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Full Description
The formative power of a congregation serves as a primary catalyst for human development. A congregation also forms a person's life. Congregations are often well-versed in matters of Christian formation and spiritual maturation. But what about how human beings develop as people? Insights from human development, also known as developmental psychology, provide an additional lens through which one can understand how humans are formed throughout life. Working with 30 congregations, the authors developed learning experiences, presented here as case studies, so that participants designed experiences that support human development at the intersection of congregational practices and various aspects of life (parenting, social justice, vocation, the arts, and more). Participating congregations extended beyond the volunteer-based organization to be one of the primary places where people learned to be more human using the simple yet multi-dimensioned phrase. The Formative Power of Your Congregation is written for clergy and laity who long for a congregation that supports human flourishing as much or more than the growth or existence of the church. We will introduce you to a framework of how congregations participate in the development of human beings. Furthermore, you will be introduced to particular congregations that, applying the framework, support participant growth in eight markers that support the flourishing of a person's life. Moving churches from a loose volunteer association, you will learn how your congregation can form people in lives of meaning and purpose.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Framework
Human Development
Why This Book Matters To Us
The Primary Purpose of Congregations
Real Life Examples
Beyond Practical
The Formative Process
Questions for Reflection
Part I: Conceptual Understandings and the Curriculum Framework
Chapter 1: A Contextual Theology of Congregational Life
A Contextual Ecclesiology
A Contextual Practical Theology
Womanist Theology: A Model of Contextual, Practical Theology
A Practical Ecclesiology
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 2: Life Arenas
The Reality of Monday
Lifeworlds and Life Arenas
Life Arenas
Different Selves
Being Seen
Unlimited Conversation
Ultimate Concerns
Formative Assets
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 3: Congregational Practices
Introduction
Defining Congregational Practices
Musical Congregational Practices and Identity
Life Together
Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer and Congregational Practices
The Shadow Side of Congregational Formation
A Formative Theory of God
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 4: Trail Markers: How We Know When We Grow
Attachment
Emotional Regulation
Self-Differentiation
Initiative
Competence
Authority
Integration
Transcendence
Contemporary and Pastoral Reflections on Human Development
Part II: Stories of Formation
Chapter 5: Forming People of Racial Reconciliation
Two Congregations
The Life Arena of Social Justice
Attachment as Mutual Trust
The Trail Marker of Integration
The Power of Religious Conversation
The Trail Marker of Self-Regulation
Liminal Experiences
Pilgrimages as Congregational Activities
With Authority
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 6: Forming People of Connection
The Life Arena of Friendships
Making Pies
Five Trail Markers
Even Jesus Needs Friends
Formative Power is Overdetermined
Going Underground
Formative Impact
Impact Quotes
Postlude
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 7: Forming a Creative Congregation
Why Grow Creativity?
Cognition
Emotional Regulation
Attachment
Identity
Why Form a Creative Congregation?
Transcendence
Connection
Theological Reflection
Diversity
Social Change
Who is Witherspoon Presbyterian Church?
Witherspoon's Formative Project
How Was the Pastor Formed?
Case Study Reflections
Trail Markers
Life Arenas
Congregational Practices
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 8: Formative Power Imagined - A Case Study and Project Guide
A Beginning
Congregation Implements Their Formative Process
Intergenerational Meet-ups Spark Connections and Conversations
News of the Day Events Spark Reflection and Dialogue
Fellowship Meals Unpack Experiences and Growth
Diverse Reactions and Growth Opportunities
Refocusing and Moving Forward
What About Your Congregation?
The Formative Power of Your Congregation: A Guide
Life Arena Examples
Congregational Query
Partial List of Congregational Practices
Connecting Life Arena and Congregational Practice
Trail Markers
Chapter 9: Transforming Individuals, Transforming Communities
Key Themes
You Are Invited
A Vision for the Future
Questions for Reflection
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors
