The Office of Christian Formation supports formation ministries of congregations and connects leaders in faith communities with resources and practices that inspire fresh ways of thinking about the forming of faith over a person’s lifetime. We carry out the mission priorities of the Presbyterian Mission Agency as set forth by the Office of General Assembly.
Our office is building up:
- innovations in lifelong formation and intergenerational ministries through resources, staff and programmatic initiatives in our churches to include small and non-traditional churches
- development and assessment of resources for essential Christian practices and leadership development for all sizes of congregations, camp and retreat centers, in the home and out in the community and the world
- the work of our Christian Formation Collective partner associations by working collaboratively with them and providing resources as they do vital work in age and stage ministries
Here is a compilation list of resources that could be helpful for you during the current COVID-19 situation and that may be helpful in developing sustainable remote faith formation for your community. In this list you will find resources to deal with the current crisis, studies for Christian education, blogs and ideas. We will update this list periodically over the coming weeks.
This original resource includes many links for COVID-19 specific resources, online church and online activities for all ages.
Remote Faith for the Long Haul
This UPDATED resource includes a pared-down list of online resources and has now been updated to include guidelines for re-entry to Education/Formation Programs
Remote Faith Formation with Guidelines for Re-Entry
While some restrictions are being lifted in some places and for some people, the ongoing threat of the Covid-19 global pandemic will require that we return to church in a way that is measured and mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable among us. Here are some resources and things to consider as you prepare to meet with your leadership.
Beginning Conversations for Re-Entry
The Office of Christian Formation engaged a group of writers to create a toolkit for faith practices that will be released in summer 2020. The completed toolkit will provide scriptural and theological grounding for each practice, as well as ways to engage for all ages. Here is a sampling from that toolkit to provide ideas of engaging in practices during these times:
Faith Practices Toolkit Sampler
Bright Sunday is the Sunday after Easter, but this Quicksheet offers suggestions for ways to hold Holy Humor Worship digitally any time you need to laugh in the face of darkness and celebrate the joy of God’s abiding presence with us.
Holy Humor Worship – A Guide to Intergenerational, Interactive, Digital Worship
The following Quicksheet resources were produced in collaboration with our Christian Formation Collective partner associations. Connect with all five of our partners listed under “Related Ministries” to the right. This list of Quicksheets will be updated regularly as new resources become available.
Presbyterian Older Adults Ministries Network:
Grandparents, Godparents and Faith
Supporting Older Adults During COVID-19
Online Memorial Services
Grief: The importance and challenging blessing of mourning
Presbyterian Youth Workers Association:
Discovering Hidden History
Making Memories & Telling Stories in the Now
Disrupted Milestones
Stay Home, Stay Connected
Sheltering at Home is a Time for Advocacy
Keeping Youth Engaged in Mission during COVID-19
