Why the Faithful Formation Project?
Church folks, parents, and caregivers work hard every day to raise faithful young people, yet many people experience a lack of confidence and support in that effort. The Faithful Formation Project has been given a $1.2 million grant to develop resources to fill this gap. Through groundbreaking research, practical online tools, and affordable education events, our project empowers those who care for kids to convey a faith that values inclusion, wisdom, justice, and humility.
There are not yet enough spaces where progressive people of faith can trust that the resources and information they receive will offer safety and sound direction. We hope to fill that gap by celebrating the expansiveness of the Christian faith in new and existing resources.
OUR STORY
The Faithful Formation Project seeks to equip Christian leaders...
The Faithful Formation project seeks to support Christian leaders and equip Christian parents to pass along faith values to their children in a lasting, loving way. In 2023, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to conduct research, curate online resources, and provide educational training in the areas of children’s faith formation and family faith transmission. Our project includes the following goals:
1. Identify existing approaches to faith formation of children.
2. Conduct research in children’s spirituality and the influence of religion on family relationships.
3. Publish resources and offer educational training to pastors and ministry professionals.
4. Integrate key findings from research into graduate courses at Louisville Seminary.
5. Offer downloadable content for congregational practitioners as well as tools and resources for caregivers.
A team of six people who are passionate about faithful formation contribute to this project as researchers and ministry professionals themselves. We are all nerds when it comes to theology, family systems, qualitative research, and pastoral care. Together, we hope to have a lasting impact on the caregivers and leaders who come here seeking ideas and support.
MEET THE TEAM
SARAH FLANNERY, M.S.
DIRECTOR
NESHAUNE LASLEY,M.S.
RESEARCHER AND COORDINATOR
LESLEY ANN EARLES, PH.D
PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
VERENA SCHMIDT, PH.D.
RESEARCH SPECIALIST
ERIN PHELPS, M.DIV.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
BRADLEY WIGGER, PH.D
PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
You are already satisfied with the Christian resources you find in an Amazon search.
You are not interested in connecting with other professionals and parents.
You are not seeking out more diverse representations in resources for your family faith journey.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF:
You are a pastor, family minister, or church volunteer.
You care for children in your everyday life.
You are interested in community and support that aligns with the values of anti-racism, LGBTQIA affirmation, and social justice.