The New Face of Christian Formation

How is this a new face?
The new configuration of the General Assembly Council’s “Theology Worship and Education” area brings together the Office of Congregational Leadership Development, the Office of Youth Ministry, and the Office of Spiritual Formation under one new programmatic umbrella. Unifying these three offices strengthens the work of each area and helps them collaborate in ways never before imagined. The joining of these ministries will offer individuals and congregations a broad range of resources as they seek to shape discipleship, community, and spiritual nurture in their respective communities.

What are its familiar features?
Stephany Jackson formerly served as the Associate for African American Leader Development, and in her new position she will continue serving African American congregations through programs such as the African Heritage Young Adult Caucus, the African Heritage Presbyterian Association of Musicians, and the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Stephany’s new role as Associate for Congregational Leadership affirms her continued ministry in these areas, but it also provides a new avenue for reaching out across racial boundaries to all congregations tackling issues related to Christian growth. Deacons and elders in particular can benefit from an approach to leadership that views one’s role in the church as an aspect of one’s Christian vocation and discipleship.

Gina Yeager-Buckley has served as the Associate for Youth Ministry since September 1996. This office works toward advocacy, discipleship, leader development, and congregational sustenance in the areas of youth, youth leaders, and youth ministries. In 2007 and 2008 the Office of Youth Ministry will be leading a focus on supporting parents of teens.

Adrian McMullen is largely responsible for communication, in particular overseeing the Youth Ministry Web sites and Web resources. He also resources the Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association and serves as the national registrar for youth ministry events.

Carmelita Young serves as the administrative assistant for the Office of Youth Ministry.

Tammy Wiens comes to the Office of Spiritual Formation after six years as an Associate in Curriculum Publishing. Tammy’s experience as an editor will serve her well in her new position, as she will be responsible for producing the spiritual formation journal Hungryhearts, the Company of Pastors quarterly Register and the yearly Daybook, and the Schedule of Daily Readings for the Order of Elders. The Office of Spiritual Formation will continue to coordinate the Spiritual Formation Leadership Network.

Nohra Carrilo has served in the Office of Theology and Worship for thirteen years. Among her many and varied tasks, she coordinates the distribution of publications to all members of the Company of Pastors and the Order of Elders.

Cathy Duncan provides administrative assistance to both Tammy and Stephany. Cathy has been serving the Office of Spiritual Formation for many years, and her consistent presence has provided an immeasurable support to many of its ongoing ministries.
 
What is its shared mission?
As the members of the new Christian Formation team consider their mission to the church, they appreciate in ever increasing ways how their partnership makes sense for the church. Gina Yeager-Buckley, speaking to a group at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, put it this way: “Whether the audience we are reaching is younger or older, African or Asian, affluent or impoverished, a lifetime believer or a new seeker, they need to know that they are a beloved son or daughter of the God who creates, sustains, and redeems.” Every person learns of the love of Jesus Christ and the call to follow him through a variety of people — a great cloud of witnesses. Those who pass on their faith utilize a variety of resources: the Bible teaches the story of faith; the church offers space, rhythm, and ritual in which people meet God and one another; the practices of prayer, study, compassion, and witness form us individually and as a community into the disciples Christ calls us to become. The Office of Christian Formation wants to partner with congregations and individuals and through its shared mission — whether it is an event, a publication, or a new program — convince all persons of their irreversible status as God’s beloved.