathering

& Worship Life Issues, Transitions, &

Milestones

Scripture Enrichment

Faith Enrichment

Spiritual Enrichment

Justice, Service, Mission

Third Place Care

Discovering Faith (Alpha

Course)

YA Community

Events

Social Media Connections

Young AdultNetwork

Scripture Enrichment

Faith Enrichment

Spiritual Enrichment

(Re)Discovering Faith

Sunday Worship

through the Week

Mature Adult Life Issues,

Transitions, & Milestones

Family & Grandparents

Justice, Service, Mission

Intergenerational Experiences &

Connections

Peer Connections

Blog Social Media

Baby Boomer Adults Formation Network

MULTIGENERATIONAL

MULTIGENERATIONAL

Share ItBlog/ForumAfter Mass

In ProgramsFamily Conversation Activity

Study ItTaking Faith Home Insert

Homily Video + Study GuideDaily Readings

Scripture Commentaries Online Bible Study

Live ItLiving the Message DailyLiving Christian Practices

Service Ideas for the Week

Pray ItWeekly Table Prayer

Praying with the SaintsAM & PM Prayer

Sunday Worship

ADDRESSING RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Scenario #4 Scenario #1

Scenario #3 Scenario #2

FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN NETWORKScenario #4

• Parent faith formation @Baptism• Parent mentoring–Baptism & beyond• “Deepening Faith & Engagement”• Milestone & church year celebrations• VBS (w/ parents), early childhood FF• Mom’s groups / Dad’s groups• Family service, family camp• Online family resource center

Scenario #1• Faith Practices @Home (rituals, Bible

reading, devotions, service, prayer)•Parent faith formation & mentoring•Milestones celebrations•@Church family gatherings•VBS, family camp, family service•Early childhood faith formation•Online family resource center

Scenario #3• Family life center• Family events: movie nights, concerts,

children’s festivals• Mom’s groups, Dad’s groups• VBS (with parents), family camp,

family service• Parenting programs & resources• Online family resource center

Scenario #2• Small group family experiences• VBS (w/parents), family camp, family

service, children/family events• Parenting programs• “Spiritual Seeker” experiences for

parents• Mom’s groups, Dad’s groups• Online family resource center

MATURE ADULTS NETWORKScenario #4

+ Adult life issues & transitions+ Re-discovering faith & practice

& church engagement+ Church year feasts/seasons+ Local service & mission trips+ Family milestones,

grandparents+ Online FF center

Scenario #1+ Adult life issues & transitions+ Faith Enrichment+ Bible Study+ Spiritual Enrichment+ Local service & mission trips+ Family milestones,

grandparents+ Online FF center

Scenario #3+ Adult life issues & transitions+ Third Place faith formation+ Events (movie nights, concerts,

festivals, trips)+ Local service & mission trips+ Family milestones,

grandparents+ Online resource center

Scenario #2+ Adult life issues & transitions+ Local service & mission trips+ Spiritual formation & practices+ Spiritual seeker faith formation+ Third Place faith formation+ Family milestones,

grandparents+ Online resource center

Target Audience

Identify Themes or Content Areas

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 2. Generate creative ideas to “program” each of the themes or content areas of your faith formation network. Add programs, activities, etc. that your congregation is currently offering for your target audience.

Spiritual Growth for

Baby Boomers

Sunday Worship

Online Courses

Apps & E-newsletters

Online Prayer & Spirituality Resources

Small Group Bible Study

Trip to the Holy Land (with Road Scholar)

Retreats

Day at the Monastery

Spiritual Book of the Month Club

Monthly Spiritual Practices Series

Spiritual Seeker Program

Third Place Spiritual Conversations

Methods & Resources

FAITH FORMATION ENVIRONMENTS

Face-to-Face

& Virtual

On Your Own Mentor

ed

@Home

Small Group

Large Group

Church Communi

ty

Community &

World

FAITH FORMATION METHODS

1. On your own: online courses, reading, audio programs and podcasts, video programs and podcasts, apps, online faith formation websites

2. Mentors, spiritual guides, & apprenticeships

3. Large group: workshops, speaker series, multi-session programs, single session program, roundtable discussions, intergenerational programs, film festivals, conferences, field trips

FAITH FORMATION METHODS

4. Small group: book clubs, online courses, discipleship or faith sharing groups, Bible study groups, theology study groups, Sunday lectionary-based or sermon-based faith sharing groups, practice-focused groups (prayer, service/faith in action), support groups

5. Retreats, camps, and extended programs 6. Study-action: study program with action

projects, service projects and mission trips with reflection and learning

7. Online tools and social media: blogs, wikis, video conferencing (Skype, Google+), webinars, websites

VIRTUAL & PHYSICAL SETTINGSFully online program or activity with options for face-to-face interaction in physical settings.

Mostly or fully online program or activity with regular interaction and programming in physical settings.

An online platform that delivers most of the program or activities with leaders providing on-site support on a flexible and adaptive as-needed basis through in-person mentoring and small group sessions.

Programs and activities in physical settings guided by a leader with online components that extend beyond the program sessions.

Programs and activities in physical settings that include online resources to supplement the program content.

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 3. Select the programs, activities, resources, etc. that you want to include in the initial launch of your faith formation network. Remember that you can always add new content to our network over time.

Scripture Enrichment

Faith Enrichment

Spiritual Enrichment

(Re)Discovering Faith

Sunday Worship

through the Week

Mature Adult Life Issues,

Transitions, & Milestones

Family & Grandparents

Justice, Service, Mission

Intergenerational Experiences &

Connections

Peer Connections

Blog Social Media

Baby Boomer Adults Formation Network

Spiritual Growth for

Baby Boomers

Sunday Worship

Online Courses

Apps & E-newsletters

Online Prayer & Spirituality Resources

Small Group Bible Study

Trip to the Holy Land (with Road Scholar)

Retreats

Day at the Monastery

Spiritual Book of the Month Club

Monthly Spiritual Practices Series

Spiritual Seeker Program

Third Place Spiritual Conversations

Methods & Resources

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 4. Research people, programs, activities, and resources for the ideas generated for each theme, element, or content area of your faith formation network. • People resources in your congregation and wider

community• Programs and activities in your congregation

and wider community• Print and multi-media resources • Online programs, activities, resources, courses,

and website resource centers

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 5. Design new initiatives to address priority needs for which there are no existing programs, activities, or resources.

Redesign, re-purpose, and/or extend existing programs.

The Wesley Playhouse

Family Center

REACHING FAMILIES IN THE COMMUNITY

BUILDING CONGREGATIONS AROUND ART GALLERIES AND CAFES

Life in Deep Ellum is a cultural center built for the artistic, social, economic, and spiritual benefit of Deep Ellum and urban Dallas. Through its four pillars of Art, Music, Commerce, and Community, it strives to promote life and growth in our city through creative initiatives and strategic partnerships. Life in Deep Ellum is about a way of life, cultivating purpose, and guiding people into relationship with God.

Gathered Event

or Program

Stream It Live (Record

It)

Learn On Your

Own

Learn in a Small Group

Extend Learnin

g

Share Learnin

g

RE-PURPOSE PROGRAMS

Event or

Program

TALK Conversati

on Questions

LEARNWatch a Video

Listen to a Talk Read a Story

LIVEAction Project

PRAYDevotions,

Bible Reading,

Table Prayer

SHARE Write a

Blog Entry Create & Share a Video or Project

EXTEND AN EVENT OR PROGRAM

Extend a gathered event or program with online content and activities.

#4. DESIGN YOUR NETWORK

Step 6. Create the website platform for your faith formation network that connects people to the network’s experiences, content, programs, activities, and resources. •Weebly.com•WordPress.org

ADD INTERACTIVITY + SOCIAL MEDIA

ADD SAFE +SECURE ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

#5. CREATE & TEST A PROTOTYPEImplement the faith formation network through small scale prototyping with a small group of your target audience.

#5. CREATE & TEST A PROTOTYPETesting is the chance to refine our solutions and make them better. Prototype as if you know you’re right, but test as if you know you’re wrong. Refine our prototypes and solutions. Learn more about our user. Testing is another

opportunity to build empathy through observation and engagement—it often yields unexpected insights.

Test and refine our POV. Sometimes testing reveals that not only did we not get the solution right, but also that we have failed to frame the problem correctly.

#5. CREATE & TEST A PROTOTYPE

Prototyping is getting ideas and explorations out of your head and into the physical world.

In early explorations keep your prototypes rough and rapid to allow yourself to learn quickly and investigate a lot of different possibilities.

Prototypes are most successful when people (the design team, the user, and others) can experience and interact with them. What you learn from those interactions can help drive deeper empathy, as well as shape successful solutions.

#5. CREATE & TEST A PROTOTYPE

We prototype to:1. Learn: If a picture is worth a thousand words, a

prototype is worth a thousand pictures.2. Solve disagreements: Can eliminate ambiguity,

assist in ideation, and reduce miscommunication.3. Start a conversation: Can be a great way to

have a different kind of conversation with users.4. Fail quickly and cheaply: Allows you to test a

number of ideas without investing a lot of time and money up front.

5. Manage the solution-building process: Encourages you to break a large problem down into smaller, testable chunks.

1. Identify a Target Audience

2. Research the Target Audience

3. Define the Group’s Point of

View

4. Design the Network

5. Test the Network

Prototype

6. Implement the Network with a Wider Audience & Continue

Evaluation and Improvements Networ

k Design Process

CONNECTING & COMMUNICATING

DESCRIBING, CONNECTING, AND PROMOTING YOUR NETWORKBe sure to pay careful attention to the titles and descriptions so that they capture people’s interests. Develop descriptions that are positive in tone, indicate clearly the content or focus of an activity. 1. Describe how your offerings respond to

something within the lives of people. Highlight the relationship between the content and the particular spiritual or religious needs, interests, passions, concerns, or life issues of people.

2. Describe the 2-3 benefits of participating or engaging in faith formation.

3. Explain to people how to use the Network and how to access the activities and resources.

CONNECTING STRATEGIES

1. Connect to (or extend from) a gathered event, program, ministry.

2. Use personalized invitations. 3. Establish a Facebook page for faith formation for

Network announcements, updates, stories and photos from people engaged in faith formation, etc.

4. Use Twitter to announce updates, events, and invite reflections from people on their experiences in the Network.

5. Send email or regular e-newsletters to targeted groups (use a service like Constant Contact).

6. Provide ways to share experiences using blogs, Twitter, Facebook: videos, reports, photos, etc.

CONNECTING TO SOCIAL NETWORKSOur social network is made up of all the people we’re connected to, all the people they are connected to, all the people they are connected to, and so on.

You

Your Friends

Your Friends’ Friends

Your Friends’ Friends

Your Friends’ Friend’s FriendsYour Friends’ Friend’s FriendsYour Friends’ Friend’s Friends Your

Friends

Your Friends’ Friends

Your Friends’ Friends