Ideas for Adult Faith Formation that Every Parish Can Use John Roberto, Vibrant Faith

1. Ideas for Adult Faith Formation that Every Parish Can UseJohn Roberto, Vibrant Faith

2. John RobertoVibrant Faith Leadership Teamjroberto@lifelongfaith.comwww.LifelongFaith.comSeasonsofAdultFaith.com

3. LifelongFaith.com – Presentations, Journal ReimagineFaithFormation.com – Adults

4. Foundational Insights

5. Shift in Emphasis

6. Seasons of Adulthood

7. The Seasons of Adulthood Seasons of Adulthood Life Issues Physical & Cognitive Changes Developmental Tasks Family Life Cycle Faith Development Spiritual-Religious Identities Generational Characteristics • Young Adults (20s-30s) • Millennial Generation • Midlife Adults (40s-mid 50s) • Generation X • Mature Adults (mid 50s–75) • Baby Boom Generation • Older Adults (75+) • Building Generation

8. Spiritual Religious Identities

9. Variety of Programming • Presentations • Courses (faith-focus, life-focus): large group, small group, online • Bible study programs • Small group interested-centered • Worship or lectionary-based programs • Retreat programs • Book groups • Online activities and resources • Apps • Service projects & mission trips • Parent & grandparent programs

13. Variety of Environments • @ Church • @ Home • Online • In the Community (coffee shop, museum) • In the World (mission trip, tour) • On Your Own (in the car, while you commute, while you wait for children, in quiet time) • AND MORE

14. Styles of Learning: Builders • lecture and expert presentations • activities that take into account their age-related abilities to hear, see, and move • connect their experience to the topic • structure and predictability (no surprises); low-risk learning environment • independent skill practice time • still like printed resources and books for study

15. Styles of Learning: Boomers • group interactions and discussions • storytelling • chances to try new skills independently • stable, risk-free environment but want to interact with others • experiential, practical, and fun activities that allow for team exercises • use technology as means for learning • blend of people who prefer printed books and those who learn online

16. Styles of Learning: Gen Xers • learn by doing • experiential with lots of direct experience activities • shorter, episodic learning experiences • visual learning (images, videos) • practical and relevant (What will I do with this learning?) • discretion to complete tasks their own way • prefer independent self-directed learning, including individual projects • use technology where possible, including online learning, video, etc. • will turn to digital resources over the printed resources

17. Styles of Learning: Millennials • microlearning and episodic learning experiences • lots of activity-based group work • fast-moving, interactive activities • visual learning (images, videos) • technology enabled learning using their own devices for learning • collaborative learning environments with peer interaction • entertainment and learning at the same time

18. Ideas for ADULT FAITH FORMATION

19. #1. One Event/ Program in Multiple Formats Event/ Program

20. One Program in Multiple Formats Book Group Presentation Presentation @ Church Live Streaming and Video Recording Small Group using Video and Study Guide (content online) Independent Study using Video and Article (content online) @ Church @ Home @ Coffee Shop @ Online: Video Meeting @ Online: Facebook Group @ Twitter

22. Parent Education

23. Live Streaming & Webinar Technology

24. #2. Extend An Event

25. Sunday Worship • Learning • Praying • Reading the Bible: Daily Readings • Living

26. Lent 2019

27. Advent

28. Where to Look? • USCCB: http://www.usccb.org/bible/ • The Sunday Website: http://liturgy.slu.edu • Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year/sunday-connection • Lectio Divina: https://www.americanbible.org/resources/lectio-divina • Dynamic Catholic: https://dynamiccatholic.com • Loyola Press: https://www.loyolapress.com/our-catholic-faith/liturgical-year • Catholic Relief Services: https://www.crsricebowl.org • Busted Halo (Lent): https://lent.bustedhalo.com

29. #3. Blended & Online Learning

30. Online Adult Faith Formation

31. #4. Milestone/Transition/Entry Points • Marriage • Baptism • Milestone Rituals MilestonesMinistry.org

32. Adult Milestones • Graduation from College • Return from Military Deployment • Empty Nest Parents • New Job • New Home • Marriage • Anniversary of Marriage • Becoming a Parent • Becoming a Grandparent • Aging Parent & Care Giving • Retirement • Loss of a Loved One

33. Forming Faith through Milestones

34. Forming Faith through Milestones • a ritual celebration or a blessing marking the milestone with the whole church community • a home ritual celebration or blessing marking the milestone • a learning program, often for the whole family or intergenerational, that prepares the individual and the whole family for the milestone and for faith practice at home • a tangible, visible reminder or symbol of the occasion being marked • resources to support continuing faith growth and practice after the milestone

35. #5. Pathways to Faith & Discipleship

36. #5. Pathways to Faith & Discipleship

37. #6. Move Faith Formation Off-Campus God on Tap

39. Dinner Church

40. #7. Service & Mission Activities

41. #8. Adult Life Issues