Faith formation is central to the ministry of every congregation and to The Ministry Lab’s calling.
We’re embarking upon another uncertain program year and a return to pre-pandemic “normal” is a non-starter. The Ministry Lab is here to help you innovate and connect you to resources for faith formation with all ages.
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
- Free and unlimited one-on-one consultations for all member congregations
For Leaders
- Get inspired for youth ministry and confirmation events with several of our recent Great Ideas.
- Find wisdom for Leading through Change/Conflict along with Leadership Development Resources to bolster you and inspire your ministry.
- Encourage excellent Mentors & Leaders, Develop Young Leaders and lead the way in Talking about Social Action/Justice/Engagement.
- The next ConNext summit is scheduled for Fall of 2022. We look forward to seeing you there!
- Looking for more? Check out upcoming Continuing Education opportunities for you, other leaders, or members of your young adult and adult groups.
- Find additional resources for all areas, curated for easy accessibility in our Faith Formation lib guides.
For Children & Families
It’s fall and the program year is beginning. Here are resources and tips for:
- Sunday School & Story Time
- Connecting in-person or online with Children & Families
- Talking about Bullying & Friendship
- Helping kids and parents develop Hope & Resilience
- Nurturing Contemplative & Mental Health Practices
- Engaging in conversations about Racism: Children & Parents
- Ministry with Differently Abled Persons
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
Fall back into the program year with tips and resources for:
- Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism
- Developing Hope & Resilience
- Nurturing Contemplative & Mental Health Practices
- Talking about Grief & Trauma with Tweens & Teens
- Racism: Tweens & Teens
- Talking about Social Action/Justice/Engagement
Looking for more? Check out our resources for:
For Young Adults & Adults
Get back into the swing of stories, studies, and discussions with help from:
- Young Adults, Adults, & Small Groups
- Talking about Social Action/Justice/Engagement
- Truth Telling & Story Telling
- Racism: Young Adults & Adults
Looking for more? Check out our resources for:
Intergenerational & Diversifying Ministries Resources
Move your congregation toward more intentional intergenerational ministry with how-tos and ideas in our Intergenerational lib guide. Or use these topics to develop your own approaches:
- Creation Care for All Ages
- Truth Telling & Story Telling
- Science & Faith
- Talking about Social Action/Justice/Engagement
Develop more inclusive environments with insights from:
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!
COFFEE, KIDS, & CHAOS
Theology on Tap didn’t work – so Coffee, Kids, and Chaos was created in its wake: weekly gatherings for parents, grandparents, and nannies with small children where the adults gather over coffee while the kids play. The location moves as weather and seasonal interests unfold. Two pastors host the event and field questions about faith, spirituality, parenting, sleep training and school transitions.
Read the Coffee, Kids, and Chaos article here.
Find adaptations for Theology on Tap and Coffee, Kids, and Chaos in our write-up here.
How might you adapt this Great Idea for your setting? We’d love to know! Share your ideas with others here.
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.