Loading...RESOLVED, that the Department of Christian Formation of The Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky commend to the deaneries and parishes within the diocese of Kentucky The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation (attached) for the purpose of study, collaboration and implementation over the next three years, and be it further
RESOLVED, that The Charter for Lifelong Christian Formation be made available on the website of The Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, as a teaching and planning resource for all deaneries, congregations and people.
EXPLANATION
THE CHARTER FOR LIFELONG CHRISTIAN FORMATION was adopted by the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, meeting in Anaheim, California in July 2009.
Resolution A083, to which the Charter was attached, calls upon all dioceses to promote and encourage lifelong Christian formation. In part, it reads:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 76th General Convention strongly encourage all dioceses to formulate a strategy for Lifelong Christian Formation in the next triennium;
and be it further resolved, That such strategies should encompass and be suitable for all persons (e.g. various ages, languages and abilities). These strategies should be responsive to diocesan and societal contexts and accurately depict the current education and formation status. Because formation is not limited to a cognitive experience (classroom), formation should be holistic (encompasses learning, action and reflection).”
In the spirit of resolution A083, this resolution commends this charter and its study and use to our people and churches here in the Diocese of Kentucky. Lifelong Christian formation is essential in “making disciples who make disciples”. (from Gospel Based Discipleship materials).
THE CHARTER FOR LIFELONG CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Lifelong Christian formation in The Episcopal Church is growth in the knowledge, service and love of God as followers of Christ and is informed by Holy Scripture, tradition and reason.
I have called you friends… John 15:14-16
Through The Episcopal Church, God INVITES all people:
- Into a prayerful life of worship, continuous learning, intentional outreach, advocacy and service.
- To hear the Word of God, to honor church teachings, and continually to embrace the joy of Baptism and Eucharist, spreading the Good News of the risen Christ and ministering to all.
- To respond to the needs of our constantly changing communities, as Jesus calls us, in ways that reflect our diversity and cultures as we seek, wonder and discover together.
- To hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people, placing ourselves in the stories of our faith, thereby empowering us to proclaim the Gospel message. …You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed youto go and bear fruit... John 15:14-16
Through The Episcopal Church, God INSPIRES all people:
- To experience Anglican liturgy, which draws us closer to God, helps us discern God’s will and encourages us to share our faith journeys.
- To study scripture mindful of the context of our societies and cultures, calling us to seek truth anew while remaining fully present in the community of faith.
- To develop new learning experiences, equipping disciples for life in a world of secular challenges and carefully listening for the words of modern sages who embody the teachings of Christ.
- To prepare for a sustainable future by calling the community to become guardians of God’s creation.
I am giving you these commands that you may love one another. - John 15:17
Through The Episcopal Church, God TRANSFORMS all people:
- By doing the work Jesus Christ calls us to do, living into the reality that we are all created in the image of God, and carrying out God’s work of reconciliation, love, forgiveness, healing, justice and peace.
- By striving to be a loving and witnessing community, which faithfully confronts the tensions in the church and the world as we struggle to live God’s will.
- By seeking out diverse and expansive ways to empower prophetic action, evangelism, advocacy and collaboration in our contemporary global context.
- By holding all accountable to lift every voice in order to reconcile oppressed and oppressor to the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lifelong Christian formation in The Episcopal Church is a journey with Christ, in Christ, and to Christ.
