The content of adult education includes curricula (either purchased or self-produced), guest speakers, books, video, and Web resources. What will people read or watch? Who will direct them spiritually?

Choosing material can be very difficult—especially in diverse or conflicted congregations. Part of your job is to navigate between two tensions:

1. Do you accommodate or challenge the congregation's views on God, the Bible, holiness, ethics, and spirituality? Is your job to comfort or discomfort them?
   
   
2. Do you follow what they think they need or what you and the clergy think is needed?

These are not either-or choices, but represent the poles around which you must make some decisions.

At the parish where I served, for example, I typically accommodated the congregation when it came to style (as a Washington, DC area congregation, my parish had great respect for well-educated experts; I invited many highly qualified guest professors to lead classes), but I always challenged them in terms of theological content or Christian practice. I tried to both comfort and disturb the congregation at the same time. Although I listened for what the congregation wanted theologically, I made the decision to usually follow clergy and leadership preference when choosing content. I chose Bible study materials or theological works that supported the ministry of the Word as presented in the pulpit.

I always picked materials that pushed people to new understandings of the Bible and theology—or toward embracing new practices of faith. But it all came wrapped in a navy blue Washington suit.

These are self-conscious choices based on issues of congregational development and the theological vision of the clergy staff—choices encouraged by a colleague at another congregation. As we discussed the role of adult formation, my friend, Scott, said, "You know, Diana, in privileged churches like ours, our job is NOT to provide spiritual enrichment, to create more privilege. Rather, our job is to challenge and provoke so that the Holy Spirit may transform us."

Scott stated it so clearly: enrichment or transformation? Some parishes, particularly those in minority, disadvantaged, or struggling communities, need enrichment. Mine, however, was already rich. It needed God's transforming power. So, I opted to discomfort them with content that the leadership thought necessary for change. Adult Formation was lively and controversial—and always risky—but it also forwarded the overall mission and vision of the parish. Certainly, it is possible—and sometimes desirable—to make less unsettling choices.

Questions to consider:

• Does your congregation need enrichment or transformation? A combination of both?
  
• Would you describe your congregation as spiritually privileged or disadvantaged?
  
• Do they need comfort or discomfort in order to better see, know, and serve God?
  
• How does your theological vision and spiritual commitment (and that of the clergy staff) resonate—or differ—with that of the congregation?
  
• What curriculum or resources best serves your situation?