If I could read only five books on adult formation, here are the ones I would choose:

Ackerman, John. Listening to God: Spiritual Formation in Congregations. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 2001.

John Ackerman draws a link that many congregations forget: adult education is spiritual formation. In 150 wise and challenging pages, Ackerman draws his readers into a new vision of congregational life and renewal through learning to listen to God's voice in our lives and vocation. He builds his discussion from theology, sociology of religion, psychology, classical mysticism, and contemporary spirituality as he seeks to develop congregations that are communities of discerning disciples. Full of intelligent charts, new paradigms, and thought-provoking questions and worksheets to aid in a visioning process for formation, Ackerman's book offers the possibility for real change in congregations and in one's own life. Excellent bibliography. See also, John Ackerman, Spiritual Awakening: A Guide to Spiritual Life in Congregations. Bethesda, MD: The Alban Institute, 1994.

Bass, Dorothy, ed. Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997. Also available is the discussion guide, Practicing Our Faith: A Guide for Conversation, Learning, and Growth. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1997.

Practicing Our Faith argues that Christianity is best understood as a "life-giving way of life" that is learned, experienced, and communicated through practices of faith. Practices are defined as "things Christian people do together over time in response to and in the light of God's active presence for the life of the world." This multi-authored book explores twelve of these practices—including hospitality, keeping Sabbath, testimony, household economics, forgiveness, and healing—in discreet, readable, and relevant chapters. There is a leader's guide available for using the material in small group settings, a nice bibliography for further exploration, and a helpful scripture index. Practicing Our Faith helps congregations re-envision the purposes and goals of Christian education as it engages the content of faith and tradition in contemporary and meaningful ways. It may be used by clergy and adult education leaders, as content for one or more adult education series, or as a personal devotional. One church with which I am acquainted takes and studies a different practice each church season; another studied the entire book and all twelve practices during a single Lent. There is also a Web site, www.practicingourfaith.org.

"Christian Formation and the Teaching Ministry: Becoming Christian," in M. Copenhaver, A. Robinson, and W. Willimon, Good News In Exile: Three Pastors Offer a Hopeful Vision for the Church. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1999, pp. 75-89.

In an insightful article about the state of adult formation in mainline congregations, the authors argue that "there has been a failure of nerve" regarding "viable teaching ministry." The task ahead of churches is to develop a new vision—that of the congregation as a learning community—so that people may become formed (not just informed) Christians. Part pep talk, part cultural observation, part theology, these few pages provide a basic vision for the reordering of congregational priorities and practical suggestions for enlivening adult formation. This article would be excellent as a basis of discussion in an adult education committee, for a board of elders or vestry retreat, or at a workshop for congregational educators. It should be required reading for pastors and lay leaders in adult education.

Dykstra, Craig. Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practice. Louisville, KY: Geneva Press, 1999.

Craig Dykstra's book explores the author's obvious passions of faith and education, of practice and theory. In the process, it opens the way for leaders and congregants to grasp the mystery of God in community. Neither a "how-to" nor a theoretical text, Growing in the Life of Faith is more of a Reformed devotional, a place for the heart and mind to be fed, for the soul seeking to experience a personal and corporate faith that makes a difference in the world. "Can the church take on life, become vibrant, energetic, serious, and alive?" asks Dykstra. The answer is yes, but only if congregations understand the meaning of grace and faith, and if Christians practice that faith in the overlapping communities of church, family, and education. This book gave me a palpable sense of longing—that it is indeed possible to experience meaningful Christian community and to touch God's presence in everyday life. It would be particularly suitable as a book study—especially during Lent—for an entire congregation.

Foster, Charles. Educating Congregations: The Future of Christian Education. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994.

Foster's excellent book builds on the assumption that "the most serious threat to any community's future occurs when its education can no longer maintain its heritage into the present or renew its identity or vocation for its changing circumstances." In a logical, practical, and straightforward fashion, Foster teaches his readers that new vision for Christian formation is the hope of vital congregations. He covers issues of structure and process, explores alternative languages and models for formation, and deals with building community, "making meaning," and embodying hope. The book concludes with a twenty page guide to revising Christian education that includes critical reflection, exercises, and strategies for implementation. May be used by pastors, lay leaders, committee members, or teachers either singly or as a group. This book helped me as an adult education director more than any other single resource—I often turned to Foster when I felt lost and needed a teacher to point the way.