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Christian Formation

FAQs

Christian Formation in the Evangelical Covenant Church

What do we mean when we use the phrase Christian Formation?
The concept of Christian formation has existed since creation, and has been expressed throughout history by a variety of terms such as character development, spiritual growth, sanctification, faith development, leading individuals to Christ and nurturing them in faith. Christian formation takes place individually as well as corporately as we experience Christ’s character being formed in us. We have defined Christian formation as “our continuing journey of being transformed by the Holy Spirit into Christ’s likeness, experiencing and expressing love for God and others.”

What are the Biblical foundations? In other words, where is it written?
The foundation for the concept of Christian formation is written throughout Scripture. The word formation is derived from the Greek word morphe, suggesting that the inner being of a person is radically altered in this process. Paul used this word in his letter to the Galatians (4:19): “…until Christ is formed in you.” Paul agonized, as a woman in labor, until they expressed Christ’s character and goodness in their whole being. Ephesians 4:13 describes the goal of this process: “…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of "Christ.” Other passages assisting us in our understanding of Christian formation include Matthew 28:19, Colossians 1:28-29, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, and 2 Peter 3:18.

How does Christian formation differ from Christian education?
As we’ve asked people, in a variety of settings, to indicate what words or images come to mind when we use the phrase ‘Christian education,’ we’ve heard things like classroom, curriculum, Sunday School, and children. On the other hand, when asked to respond to the phrase ‘Christian formation,’ people use words like nurture, process, lifelong, and changed behavior. While education is an essential component of Christian formation, the phrase Christian education fails to connote the kind of whole-person learning Jesus sought. Our goal in Christian formation is to move from knowledge to informed practice, through the transforming work of the Spirit, so that the Bible comes alive among us. We seek to integrate our knowing with our being and our doing.

What changes might need to be made in the local church to accomplish this transition?
Though we see the transition from Christian education to Christian formation as a major paradigm shift, there may not be a great deal of change needed in what we do in our local church ministries. The larger shift would likely need to be made in the way we perceive what we do. Basically, there are three necessary shifts in our perceptions and perhaps in our practices in the local church.
1. from a primary emphasis on head, to a more balanced emphasis on head, heart, and hand (knowing, being, doing)
2. from a focus on program to a more intentional focus on personal transformation in cooperation with the Holy Spirit
3. from a primarily segmented approach to a more holistic and integrated approach

What are the natural, normal settings in which Christian formation occurs?
There are four natural settings in which spiritual growth takes place. Church leaders would do well to consider how they are assisting spiritual growth in each of these settings.
* Home or family settings
* Peer groups
* Congregational or intergenerational experiences
* Self-study or individual practice
Christian formation takes place in any or all of these settings, so church leaders need to encourage and consider providing resources for each setting.

Are there some key elements for fostering Christian formation?
As we’ve looked at Scripture, as well as the values that have endured throughout our denomination’s history, we’ve discovered a helpful framework for growth. We’ve chosen to use the word GROW as an acronym to outline a balanced approach to Christian growth. When an individual or a congregation seeks to develop practices within each of these four areas, we make room for the Spirit’s transforming work within us.
 God’s Word…shaping our lives and our actions
 Relationships….nurturing our spiritual growth
 Obedient living….using our gifts in witness and service
 Worship…interacting with and experiencing God

Christian formation is a lifelong process. The main thing, from the Bible’s perspective, is that we are continually growing into Christ’s likeness…as individuals, and as a church. “The only evidence of life is growth.”  It is definitely not an instantaneous thing. It’s a continuing journey we’re on.

It’s our heartfelt desire that Covenant churches would become strong, vibrant communities of faith…congregations filled with children, youth and adults who are growing in knowledge and grace…growing into Christ’s likeness, experiencing and expressing love for God and others. Toward that end, we develop and deliver resources and services for Conference and congregational leaders. To learn more about what we offer, visit the Resources and Services pages on our website or call the Covenant Resource Center (800.338.4332.)

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)