The Ministry of Christian Formation includes deepening of members’ engagement with the
Holy Scriptures, and with the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the life of faith. It may
include study, classes, preparation for rites of the Church, spiritual practices, participation
in church governance and decision making such as holding office at a diocesan level or
exercising leadership in a congregation, and attentiveness to ways of living that seek
fulfillment of the promises made in Holy Baptism. While these elements of Christian
Formation overlap with the practices of some other ministries, Christian Formation finds its
most obvious expression in acts leading to learning, understanding, and deepening of faith
– acts that form mature Christians.
Ministry Lead: Brad Houck
In 2025, the Christian Formation ministry saw the appointment of three lay delegates and on alternate to The 193rd Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, the continued facilitation of the Great Courses video/discussion classes, a class regarding "8 Parables in Matthew," a session on "The Making of Advent Calendars," a class on "The Bible in 90 Days," and the continued gathering of Seekers - the young adult fellowship group.
In 2026, the ministry plans to continue the Seekers gatherings with a new location and an increase in members, the hosting of another Initiation Class, the Great Courses video/discussion classes, and programs including the Lenten Simple Soup Supper program on evangelism and an instructed Eucharist to occur in two parts. It also hopes to foster additional lay-led formational activities.