Faith Forming Faith: Bringing New Christians to Baptism and Beyond

Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle discovered that by forming the faith of new Christians and leading them to the waters of baptism they as a parish were renewed and revitalized for mission in the world. Faith Forming Faith describes the year-long process of faith mentoring that has become the center of this congregations ministry. Hoffmans easy narrative style weaves together solid pastoral and theological insights with the practical real-life stories of lives transformed by a vibrant new faith--the lives of newcomers and long-time members alike. This is a great primer for anyone wanting more than a pastors class more than another curriculum. It is a book for pastors parish leaders or seminarians. But its also a great witness to a skeptical questioning world outside the Church as well showing that a life of faith can be lived in a secular questioning culture. This is the book for which many of us have been waiting. In our new post-Christendom time the critical need for faith formation--catechesis--has now been understood and accepted. But how? How to do faith formation for adults for seekers for a new time? Paul Hoffmans inspiring report on The WAY goes a long way toward answering not only the why and what but also the crucial how question. Invaluable. -Anthony B. Robinson President Congregational Leadership Northwest Paul Hoffman joyously testifies to Gods reviving breath stirring a congregation and bringing new Christians to baptism when a faith community embraces the Adult Catechumenate as the focus of its ministry. Those skeptical that an ancient way of forming Christians can work today will meet people whose lives were truly transformed as they walked with God surrounded by Gods people on a journey of revelation faith and discovery that a congregation in Seattle simply calls The WAY. Craig A. Satterlee Professor of Homiletics Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago Paul Hoffman has written a stunning book. The book describes one congregations bold embodiment of the ancient catechumenate--a pattern of apprenticeship forming people into faith in Jesus Christ. It offers pastors seminarians and congregational leaders sage council for beginning this baptismal pattern of font-forming-faith in their own communities and in doing so sets out a gracious and vital proposal about the witness of faith in an increasingly secular society. -Christian Scharen Codirector Learning Pastoral Imagination Project Paul E. Hoffman is Lead Pastor at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church in Seattle Washington. For the past fifteen years along with other staff members and committed lay leaders he has led The WAY at Phinney Ridge a contemporary adaptation of the ancient ministry of the Adult Catechumenate.