What once seemed like a unique problem in a singular congregation is becoming more common in growing mainline congregations. In the large, historic Virginia church where I served as Director of Faith Formation, our newcomer classes—with as many as 40 or 50 members—comprised a similar mix of returnees and seekers. Many did not speak a Christian "language" or engage in faith practices that shaped their lives and families.

Christian illiteracy in a post-Christian society is a daily reality. As leaders, we are learning to assume no theological knowledge or Christian practice. And even many of our long-term church members are seeking to go deeper, find connections in life and faith, explore vocational and career concerns, and ask hard questions about the Bible, ethics, and world religions.

Ministers, Christian education directors, church musicians, and theologically trained lay leaders are now missionaries, biblical scholars, theologians, spiritual directors, mentors, and seminary professors in order to effectively be the church and do God's work in the world.

If the task is difficult in a large congregation with many resources, it is doubly hard on colleagues who serve in smaller churches—where adult formation is key to attracting and retaining new members while serving the spiritual needs of current congregants. In small churches, a minister typically handles adult education amid the everyday duties of marrying, burying, and pastoring. With clergy shortages now reported in many denominations, the traditional paradigm of minister-as-theological teacher is likely to recede even further into memory.