Formation happens in so many different ways and places, because it embraces so many aspects of our lives as Christians.
By Rev. Lisa Wang
In the ancient world, learning was a privilege. The wealthy could afford to send their children to prestigious academies, or they could hire tutors to educate them at home.
But in the ancient church, learning was offered to all who would come. Each week, the faithful gathered in the great basilicas to hear the Bishop explain the Scriptures. Year after year, through the liturgical seasons of feast and fast, they heard the Bishop expound the mysteries of the faith. And those who wished to be baptized were given special catechetical instruction as part of their course of preparation.
The church was a place of learning, because being a Christian is something we all need to learn — and never stop learning — how to do.
Where does learning happen now?
If we think about examples of learning in the church, the first thing we might imagine is a Bible study meeting, or a Sunday school lesson, or a confirmation class.
But just as education is not confined to the schoolroom, neither is learning in the church limited to the settings we have come to associate with it. That’s because learning is not just about imparting information. Learning is also about how we are shaped into people who live our faith. This kind of learning is sometimes called formation.
Formation happens in so many different ways and places, because it embraces so many aspects of our lives as Christians.
Formation can happen in the liturgy, when through prayer, proclamation, worship and communion, we allow the mystery we celebrate to enter into our hearts and change us.
Formation can happen when we gather to reflect on the Scriptures. We ask questions together, and share our insights, so that the word of God can bear fruit in our lives.
Formation can happen when we stop to ask ourselves: do we know how to pray? We listen to the wisdom of others, and share our experiences, practices, and disciplines.
Formation can happen when we work together to help those in need. We see and experience how the Spirit leads us, and we learn to follow with readiness.
Formation can happen when we inform ourselves about justice issues. We share our concerns with one another, and together discern how God is calling us to act.
Formation can happen when we simply spend time with one another. In getting to know one another, we build the mutual trust we need to uphold one another in difficult times.
One thing that becomes clear from all these examples, is that learning happens in community. We need one another, in order to be formed. We need one another, in order to become Christians.
We need one another, in order to be the Church.
How can we support one another in this process of formation which is the Christian life? What do we need to do, so that our church communities can be places where learning happens?
Rev. Dr. Lisa Wang is the Developer for Catechumenal Ministries for the Diocese of Huron.