The Leaders

A Faith Forming Congregational Culture for the 21st Century

Vibrant Faith University - Course #1

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Presentation #2: Faith Formation NetworksPresenter: John Roberto

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Part 1Faith Formation in a Networked, Connected World

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Internet RevolutionMobile RevolutionSocial Media Revolution

Information is now. . . PortablePersonalParticipatoryThe Triple Revolution

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Resources for DesignWebsitewww.ReimageFaithFormation.com

BookChapter 3

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A shift from education to learning anywhere, anytime.A shift from consumption of information to participatory learning.A shift from institutions to networks.

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Learning in a Connected Age

https://www.lrng.org

21st Century Learning Diana Rhoten

21st Century Learning Mimi Ito

Faith Formation NetworksWhat if we reimagined faith formation as a network of relationships, content, experiences, and resources?

. . . . Offering a wide variety of engaging and interactive content and experiences in online and physical settings.

. . . . Offering content and experiences to respond to the diverse religious and spiritual needs of adults todayfrom the spiritually committed and engaged to the spiritual but not religious and the unaffiliated.

. . . . Enabling congregations to become centers for learning and faith growth by utilizing the best of the new digital technologies to bring an abundance of meaningful and engaging faith forming experiencesin the congregation and the world, and in a variety of mediato all adults

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Faith Formation NetworksVariety of content, methods, formats, and delivery systems to address the diverse life tasks and situations, needs and interests, and spiritual and faith journeys of adults in four seasons of adulthood.

Multiple environments to address peoples busy lives and provide more ways to participate: self-directed, mentored, at home, in small groups, in large groups, church-wide, in the community, and in the world

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Faith Formation Networks

Digitally-Enabled Blending gathered community settings with online learning environments and utilizing the abundance of digital media and tools for learning and faith formation

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An Individual Faith Formation Network

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Faith Formation NetworksCaring RelationshipsCelebrating the SeasonsCelebrating Rituals & MilestonesLearning the Christian TraditionPraying & Spiritual FormationReading the BibleServing, Working for Justice, & Caring for CreationWorshipping GodLife Stage IssuesMissional

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Faith Forming Processes

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ProcessChildren& FamilyTeens& FamilyYoung AdultsMidlife AdultsMature AdultsOlder Adults Caring RelationshipsChurch Year Feasts & SeasonsLearning the TraditionPrayer & Spiritual FormationReading the BibleRituals & MilestonesService & Working for JusticeWorshipMissionalLife Stage Issues

Network Programming Planning

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Three Seasons of ProgrammingFall Season: Sept 1 Jan 1

Winter/Spring Season: Jan 1 May 1

Summer Season: May 1 Sept 1

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Adult Faith Formation Website

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Programming on the NetworkFaith Formation Playlists

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Programming on the NetworkFaith Formation Playlists

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Part 2Designing Faith Formation Networks

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Resources for DesignWebsitewww.ReimageFaithFormation.com

BookChapter 4

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Network Design Process(2016 Update)Task 1. Research the Target Audience(s) & Identify NeedsTask 2. Build the Faith Formation Network DesignTask 3. Generate Programming Ideas for the NetworkTask 4. Plan a Network Season of ProgrammingAdd current programming and eventsRedesign current programming by using a digital strategy Design faith formation playlistsOptional: Design a process for personalizing learningTask 5. Build the Digital PlatformTask 6. Test the Seasonal Plan with the Target AudienceTask 7. Launch the Seasonal Faith Formation Network Task 8. Evaluate the Season of Programming Task 9. Design the New Season of Programming

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Step 1. Research (Using the Research Guide)TasksGather demographic information about the congregation and its surrounding community. Observe the people in the wider community.Interview selected church leaders.Conduct two or more focus groups of people in your target audience(s).Produce a summary report of the 1) observations, 2) interviews, and 3) focus groups.Identify the most important needs of the target audience(s) to be addressed.

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Step 1. ResearchAudiences Children & FamiliesTeens & FamiliesEmerging Adults: 20s-30sYoung Adults: 30s-40sMid-Life Adults: 40s-mid 50sMature Adults: mid 50s-70s Older Adults: 75+FamiliesAll Ages/MultigenerationalResearch TopicsLife Stage IssuesGenerational IssuesMilestones & Life TransitionsEthnic & Cultural NeedsSpiritual & Religious Needs

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Step 1. ResearchCompile the responses for each question from all of the interviews. Review the responses for each question to identify related themes. Group these items together by giving identical or similar items the same number beginning with #1. The #1 item should have the most responses, the #2 item the second most responses, and so on. Name in one phrase or sentence each of the most mentioned responsesthemes. Develop a summary report for each question that includes only the top priority themes.

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Empathy MapSAYWhat do you hear your target group saying? DOWhat actions and behaviors do you notice in your target group?THINKWhat might your target group be thinking? What does this tell you about their beliefs/convictions?FEELWhat emotions might your target group be feeling?

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Step 1. ResearchProduce summary reports:Compile one report of the major insights from your community observations.Compile one report of your interview findingsidentifying the major themes for each interview question.Compile one report of your focus group findingsidentifying the major themes for each focus group question.

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Compiling the Themes ObservationInterviewsFocus Groups

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Sample Themes Mature Adults Dealing with retirementMaking life plans, finances, health Becoming a grandparentMaking a difference in the community and worldIncorporating family changes and transitionsNew ways of living and relating as a married coupleCaring for aging parentsTaking time to read the Bible and learn more about my faith Growing spiritually and exploring spirituality for the 2nd half of lifeConnecting with people my age; talking about things that matter to usDealing with loss

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Step 2. Design Network ThemesCaring RelationshipsCelebrating the SeasonsCelebrating Rituals & MilestonesLearning the Christian TraditionPraying & Spiritual FormationReading the BibleServing, Working for Justice, & Caring for CreationWorshipping GodMissionalLife Stage Issues

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Step 3. Generate Programming IdeasPart 1

Correlate the most important needs from the research into the appropriate content areas of the network. Some of the important needs will be included in multiple content areas. Add the faith formation programs that will continue to be offered for the target audience into the appropriate content areas of the network. Some may be listed more than once. Add events, ministries, and programs from the intergenerational faith community into the appropriate content areas of the network. Some may be listed more than once.

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Content AreasNeedsCurrent ProgramsIntergenerational EventsCaring RelationshipsChurch Year SeasonsLearning the TraditionPrayer/Spiritual Form.Reading the BibleRituals & MilestonesService, Justice, CreationWorshipLife Stage IssuesMissionalAdditional Area

Profile Form - Part 1

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Generate Programming IdeasPart 2 New Programming

What new programming do we need to address the needs that surfaced in the research? What would our target audience like to see the church offer them through faith formation?How can we address the audiences needs through age-specific programming?How can we address the audiences needs through intergenerational and/or family programming?How can we develop missional outreach programming and strategies with this target audience?

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Generate Programming IdeasHow can we utilize multiple environments: self-directed, mentored, at home, in small groups, in large groups, church-wide, in the community, and in the world?How can we utilize digitally-enabled strategies?

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Gathered using Online ContentA gathered program using online content from websites, videos from YouTube or other video sites, and blogs and other social media. With an abundance of high quality digital content, this first option is the easiest way to bring the digital world into a gathered program.

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Gathered with Online ContentConnecting church programs or events with online content that extends and deepens the experience through learning, prayer, ritual, action, etc. Sunday worship & church year feasts and seasons Intergenerational & family programsChildren, youth, and adult classes & programsExtended programs: mission trips, retreat experiences, and vacation Bible school, summer camp

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Gathered with Online Content

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Gathered with Online Content

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Example: Sunday WorshipChurch Life Daily & Home Life Online LifeExperience of Worship in the CongregationSunday worship and lectionaryChurch year feasts and seasonsChurch rituals: baptism, communion, funerals, etc.Experience of Sunday worship, rituals, and church year seasons in daily life Reflecting on the sermon and readings at homePractices: Lectio, etc. Application to daily livingOnline worship, church year, and lectionary resources on the churchs faith formation websiteLectionary commentaries onlineVideo reflections and commentaryOnline activities and projects

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Online and GatheredFlip the classroom or program by creating a digital platform to provide the content that people would learn in the gathered setting in an online learning space using print, audio, video, and more. And then transform the gathered program using interactive activities, discussion, project-based learning, and practice and demonstration.Flip childrens programming: At home learning with parents (print, video, online); in-class application with activities, project-centered learningFlip confirmation programmingDevelop a online justice and service center

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Online and Gathered

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Online and Gathered

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Online and Gathered

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Mostly OnlineUtilizing the digital platform as the primary learning setting and providing opportunities for interaction in gathered settings. Parent webinar programs delivered to parents at home in four-month semesters: three webinars + a parent gathering; three more webinars + a parent gathering. Online learning resources for self-study or small group study, and gathering at the conclusion to share their insights. Online Bible study where groups can meet regularly in a physical setting or virtually through Skype or a Google+ Hangout. Selected online courses and activities from colleges, seminaries, and religious organization for individualized learning with the option for a mentor or small group gathering.

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Fully OnlineThe rise of high quality and easily accessible online religious contentcourses, activities, print and e-books, audio and video programs, and content-rich websiteshas made designing online faith formation feasible. Online Bible and theology courses, video programs, webinars for individual study Online prayer and spirituality center where people can access daily prayer reflections and devotions, offer prayer intentions, pray for others, learn about spiritual practices, download prayer activities for the homeOnline parent resource centerOnline retreat experience

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Example: 40-Day Lent CurriculumChurch Life Daily & Home Life Online LifeAsh WednesdayLenten Sunday liturgiesStations of the CrossLenten prayer Lenten retreatLenten serviceLenten soup suppersFastingPrayingService/AlmsgivingLectionary reflectionFamily activities

Lenten learning resourcesLenten calendarDaily Lenten prayerWeekly table prayerVideo resourcesOnline retreat experience

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Idea GeneratingHow Might We. . . . Brainstorm responses to the question: How Might We Address this Need? Go for quantity, not quality at this point. Post all of the ideas on sheets of easel paper. Cluster similar HMW statements. What If. . . . List as many What If statements as you can on Post-it notes one idea per note. After several minutes, ask people to place their notes on a sheet of easel paper. Then cluster similar ideas together. A sense of priority is often revealed as one or more of the clusters claim the energy and interest of the group.

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Content AreasNeedsCurrent ProgramsInter-generationalNew IdeasCaring RelationshipsChurch Year SeasonsLearning the TraditionPrayer/Spiritual Form.Reading the BibleRituals & MilestonesService, Justice, CreationWorshipLife Stage IssuesMissionalAdditional Area

Profile Form Part 2 Programming Possibilities

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Step 4. Plan a Network SeasonFall Season: September 1 January 1

Winter/Spring Season: January 1 May 1

Summer Season: May 1 September 1

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Design a Network SeasonUsing your Network Design (and content areas): Add currently scheduled programming for this season (age group, family, and/or intergenerational) in the appropriate Network content areas and month(s). Use digitally-enabled strategies to redesign current programming (extending programs with online content, offering online-only programs, etc.)Select new programming ideas for this season from the ideas generated in Step 3. Where appropriate, schedule the programming (e.g., a monthly focus).Develop playlists of content, programs, and experiences. Develop the final version of the seasonal plan and design the seasonal faith formation website.

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Develop a Seasonal Plan & CalendarContent Area(examples)Programming& DatesMonth 1Month 2Month 3Month 4Scripture EnrichmentFaith EnrichmentSpiritual EnrichmentService & MissionLife Issues

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Design Playlists of ProgrammingPlaylists are thematic learning plans that integrate a variety of ways to learn, multiple learning environments, and online and physical spacesfrom which people can create their own faith formation plan.

Example: Spiritual Enrichment for AdultsTheme: Spiritual PracticesSpiritual Practices Course (5 sessions at church in one month)Spirituality Over 50Book Group (variety of times & places)Online Daily Devotion ResourcesOnline Prayer Practices Resources Online Course or Retreat with a Spiritual Master Online RetreatWebsite: http://holytrinityadults.weebly.com

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Faith Formation PlaylistsVariety of Environments: Self-directed, mentored, at home, in small groups, in large groups, church-wide, in the community, and in the world.

Variety of Ways to Learn

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Faith Formation Playlists

Digitally-Enabled: Blending gathered community settings with online learning environments and utilizing the abundance of digital media and tools for learning and faith formation

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Developing a Playlist

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Adult Faith Formation Playlist

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Family Faith Formation Playlist

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Adolescent Faith Formation Playlist

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Personalized Faith Formation(Optional)

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Personalized Faith Formation(Optional)Personalized pathways for discipleship & faith growth. . . . Guide people in discerning their religious and spiritual needs.Equip people with the resources and tools to learn and grow at their own pace.Provide mentoring and support for the journey.

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Assessment Tool

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Personalized Plan

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Step 5. Build a Digital PlatformOther Platformswww.wordpress.org www.wix.com www.squarespace.com

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Build a Digital PlatformChoose a domain name.Select a website template that is mobile responsive.Create the primary navigation system (main menu) from the network content areas.Build each webpage to incorporate all programs, activities, and resources for each content area.Design the webpage for your target audiencewrite the website content to your audience.

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Things to RememberDont make the user thinkmake web pages self-explanatory so the user hardly has any perceived effort to understand them, for example, clear choice of labels, clearly clickable items, simple search.People generally dont read web pages closely; they scan, so design for scanning rather than reading.Create a clear visual hierarchy and menu system (main menu, submenus).Make it very clear how to navigate the site, with clear signposts on all pages.Omit needless words.The home page needs the greatest design care to convey site identity and mission.Promote user goodwill by making the typical tasks easy to do, make it easy to recover from errors, and avoid anything likely to irritate users.

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Step 7. Test the Plan & WebsiteLet your user experience the network online. Show dont tell. Let them review the website and the programming. Just the minimum context so they understand what to do. (Have computers or tablets available for people to use or ask them to bring a device.)Have them talk through their experience, e.g., Tell me what you are thinking as you are doing this.Actively observe. Watch how they use (and misuse!) the website. Dont immediately correct what your user is doing.Follow up with questions, such as: Show me why this would (or would not) work for you. Can you tell me more about how this made you feel? Why? Do you find things that interest you and connect with your life? Are there things you would have liked to see?

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Step 8. Launch the NetworkBe sure to pay careful attention to the titles and descriptions so that they capture peoples interests. Develop descriptions that are positive in tone, indicate clearly the content or focus of an activity. Describe how your offerings respond to something within the lives of people. Highlight the relationship between the content and the particular spiritual or religious needs, interests, passions, concerns, or life issues of people. Describe the 2-3 benefits of participating or engaging in faith formation.Explain to people how to use the Network and how to access the activities and resources.

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Promotion Ideas Connect to (or extend from) a gathered event.Use personalized invitations. Establish a Facebook page for faith formation for announcements, updates, stories and photos from people engaged in faith formation, etc. Use Twitter to announce updates, events, and invite reflections from people on their experiences. Send email or e-newsletters to targeted groups (use a service like Constant Contact, Mail Chimp, Flocknote).Provide ways to share experiences using blogs, Twitter, Facebook: videos, reports, photos, etc.

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Connect to Social NetworksOur social network is made up of all the people were connected to, all the people they are connected to, all the people they are connected to, and so on.

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Step 9. Evaluate Programming

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Part 3Curating Faith Formation Content, Programming, & Experiences

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Resources for CuratingWebsitewww.ReimageFaithFormation.com

Chapter 5

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Emerging RolesDeveloping religious contentDesigning programming Managing programmingTeaching/Facilitating programming

Designing learning environmentsarchitecture Curating religious content and experiencesCurrent RolesEmerging Roles

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What is Content Curation(Beth Kanter)Content curation is the process of sorting through the vast amounts of content on the web and presenting it in a meaningful and organized way around a specific theme. The work involves sifting, sorting, arranging, and publishing information. A content curator picks the best content that is important and relevant to share with their community.It isnt unlike what a museum curator does to produce an exhibition: They identify the theme, they provide the context, they decide which paintings to hang on the wall, how they should be annotated, and how they should be displayed for the public.

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Faith Formation CuratorsA Faith Formation Curator is a trusted guide who continually finds, groups, organizes, evaluates, and connects the best and most relevant content and experiences on a specific topic to match the needs of a specific audience.

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Why Curation?The increasing diversity of the religious and spiritual needs and practices of people today require personalized and customized content and experiencesAn overwhelming abundance of high quality faith formation resources: print, audio, video, programs and activities, apps, e-books, websites, and moreThe rise of online providers of religious content and experiencesopen repositories of freely accessible faith formation and learning content hubs

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Why Curation?There is a growing demand for trusted guidance in finding and selecting quality religious content and experiences. People are looking for trusted guides to help them select quality faith formation experiences and curated learning paths and resources to explore and learn more deeply on a specific topic. The tools are now available for finding and accessing the content, storing it (websites), delivering it to people 24x7x365 (computers, iPhones, iPads, etc.), and communicating & connecting people to the content (Facebook, Twitter, email, text, etc.).

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Curating Religious Content

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Build a Curation Support SystemDevelop trusted expert curators to assist.Develop a list of high quality online resource centers.Subscribe to faith formation blogs and newsletters.

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Developing Trusted Sources

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Curation Resource Centers

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Curation Blogs

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Curate with ReadKit - Mac & iOS

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Curate with G2Reader - PC & Android

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Curate with Feedly

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Curate with Social Bookmarking

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Research ChecklistPeople: teachers, mentors/guides, guest presentersCommunity programs: churches, agencies, organizations, Educational institutions: colleges, seminariesRetreat and spiritual life centers, monasteries Denominational programs, events, websites Museums Books (with study guides) & E-booksAppsAudio podcasts & audio learning programsVideos & video learning programsOnline courses & online activities Television showsOrganizational websitesResource center websites

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Evaluation CriteriaBiblical content and interpretationTheological content and emphasisDevelopmental appropriatenessEthnic-Cultural appropriatenessInclusive of diversityRespect for diverse ways of learningAppearance and visual appealEase-of-UseQuality of ExperienceApplicable: Able to be incorporated into daily and home life

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Curating Religious Content

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