Clare Ann Ruth-Heffelbower
March 1, 1997
Advisor: Marcus G. Smucker, Ph.D.



A Design for Christian Formation in Mennonite Congregations


Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation/project is to develop an understanding of how Christian growth occurs and to create a design to encourage and stimulate growth toward maturity in Mennonite congregations. The process of Christian growth is defined in this study as "Christian formation."

The context of the study is churches within the Anabaptist tradition, specifically the General Conference Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Church. While the learnings of this study come from a Mennonite context, they are applicable in the wider Christian setting. The study is limited to Christian formation of adults.

This study takes a biblical-theological approach to Christian formation as opposed to a psychological approach. New Testament understandings of Christian growth are the foundation of the Design for Christian Formation.

"Christian formation" is presented in this study as the most effective way to understand Christian growth, bringing together elements of Christian education, faith development, spiritual formation, and discipleship/discipling. Christian formation includes two distinct, but closely related elements. These are (1) knowing and being in relationship with Christ, and (2) living a life of faithful discipleship which grows out of one's relationship with Christ.

The method of study employed in this project includes developing an understanding of the New Testament approach to Christian growth through a study of the New Testament and selected literature. It also includes developing an understanding of Christian growth from an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective through a study of selected Anabaptist/Mennonite literature on discipleship and developing a broader understanding of Christian growth from other selected writers. From this study, the Design for Christian Formation was created, tested in two congregations, and then further refined.

Through this study it was confirmed that an intentional method of Christian formation is much needed in the church today. Many Christians long for a deeper experience of God and a more meaningful faith life.

In developing a method of Christian formation, twenty-seven marks of Christian maturity are identified to provide some measure of growth toward maturity. These marks of maturity derive from a reflective, spiritual reading of the New Testament. They are not goals to be achieved, but landmarks to move toward on the Christian journey.

The process of Christian formation which is seen in the New Testament is a multifaceted process. It takes place over an extended period of time in a multitude of settings. It is a holistic process which involves thinking, feeling, and acting. Three different phases can be identified in the growth process: Choosing Christ, Remaining in Christ, Living for Christ. Factors which lead to growth can be identified. These factors include relationships, faith, scripture, making an effort to live as Jesus taught, prayer, the power and presence of God, suffering, participation in ministry, and immersion in experience. Growth toward maturity is the coming together of God's grace and human effort.

The Design for Christian Formation incorporates the factors leading to growth and is built on the elements of understanding as the foundation of Christian formation, experience as the heart of Christian formation, and reflection as the bridge between understanding and experience. The Design is an ongoing participatory process. It has various layers of participation and is not limited to a particular time frame, but is open-ended. It is not a program which provides a curriculum for a specific emphasis for a quarter or a year. Rather, it is an outline which seeks to help shape the life of a congregation or group to intentionally stimulate Christian formation over an extended period of time. It is based on the understanding that Christian growth and formation are ultimately a gift from God.

The Design, Knowing Christ - a life of discipleship, is organized around knowing Christ in five different areas: community, scripture, prayer, mission, and everyday life. The basic elements of the design include: a reflection guide, retreats, goals which grow out of the use of the reflection guide and participation in retreats, participation in a small group, participation in a worshiping community, participation in a one-on-one spiritual friendship, and use of various resources.

Working with the Design is a complex process which calls for serious commitment if it is going to be used in its entirety. It is also possible to use parts of the design independently. In testing the Design, it became evident that any time persons turn their attention to reflecting on their lives and God's activity in them and share these reflections with others, they provide openings for God's grace to continue to work in their lives.

Back to Clare Ann Ruth-Heffelbower Home Page.