Faith Formation

Open Toolbox for Faith Formation Resources

Faith Formation refers to the ways we grow in faith as individuals and as community. Faith Formation is also about the ways we share our faith from generation to generation. We seek to provide resources, experiences, and support for similar ministries in local congregations.

Share Your Faith Formation Ideas

Linwood Christian Church, Indianapolis, may use the Barbee Blessing gift for faith formation to take middle schoolers and others to Cane Ridge. “We are [also] looking at building on camp experiences with middle schoolers, and thinking about how we can reach out to children in our neighborhood.”
“We are helping to cover costs for an upcoming Disciples retreat between our three churches in South Bend, Elkhart, and Mishawaka.” – Dean Heisey, Co-Pastor, Southside Christian, South Bend (in response to the Barbee Blessing gift)

Email your faith formation ideas to cheryl@indianadisciples.org

Faith Formation Grant

The Regional Board approved guidelines submitted by the Faith Formation Commission establishing the opportunity for congregations to apply for faith formation grants of up to $5,000. The grants will be funded by a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Barbee Christian Camp.

The intention is to form a partnership between congregations and the Region in significant new expressions of ministry that will enable the development of faith communities that are more effectively involved in faith formation.

Grant Guidelines

Grant Application

Church Camps

We host camps each summer for several different age groups.

A new camp this year!

The Mission as Justice camp is an experienced-based, learning-focused camp experience. The camp will be based in a church in an urban setting that offers access to shower facilities and a kitchen. There will be three topics offered on a three-year cycle. The camp will be for ages 16-18 due to the nature of the information and possibility of age restrictions for some of the activities planned. It will be limited to 20 youth and 5 adults.

This year’s theme is exploring the intersection of food justice and racism. The Outdoor Ministries team is working closely with Candace Boyd Simmons, Reconciliation Program Coordinator for the Indiana Region. Along with the regional Reconciliation program, the Outdoor Ministries team will engage local food pantries, Gleaner’s Food Bank, Society of St. Andrew, Bread for the World, among others.

Indiana Youth Council Application Deadline Extended

The Indiana Youth Council (IYC) is a group of young people from around the state who serve as representatives for youth throughout the region. IYC plans and coordinates all youth events in the region except summer camps. Those applying for IYC positions should be active in their local congregation, attend camps and/or other regional activities, show interest in being part of youth ministry in the region, and exhibit good leadership qualities. Applicants should review the IYC Constitution and Code of Ethics before they apply. Application materials are due: February 2023.

Apply Here

Children Worship and Wonder

Children Worship & Wonder offers an exciting way to approach faith formation with children. The approach recognizes children as spiritual beings who already have a relationship with God. Through Children Worship & Wonder, children learn about God as they experience God. They hear Bible stories in a way that allows them to enter into the stories and form responses out of their own life experiences. Children Worship & Wonder can be used with children beginning at age 3. A wide age range can be grouped together in one class. It is a Montessori influenced program that often works wonders with children who have attention deficit problems.
You can be trained to become a Worship & Wonder Trainer. Learn more and register.

*Information taken from the Disciples Home Missions Children’s Ministries webpage.

OTHER (Links, Resources, etc.)

Disciple Youth Ministry Network (for adult leaders)
https://www.facebook.com/DYMNetwork

Women’s Ministries

Disciples Women’s Ministries is a conduit for diverse connections empowering each woman to find her voice and live out her call.The Indiana Women’s Counsel seeks to facilitate opportunities for gathering and connecting the Disciples Women of Indiana, and would be pleased to receive ideas and suggestions for new ways to bring the Indiana women of faith together. Feel free to be in touch with Rev. Cheryl Russell with ideas and questions at cheryl@indianadisciples.org