Adult Faith Formation
Adult Ministry
The purpose of formation is to deepen and grow our understanding of God and God’s mission in the world. We might start with Bible studies, which are great for building community, but we are called as disciples to keep our faith moving throughout our lifespan. How we choose to do that over the course of our lives may change, and we’ve made an effort on this page to present a variety of adult formation opportunities and resources for wherever you are on your formation journey.
Reach out to Director of Faith Formation Emily Keniston with questions, and to help customize an approach for your congregation. Two resources she recommends for congregations working to build up their community formation are Invite Welcome Connect and Renewal Works.
Learning in Communities
Opportunities for congregations and small groups
New Video Course for Group Discussion
Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments is a free, three session, video-based course designed to give basic teaching and space for discussion around the sacraments. The course invites participants to engage more deeply with scripture and the liturgy of The Episcopal Church to explore the richness of baptism, Eucharist, and the sacramental rites of the church. The three, 20-minute-long videos—in English with Spanish subtitles—are ideal for newcomer classes, adult formation, and those preparing for confirmation.
The Way of Love is The Way of Life
Founded by former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, the Way of Love outlines a Rule of Life for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. More than a program or curriculum, it is a return to the ancient pathways that followers of Jesus have observed for centuries. They knew the power of commitment to a core set of practices—Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest—and the power of gathering in community where you find love and support for living into these commitments.
Bible Study Through the Liturgical Seasons
Another joint offering of The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement, the Bible Studies program is designed for groups of all sizes, with materials written by Episcopal seminarians from a variety of backgrounds. Each week’s study includes an explanation of scriptural context, a theological reflection, discussion questions, and a suggestion for putting the learning into practice.
‘Gather, Share, and Build’ with Spirit Chats
Offered by the the Evangelism Task Force—a joint project of the Episcopal dioceses of Maine and New Hampshire—Spirit Chats are an opportunity for small group faith sharing, and strengthening your ability to hear what the Spirit is up to in your day-to-day life. Listen to others share sacred stories in gatherings of people from across the spectrum of spirituality and formal church experience for reflection and conversation. For more information, contact the Rev. Kristen Burkholder.
Becoming Centered in Discipleship
An offering of The Episcopal Church, Centered is a series that guides communities to get deeply rooted in love with God and one another, so that we all may grow to look, act, and love more like Jesus. The experience includes training for group facilitators, followed by nine core sessions during which participants gather to share a meal and grateful prayer; view two short films, discuss questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life; and support each other in committing to intentionally follow Jesus and his Way of Love.
Individual Learning
Resources for listening for the voice of God in our big crossroads moments, as well as in our everyday decisions.
Get Inspired, Draw Nearer to God with Great Teachers
With ChurchNext’s enormous library of online courses, participants learn from expert teachers in Scripture, liturgy, and important Christian topics. Students can interact in a safe, online environment that’s convenient, engaging, and affordable. Instructors include gifted theologians such as Brian McLaren and David Lose, and classes are laced with interactive components to encourage conversation, online and in person. (Also available for groups).
Life-long Learning Opportunities for all the Baptized
Bexley Seabury’s seminary-beyond-walls program, Pathways, “educates, forms, and catalyzes the Body of Christ to blaze new pathways for prophetic and pastoral service in response to God’s call.” While there is a logic and sequence to the available offerings all of the courses, workshops, events, and activities are designed so you can choose the combination and order that best suits your interests and needs.
What’s Your Ministry?
Since 1975 and for over 30 years in the Diocese of Maine, Education for Ministry has offered an opportunity to discover how to respond to our call to Christian service. Graduates come to understand that serving God happens everywhere—not just in a worship setting. In coming to terms with the notion that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is within reach wherever we are.
Retreat Opportunities
Limina Renewal Center in Searsport
Owned and operated by the Rev. Libby Catania, an Episcopal priest, and her husband, Bill Catania, a hospitality executive, Limina Renewal Center offers quiet and nature immersion to people in need of a safe harbor from the demands of daily life. Located on 15 acres of oceanfront property, the center includes eight guest rooms, a yoga studio, fitness center and sauna, reiki and massage rooms, and more. Regular events include seasonal helping professionals retreats and personal retreat days. “Limina is not a retreat center. Limina is a spiritual instrument of healing,” says the Rev. Adrienne Hymes.
Go on a nine-month retreat during your everyday life.
Based in Kennebunk, Maine, Manresa Way—an Ignatian Spirituality Ministry leads retreatants through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Retreatants develop a closer, more personal relationship with Jesus, as well as an opportunity to discern God’s call. The spiritual exercises are offered as a retreat in the world: retreatants experience daily prayer using scripture as a guide, as well as meet once a week for 30 weeks from October to May. (Those weekly sessions include private time with your prayer guide.) Contact the Rev. Gail Chandler for more information.
The Alcyon Center on Mount Desert Island
The Alcyon Center is a non-denominational center for “cultivating contemplative action for the sake of the world.” Offerings include:
• Personal Retreats
• Courses and Retreats in spiritual practice
• Contemplative Spiritual Direction Training
• Spring and Fall Volunteer Work Weeks
• Weekly Bible Reflection
• Monthly Quiet Day and Soul Friends
Companions of the Holy Cross Adelynrood
Adelynrood is a retreat center in Byfield Mass (a few miles over the NH line) owned and operated by The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross. The center offers women and men an opportunity to visit and to discover new resources for spiritual development through conferences and workshops, as well as individual or group retreats, and quiet days. Adelynrood also has private rooms available mid-May through September for individuals who would like to spend unstructured time in a community of prayer and hospitality.
Discernment Book Suggestions
Interested in learning more about discernment and developing your spiritual gifts? Check out our suggested reading list.
Spiritual Direction
A list of spiritual directors working within the Diocese of Maine.
Ordained Ministry
The Commission on Ministry assists the bishop in developing, recruiting, forming, and assessing those called to ministry in the church.
Adult Ministry Resources
Article
Spiritual Direction
Article
Diocesan Lay Preaching Program
Document
Beholding Practice
Link
Creation Justice Ministries Lenten Devotional
Link
Building Intentional Small Groups
Link
“Love God, Love God’s World” Small Group Curriculum