Date: October 4, 2024
Since Forma, the Network for Christian Formation for the Episcopal Church, became part of Lifelong Learning and the larger VTS community, one of the many dreams has been to reimagine and relaunch the Forma Certificate program. With combined leadership from the Lifelong Learning department and the Forma Leadership Council, the Certificate in Lifelong Christian Formation was created with its first cohort of 12 participants. This first cohort includes clergy and laity, represents 10 dioceses, and folks who truly believe in formation in their varying contexts. This program is an opportunity, lasting the academic year, for newer formation professionals to learn and be shaped into resilient leaders who thrive in ministry.
This week, Addison 107 has been buzzing with the insights, challenges, and joy of the participants of the Certificate program. They have been a part of the life of the Seminary by joining us for worship, prayer, and coursework. Several members of the faculty created courses and taught in-person. This Certificate program is part of the Seminary’s commitment to form and empower ministers across the Church. We want to thank you for being hosts, guides, conversation partners at meals, and worshiping alongside this first cohort.
“Not only am I grateful for the opportunity to have access to the VTS staff and resources through this program, but I have also thoroughly enjoyed and learned so much from communicating in person with my peers. This opportunity has given me so much more than just expanding my knowledge on the topics covered in this program. I am leaving here with a new network and new resources to use in my everyday ministry.” – Joleen Nelson
“This week has been a formative opportunity to expand my understanding of my faith and how to wield it in my work. The comradery among the cohort has been such a gift, affording us all the chance to share in the joys and trials of the work we do. I’m so grateful to have had access to VTS’s abundance of resources, from the faculty and their immense knowledge to the beautiful campus and look forward to continuing to learn and grow through the remainder of the program.” – Josh Chamberlain.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary