Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Congregational Ministries Publishing program of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have entered into a unique partnership in Christian publishing. The two publishers will inaugurate this new relationship by developing, a new lifelong faith formation program for congregations.
The new groundbreaking program, titled Akaloo, responds to the church's need to support the faith journeys of members of all ages with a single integrated program. The Presbyterian Church Mission Work Plan has named spirituality and discipleship among the priority goals of the Presbyterian Church. The ELCA has also identified discipleship as a priority for the church, citing it as its focus in the upcoming third year of their Evangelism Strategy. The partnership between the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Augsburg Fortress will help bring this new program to churches in August of this year.
"This is a timely opportunity for both denominations to help our members grow as disciples of Jesus Christ," said Augsburg Fortress Congregational Life & Learning Publisher Bill Huff. "Our churches are calling for material that is true to their identities and helps connect people of all ages and supports lifelong discipleship." Congregational Ministries Publisher Sandra Moak added, "A program of this magnitude requires reaching across traditional borders to partner with those closest to our church. This partnership deepens the theological and leadership agreements that have already been fruitful for us all." The ELCA and PC(USA) have been in full communion partnership for the past nine years, allowing each to recognize the other's clergy and worship practices, as well as collaborate on other ecumenical efforts.
Akaloo, the first fruit of this partnership, will empower churches and believers through web-based resources that allow congregations to adapt and contextualize their Akaloo program. Through a developing network of Akaloo churches, Akaloo members can collaborate with each other, share their own ideas and materials with others and help the whole church grow and flourish. The goal of Akaloo is to help disciples of all ages follow Jesus for a lifetime. In fact, the name Akaloo is inspired by the Greek verb "to follow" (Akolouthein).
"Akaloo will redefine congregational learning," says Huff. "It challenges us to think about discipling in a new way-through spontaneity, innovation, intentionality, and shared direction. Akaloo is about the joy of following Jesus."
Learn more and sign up for Akaloo announcements. |
