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Christian Formation Program Cirricula

Godly Play

Godly Play is a method of Christian education and spiritual direction primarily for children aged 2- 12. The goal of Godly Play is to teach children the art of using religious language, parable, sacred story, silence, and liturgical action to help them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence around them and in their lives.

Godly Play was developed and has been classroom tested since 1972 by Episcopal priest, author, and teacher Jerome W. Berryman. Godly Play is used in all regions of the United States in diverse denominations such as Episcopal, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian. Godly Play is used in schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, retirement centers and other settings. Godly Play is also used internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, Finland, Germany, Canada, Tanzania, and Australia and in Spanish speaking ministries in many locations.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials that they use.

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd has grown and spread amazingly. At last count it is in 19 countries: Australia, Austria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, Germany, Haiti, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, South Africa, Tanzania, Italy, and the United States. In the United States there are hundreds of atria in Catholic and Episcopal settings, as well as several other Christian churches.

The Journey to Adulthood (J2A)

The Journey to Adulthood curriculum is a complete youth ministry program of spiritual formation for 6th - 12th grades. It uses Bible study, prayer, rites of passage, outreach ministries and both serious and playful activities to underscore its core messages:

   1) Manhood and womanhood are free gifts from God.

   2) Adulthood must be earned.

There are three two-year segments of the program:

Rite-13: The first two years (6th & 7th or 7th & 8th graders) focus on celebrating the individuality of each young person and their creative potential. The Rite-13 liturgy (a celebration of Manhood and Womanhood) is the community expression of this.

J2A: The middle portion of the program (8th & 9th or 9th & 10th graders) engages youth with the skills and critical thinking needed in adulthood. The youth plan and embark on a pilgrimage together at the end of this segment.

YAC: A mentor-based program helping older teens (11th and 12th grade) to discern and carry out a ministry within their church or in the larger community. Vocation and development of a personal credo are also emphasized.

Living the Good News

Living the Good News is a lectionary-based curriculum, available for children in preschool through high school and adults. It incorporates both The Revised Common Lectionary and The Book of Common Prayer lectionary. This curriculum follows the three-year cycle of Sunday scripture readings. Sessions are updated quarterly to provide new material.

Episcopal Children’s Curriculum

The Episcopal Children’s Curriculum brings the Bible, liturgy and traditions of the Episcopal Church to life for children (ages 3 to 11). It is rooted in scripture and incorporates the Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal to teach church traditions and standard responses used during worship. The three-year curriculum was developed in cooperation with the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at the Virginia Theological Seminary. Materials include teacher’s guides and instructional support materials, student books, newspapers, take-home cards and puzzle pads.

Episcopal Children’s Curriculum for Youth

Episcopal Curriculum for Youth challenges young people (ages 12-18) to test their values in the context of their Christian faith. It equips them to make smart choices about tough issues. The Younger Youth (Middle School and Junior High) segment makes Biblical characters come to life as real people who dealt with issues of good and evil, happiness, truth and ultimate meaning. Materials include 12 leader’s guides with nine sessions each, session leaflets and a poster pack. The Older Youth (Senior High) segment helps young people explore the issues, values and faith that will become life-long spiritual resources. Materials include 12 guides for adults and youth leaders and a poster pack. ECY curriculum can be used for Sunday school, youth-group meetings, retreats, conferences or anywhere youth come together.

Education for Ministry

Education for Ministry, affectionately known as EFM, is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. The program grants a certificate at the completion of the four years and 18 Continuing Education Units for each year's work.