Christian Formation Commission briefs Clergy Conference

Posted October 29th, 2009

Central Florida Episcopalian: Around the Diocese

The Diocese of Central Florida’s Christian Formation Commission is making great strides in carrying out the work called for by Bishop Howe and the Diocesan Convention, the Rev. Eric Turner told clergy gathered at Canterbury Retreat & Conference Center on Oct. 20. The commission’s main work has been to develop a “best practices” manual of resources for Christian Formation needs in the life of the church. 

The educational materials are envisioned initially for the Diocese of Central Florida, but ultimately would be an offering for the whole church and possibly to closely related denominations such as the Lutheran Church, Fr. Turner said.
 
The commission is working on materials for
  • Children's Curriculum
  • Adult Catechumenate
  • Baptism Preparation
  • Marriage Preparation
  • Visitation, Grief, Death and Dying
 
“There is much energy here,” Fr. Turner said of the Catechumenate section, led by the Rev. Sarah Bronos and informed by theological explications coming from the Anglican Communion Institute and writers such as J.I. Packer.
 
The commission also hopes to be a conduit for the vast library of Bishop Howe’s recorded teachings now distributed through the diocese’s Cathedral Media.
 
In the area of children’s curricula, the commission sees opportunities to prepare materials that would address current inadequacy in the field. Existing children’s curricula tend not to be lectionary-based, are dated in style or methods, and can be overpriced for small and medium parishes.
 
The new materials should be a “top quality product,” Fr. Turner said. It will be based on the Revised Common Lectionary and will be “committed to the primacy of Scripture and the traditional teaching of the church.”
 
All of the materials will use the latest learning techniques and multi-media technology and will be priced within reach of all parishes, he said.
 
The commission’s efforts do not draw on the diocesan budget, Fr. Turner said. So far, work is being funded through a $50,000 Grant obtained for market research. The research, including surveys by mail, phone and online questionnaires, should show:
•           What is the potential market?
•           What cost structure is viable?
•           What would be the key elements?
 
The commission also is using a professional grant writer to help identify further sources of development money, with the ultimate goal of having sales of the educational materials fund further development.
 
The initial materials should be available on the diocese’s Web site within a few months, Fr. Turner said.