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