How can the contemporary hunger for solid Christian formation be met? Only in congregations where churchgoers think of themselves as learners and practitioners. Newcomers are learning about faith, growing into congregants, and putting faith in to practice. And those who have been around for a while are learning how to teach, support, and "equip the saints." No one person can manage this huge educational task alone. Instead, there must be a reorientation that recognizes the congregation as "a learning community" of faith. All need to be mentors and learners to each other.

As the Director of Faith Formation, I provided guidance, vision, and resources to help the congregation live into these changes—and help them learn how to teach and learn together, how to deepen and pass on their faith. Creating a learning community of faith is not just for big churches with a director, money, and program. Learning communities can be large or small, with many resources or few. Small ones, whose greatest asset is personal relationships, actually may be more effective than large churches in creating learning communities.

For several decades, thoughtful Christian educators have understood the changes that are upon us and have urged congregations to think theologically about creating Christian community and shaping Christian lives. Many now speak of "catechesis," "formation," "discipleship," "mentoring," and "practice" in place of "education." These are process-oriented words, terms that convey the idea of learning as a journey or pilgrimage. Too often the word, "education," carries the connotation of information or expertise. Adult formation does educate, but it also engages the whole person—intellect, passions, and spirit—in a process and practice of Christian maturity. It seeks to form or shape a meaningful way of being Christian and putting Christian faith into practice in the world.