Faith formation is central to the ministry of every congregation and to The Ministry Lab’s calling.
We understand the joys and challenges of creating effective faith formation programs—and we know that many who are tasked with forming faith are flying solo. We stand ready to be your co-pilot!
The Ministry Lab’s support includes:
- Robust and ever-evolving online resources for all ages
- Hard copy resources you can borrow, including books, DVD, curricula and study guides
- Co-Lab Feedback Loop gatherings where you can share with and learn from colleagues
For Leaders
- One of the best ways to support your own leadership is to encourage excellent Mentors & Leaders, Develop Young Leaders and lead the way in Talking about Social Action/Justice/Engagement.
- Our ConNext planning team is working on our next summit, scheduled for Fall of 2022. We look forward to seeing you there!
- Looking for more? Check out our Leadership Development Resources to bolster you and inspire your ministry.
- Find additional resources for all areas, curated for easy accessibility in our Faith Formation lib guides.
For Children & Families
We’re looking toward the summer. Find resources for:
Looking for more? We’ve got resources for:
- Talking about Grief & Trauma with Children
- Parenting
- Raising Confident Kids
- Sexuality & Gender Identity with Children
- Online/At-home tech helps
- Bible & Prayer with Young People
- Among others
For Tweens & Teens
Get ready for summer ministries. We’re compiling resources from across the region for:
- Climate & Sustainability outdoor activities
- Summer Camps
- Mission Trips
- Racism: Tweens & Teens
Looking for more? Check out our resources for:
- Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism Curricula
- Sexuality & Gender Identity
- Talking about Grief & Trauma with Tweens & Teens
- Online and at-home tech ideas
- Mental & spiritual well-being
- Social justice & community engagement
- among others
For Young Adults & Adults
The Ministry Lab is partnering with the MN Annual Conference UMC in developing their nine-week Beloved Community series of videos, study guides and contemplative practices.
We are constantly updating our Racism: Young Adults & Adults resource list.
Looking for more? Check out our resources for:
- Young Adults & Adults Small Groups
- Confronting Misogyny
- Interreligious Dialogue
- LGBTQIA+
- Science & Faith
- and others
Intergenerational Resources
Intergenerational ministry is where we’re all headed. Get yourself ready with resources and how-to tips in our Intergenerational lib guide.
We frequently update our Creation Care for All Ages resources.
Find guidance and wisdom for Ministry with Differently Abled Persons.
And more.
Great Idea
Generated by The Ministry Lab’s partners, congregational leaders and director. If you’ve got a Great Idea to share, let us know!
NEW WAYS TO BE THE CHURCH – #2
A lot of leaders are hearing a new call and/or looking for inspiration and wisdom, but appreciate that there is no cookie cutter answer to fit every congregation in every community as we emerge from the past 18 months.
Here are some Great Ideas for moving toward a joyful and hopeful future.
- Let your Littles inspire and take some leadership.
- Equip adult leaders to reimagine challenge and change as opportunities.
- Build congregational excitement.
- Invite community-wide discernment.
- Get to know your community.
- Pray.
- BE CHURCH!!!
Read more.
Co-Lab Feedback Loop
Get fired up, gain insight and share your own experiments with others through our Co-Lab Feedback Loop. The Loop meets once a month via Zoom. Sign up here.
Learn More
Have something you’d like to discuss? Need to check out resources? Share questions, interests and ideas with The Ministry Lab’s Executive Director, Rev. Emily Meyer or search our site.