Networking, Resourcing, & Advocating
for Faith Formation Ministries
Mini Reviews
Brief overviews of resources that align with UCC beliefs and values
New Directions for Holy Questions: Progressive Christian Theology for Families
Claire Brown & Anita Peebles
A go-to resource for parents and caregivers who become perplexed at their children’s questions about God, Jesus, the Bible, and other Christian concepts. Each response to a specific question includes a scripture passage, a justice story, pondering questions, and suggestions for talking with young children, allowing adults to grow spiritually alongside their children.
Lifelong Faith Associates Training Videos
Free video-based training to guide leaders in designing & leading faith formation with all ages and generations covering 15 areas: Designing Faith Formation, Children's Faith Formation, Adolescent Faith Formation, Young Adult Faith Formation, Adult Faith Formation, Family Faith Formation, Intergenerational Faith Formation, Milestones Faith Formation, Community & Relationships, Faith Formation Pathways, Faith Formation Playlists, Hybrid Faith Formation Design, Lifelong Faith Formation Models, Organization & Planning, Implementing a Plan
Three Complete Sessions & a Treasure Trove of Ideas for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
Lucy Moore and Jane Leadbetter
These authors of the Messy Church series help families to explore Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany with hospitality (sharing a meal), creativity (space for play and creating), and celebration (intergenerational worship) in three once-a-month sessions. Includes prayers, mission ideas, games, food crafts, and many ideas and suggestions for exploring these church seasons together.
GO in a Box faith formation curriculum
The GO Project from the United Church of Canada
Uncomplicated lessons for Grades 1-7 and 8+, adaptable for both on-site and at-home programs, these materials are perfect for US United Church of Christ congregations as they do not gender God and incorporate conversations and activities about race, the environment, justice, global themes, self-care, service, and more.
"All of our programs & resources ask how our faith calls us into justice action."
Head to the Heart Confirmation
Head to the Heart features FAITH5​, ta simple 5-step faith practice that draws families closer to God and to one another. FAITH5 is the framework in H2H for weekly small group time at church. Church then connects to home through FAITH5 Home Huddles. Families are encouraged to gather nightly to do the FAITH5 steps together. Then modeling these 5 simple steps at church equips everyone to practice faith “Every Week at Church and Every Night in Every Home.”
Guide to Transforming Faith Formation for a New World
John Roberto
From Lifelong Faith Associates, this most recent publication (June 2020) provides helpful background on how far faith formation has come in just a few months, followed by a detailed progression through creating digital programming for your congregation. It considers both fully-digital and hybrid models for age group, household, and intergenerational ministries, with rationales for offering all three simultaneously. Particularly helpful is a glossary of digital learning methods and tools, and instruction on designing faith formation “playlists."
Sparkhouse
In each session, your group of adult learners will watch a video featuring a leading voice from the Christian faith, spend time on personal reflection and journaling, and share ideas with the group. Presenters include Lillian Daniel, Brian McLaren, Will Willimon, Bruce Reyes-Chow, Rachel Held Evans, and 12 others.