Acknowledgements
Introduction
Framework
Human Development
Why This Book Matters To Us
The Primary Purpose of Congregations
Real Life Examples
Beyond Practical
The Formative Process
Questions for Reflection
Part I: Conceptual Understandings and the Curriculum Framework
Chapter 1: A Contextual Theology of Congregational Life
A Contextual Ecclesiology
A Contextual Practical Theology
Womanist Theology: A Model of Contextual, Practical Theology
A Practical Ecclesiology
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 2: Life Arenas
The Reality of Monday
Lifeworlds and Life Arenas
Life Arenas
Different Selves
Being Seen
Unlimited Conversation
Ultimate Concerns
Formative Assets
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 3: Congregational Practices
Introduction
Defining Congregational Practices
Musical Congregational Practices and Identity
Life Together
Bonhoeffer
Bonhoeffer and Congregational Practices
The Shadow Side of Congregational Formation
A Formative Theory of God
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 4: Trail Markers: How We Know When We Grow
Attachment
Emotional Regulation
Self-Differentiation
Initiative
Competence
Authority
Integration
Transcendence
Contemporary and Pastoral Reflections on Human Development
Part II: Stories of Formation
Chapter 5: Forming People of Racial Reconciliation
Two Congregations
The Life Arena of Social Justice
Attachment as Mutual Trust
The Trail Marker of Integration
The Power of Religious Conversation
The Trail Marker of Self-Regulation
Liminal Experiences
Pilgrimages as Congregational Activities
With Authority
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 6: Forming People of Connection
The Life Arena of Friendships
Making Pies
Five Trail Markers
Even Jesus Needs Friends
Formative Power is Overdetermined
Going Underground
Formative Impact
Impact Quotes
Postlude
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 7: Forming a Creative Congregation
Why Grow Creativity?
Cognition
Emotional Regulation
Attachment
Identity
Why Form a Creative Congregation?
Transcendence
Connection
Theological Reflection
Diversity
Social Change
Who is Witherspoon Presbyterian Church?
Witherspoon’s Formative Project
How Was the Pastor Formed?
Case Study Reflections
Trail Markers
Life Arenas
Congregational Practices
Questions for Reflection
Chapter 8: Formative Power Imagined – A Case Study and Project Guide
A Beginning
Congregation Implements Their Formative Process
Intergenerational Meet-ups Spark Connections and Conversations
News of the Day Events Spark Reflection and Dialogue
Fellowship Meals Unpack Experiences and Growth
Diverse Reactions and Growth Opportunities
Refocusing and Moving Forward
What About Your Congregation?
The Formative Power of Your Congregation: A Guide
Life Arena Examples
Congregational Query
Partial List of Congregational Practices
Connecting Life Arena and Congregational Practice
Trail Markers
Chapter 9: Transforming Individuals, Transforming Communities
Key Themes
You Are Invited
A Vision for the Future
Questions for Reflection
Bibliography
Index
About the Authors