Christian Formation exists to transform us as youth, adults and communities of Mennonite Church USA into Christ-shaped vessels to serve both church and world. Seminars are typically 60 minutes in length and cover a variety of categories.
Follow Jesus 25 seminars will:
- Equip youth and adults to follow Jesus, making small and costly decisions in daily life that reflect The Way.
- Equip youth and adults to witness to God’s peace as individuals and communities, both in the church and in the world.
- Invite youth and adults to experience transformation through the Holy Spirit, which deepens faith, hope, love and service.
- Align with the vision of Mennonite Church USA and the Journey Forward Renewed Commitments.
- Are interactive learning experiences that introduce practical tools, skills, habits or frameworks that participants can take home and put into practice.
- Appeal to multiple constituencies within Mennonite Church USA.
- Are led by people with expertise in the topic.
Seminars will be arranged into curated learning tracks designed to offer focused learning, customized paths for learning:
Mind Track: Anabaptist Theology and Faith Formation
Description: The Mind Track is an intellectually stimulating journey through Anabaptist theology and faith formation. This track offers a deep dive into the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of Anabaptist beliefs. Engage in thought-provoking sessions led by subject matter experts, leaders, theologians and educators, exploring topics such as non-conformity, community living, youth leadership, and discipleship. Participants will gain a robust understanding of Anabaptist principles, their historical context, and how they can be applied to modern-day faith and life. This track is ideal for those seeking to deepen their theological knowledge and for educators aiming to enrich their teaching with a solid Anabaptist foundation.
Heart Track: Peace, Justice and Belonging
Description: Embodying the church’s role as a historic peace church, the Heart Track focuses on peace, justice and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). This track is a call to action, inspiring participants to actively witness to Jesus by fostering peace and justice in their congregations and communities. Sessions will cover topics such as reconciliation, non-violent resistance and building inclusive communities. Participants will learn from activists, peacemakers and community leaders, gaining practical skills and insights to engage in social justice issues as Anabaptist Christians. . This track is perfect for those passionate about making a tangible difference in the world while staying true to their faith.
Body Track: Church Structure and Leadership Skills
Description: The Body Track is designed to strengthen the organizational and leadership skills vital for today’s church leaders. This track offers practical workshops and discussions on church governance, conflict resolution, effective communication, and strategic planning. Participants will learn from experienced church leaders and management experts, gaining insights into building resilient and adaptive church structures. This track is essential for current and aspiring leaders in MC USA, providing them with the tools and knowledge to lead their congregations effectively and navigate the challenges of modern church leadership.
Spirit Track: Worship and Spiritual Disciplines
Description: The Spirit Track invites participants to explore and deepen their spiritual practices. This track is a journey into the heart of worship and spiritual disciplines within the Anabaptist tradition. Sessions will include guided prayer, meditation, biblical study and exploration of spiritual practices, such as simplicity and community living. Led by spiritual directors and worship leaders, this track offers a space for renewal, reflection and connection with God. Participants will leave refreshed and equipped with new practices to enrich their personal and communal spiritual lives. This track is ideal for anyone eeking to deepen their spiritual connection and enhance their worship experience.
The Conversation Room: A Space for Meaningful Dialogue and Growth
Description: The Conversation Room is a dynamic space designed to foster guided small group discussions on various pressing, intriguing, and relevant topics that resonate with our MC USA community. In alignment with our vision of “Healing and Hope,” this room prioritizes discussions that empower us to live more effectively as witnesses to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, following the path of Jesus Christ.
In this welcoming space, participants will delve into conversations that bridge the gap between the wisdom of our Anabaptist faith and the modern world’s complex realities. Structured to encourage open and honest communication, The Conversation Room is a crucible for ideas and insights that can lead to practical actions and deeper communal bonds. It is a place where questions are welcomed, diverse perspectives are valued, and voices have the chance to be heard. Here, participants can expect to engage with topics that allow for personal reflection and inspire collective action toward fulfilling our mission of bringing God’s healing and hope to the world.