Faith Fact- Christian Formation



I have come to prefer the term "Christian Formation" as opposed to "Christian Education". Christian Education evokes Sunday School, which we often connect with children in the church. Whether or not it is true, many of get to a point in our lives where we feel we are done with school. School seems to many of us to be something we go through when we are younger. If we "go back to school", it is usually because of a change in our careers or vocations.

"Education" evokes the feeling of something we needed at one point but don't need to continue doing any longer. That is not the case with our development as people, and it is certainly not true of our development as Christians. The truth for all of us, no matter our age, is that we are still growing, learning, and figuring things out in life.

Our life in faith is no different. We are continuing to grow and learn in our faith. No matter if we are 5 years old or even 90, we still our developing in our life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

"Formation", as a term, has more of a continuing sense to it. We don't stop being formed as people, but our formation continues throughout life and is a necessary thing as we continue through life. This is true of our faith as well. As Paul says in Philippians 3:12, "Not that I have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own."

No matter your age, don't let your Christian Formation ever stop. Take advantage of what your church has to offer, what Scripture has to offer, and what other resources are out there in the world and online. Keep being formed in your faith!