But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 1 Timothy 3:14-17

What is faith formation & discipleship?

Faith formation is also known as Christian formation, spiritual formation, and sanctification. ​​Faith formation is not about self-improvement where we make ourselves acceptable to God, earn salvation, or become more like Christ by our good works. Instead, the Holy Spirit transforms us in and through our fellowship with the triune God and one another, so we become more like Jesus for others.

Faith formation is what the Holy Spirit does when forming disciples (learners, apprentices, followers). 

​Discipleship is what we do in response to Jesus’ invitation to “follow me” and be his hands and feet and voice as we grow in the awareness that we are totally dependent on God's grace. 

​​God initiates; we respond. Jesus calls; we follow.

As disciples we are learners and apprentices of Jesus. We engage in Christian practices, such as worshipping, praying, confessing, forgiving, and gathering for Baptism and Holy Communion; dwelling in Scripture and connecting the biblical story to our own story; giving our time, talents, and treasures; serving and ministering to others in Jesus’ name; and by sharing our personal witness, all to the glory of God.

​We encourage you to find ways to hang out with Jesus every day through daily Bible readings, devotions, study, and prayer. The resources below make it is easier to add a few minutes with God throughout the day!  

Explore the Bible with more free resources at The Bible Project

Bible Study Methods

​Understanding Scripture is challenging. Studying the Bible is best done with others in community. Often people are not certain how to study Scripture. While there are many ways to Eat God's Word, below are two simple ways. 

Dwelling in the Word

• Open with prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to be present.
• Read aloud the chosen passage from Scripture twice, by two different people.
• After a few moments of silence, everyone turns to another person and shares either what caught their imagination or a question they have about the reading.
• Afterward, each person shares with the group what they heard from their partner—not their own observations. 
• Close with prayer.

​S.O.A.P.
​Click here to download a worksheet to help with this Bible study method. Soap is an acronym:

• S is for Scripture
• O is for Observations
• A is for Application
• P is for Prayer

Devotions & Readings

• God Pause Daily Devotions: God Pause
• ​​​Daily Bible Reading: Daily Bible Reading
• Between Sundays: Spiritual Practices of Everyday Living - Weekly Videos: The Five Loaves
• Lectio Divina As a Spiritual Practice Engaging with God's Word: American Bible Society​​

Bible Study Resources

• The Bible Project helps us experience the Bible as a unified story: The Bible Project
• The Bible Project Podcast: Podcast
• The Bible App: Bible App
• The Bible App for Kids: Bible App for Kids
• Vibrant Faith at Home: Vibrant Faith
• Enter the Bible (Luther Seminary): Enter The Bible
• Book of Faith: Book of Faith
• Faith at Home: Faith at Home
• Centering Prayer Mobile (ContemplativeOutreach.org): Centering Prayer Mobile App
• Luther’s Small Catechism (AugsburgFortress.org): The Small Catechism

I don't think that reading [the Bible] on my own I benefited as much as when we would have a men's study in the church, and then we'd understand Ecclesiastes so much better than if I would try to delve into it and figure it out on my own.
Member of a Bible Study