Faith Formation

 In Matthew chapter 28, verses 18-20, Jesus gave a Great Commission to his followers:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

At Mt. Moriah Church, we take this commission to heart with our Faith Formation process. While Sunday school, Bible studies, Sunday school, etc., are important activities, they alone do not help us become all that God created us to be.

Wesleyan Covenant Groups

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, created a system for faith formation and life transformation. He gathered people into “Classes” and “Bands”, and this remained the primary distinction of Methodists for nearly 100 years. One couldn’t be Methodist without participating in a Class.

However, this faith formation experience was lost in the 19th century. But in the 21st century, Mt. Moriah Church is returning to its Methodist roots with “Faith Circles” (a modern take on the Class Meeting), in addition to Sunday school, Bible studies and other informational/learning experiences.

 

The Faith Circle

Up to 10 people gather on a weekly basis to share what their experience with God has been like in the past week. Participants go around the room answering the following questions:

  1. How is your life in God?

  2. How have you felt God’s presence in the past week?

  3. Where are you seeking guidance from the Lord?

  4. How might the Holy Spirit and scriptures be speaking into your life?

  5. What are you doing as a result of the above?

A Faith Circle Leader facilitates the conversation, provides examples of answering these questions, and maintains the time so that no one dominates the conversation and leaves others out. Faith Circle meetings typically will last 90 minutes or less, depending on the size of the group.

For those new to the church or exploring Christianity, the Faith Circle is an ideal way to begin learning about what following Jesus means in today’s context. We encourage everyone connected to the church to participate in a Faith Circle.

Click here to request more information or to join a Faith Circle.

 

The Discipleship Band

Up to five people gather on a weekly basis to share together similarly to the Faith Circle, but with an added emphasis of encouraging one another towards a concept John Wesley described as “perfected in Christian Love.” The Discipleship Band is divided by gender, and their conversation goes deeper into confession of temptation and sin and encouragement for overcoming them. Participants go around the room answering the following questions:

  1. How is it with your soul?

  2. What are your struggles and successes?

  3. How might the Spirit and Scriptures be speaking into your life?

  4. Do you have any sin that you want to confess?

  5. Are there any secrets or hidden things you would like to share?

Participation in a Discipleship Band is guided by one’s sense of the Holy Spirit calling one into deeper accountability and pursuit of holiness. Meetings are typically 90 minutes.

Click here to request more information or to join a Discipleship Band.

Other Small Group Opportunities

Mt. Moriah Church also offers other ways to connect with others. Take a look at the various ways you can participate:

 

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are organized around common passions, interests, hobbies, or life-stage.

  • Purls & Chains
    Knitting & crocheting items for others. Beginners and experienced welcome. And there’s almost always someone there to help when we come across a difficult pattern or instruction. Prayer shawls, lap blankets, walker bags, hats, scarves, mittens, baby items, afghans, along with some fabric creations (baby bibs, bears, etc.) provided to local care centers, senior centers, missions and hospitals.

  • Almost Mature Adults
    The Almost Mature Adults (AMA) group is open to folks who fall into the “empty nester” to “post-retirement” category. We’d love to have you join us for dinner, dessert and devotion. Each gathering has a different “Acts of Kindness” Ministry focus, which serves to benefit others.

 Learn about other groups how you can Engage in faith here.

Informational Groups

Information-driven groups are focused on conveying information and are organized by a common curriculum. This is the typical expectation for people when they think of “small group ministry.”

  • Wednesday Morning Bible Study

  • Adult Bible Class – led by Jeff Cattran on Sunday mornings, this group explores various topics in relationship with Scripture.

  • Seasonal Bible Studies – various classes meet during the year on a variety of topics. Check the church calendar for a list of current offerings.