Transformation On-Line Bible Study

How can congregational leaders provide for effective spiritual formation for their members and friends? The question becomes more challenging when the target participants for the formational activities are young adult professionals, some of whom may get up at 5:00 a.m., leave for work by 6:00 and not get home again until 7:00 p.m.

It is well known that spiritual formation is critical for our personal growth as well as for congregational health. Humans need to be constantly deepening their relationship with God. It would be easy to simply say that we are each responsible for our own spiritual formation, but how can the congregation form community and grow together in this activity? In years past, the answer might have been to hold a mid-week prayer service, but that no longer seems to work in a world where people arrive home tired and late after a 1 ½ hour commute, then have to make supper and do all their other tasks before retiring to bed. What to do? The problem itself calls for prayerful discernment.

This was the puzzle facing Matthew Swain and the leaders of Barrie Community of Christ. A creative solution began to form as Matthew participated in various CEM facilitated on-line meetings via teleconference and Webex; an on-line meeting environment that allows participants to see and hear each other, share documents, etc. Could these same tools be used in a congregational community? Could young adults dealing with the pressures of the modern world come together on-line in a helpful and meaningful way? The answer is yes, and Transformation On-line Bible Study was born. The group now meets regularly on-line to study the lectionary scripture of the week.

If you would like to know more about Transformation On-line Bible Study you can find more information on Barrie’s Facebook page by clicking here.

How does your congregation build spiritual community and foster the spiritual growth of its members? Is this an idea you can also use?

Posted by Carman