Lifelong Learning
Faith formation is a gift of the Holy Spirit that
continues throughout life. This truth shapes the
ELCA’s understanding and practice of educating in
the faith for vocation. A teaching and learning church
invites the baptized of all ages from infants to older
adults—into a continuous discipline of learning and
faith formation.
As Christians mature in their knowledge and
experience in the world, their faith also should
deepen and mature. If their knowledge of the faith
fails to keep up with their knowledge of the world,
then their understanding of God will be affected. As
people grow older, a changing world presents new
questions and dilemmas to them, and based on their
continuing life experience, they raise new questions
about their world and faith. Continued growth and
learning in the faith enable Christians to see how
their faith gives direction and sheds light on their
changing lives.
Because learning and being formed in the faith are
lifelong opportunities and tasks, the ELCA urges
Christians throughout their lives to assume personal
responsibility to grow in their faith by:
- deepening their relationship with God through
worship and prayer;
- maturing in their knowledge of the Bible and the
Church’s doctrines;
- learning by doing, practicing their faith in daily
living, service, and justice;
- learning and using the art and skills of speaking
the truth in love and discerning together the
gospel’s meaning for life; and
- connecting their baptismal vocation and their
specific callings in daily life.
Where adults are vigorous learners in the faith,
children and young people will have models and
companions for their own learning, adults will learn
from children and young people, and all generations
will grow together in their faith.
From “Our Calling in Education,”
ELCA Social Statement on Education, 2011
Faith Formation Conversations - Food and
Fellowship at 10:30, Sunday mornings, followed
by Faith Formation time in the East Alcove
at 10:45am September through May with special
events TBA in the summer months.
