Congregational Programs for Adult Faith Development

Programs for Adult Faith Development vary from congregation to congregation, but may include:

• Workshops for new Unitarian Universalists
• Workshops about topics of interest to Unitarian Universalists, including history, theology, ethics, and scripture
• Programs and service projects that address the social justice issues important to the congregation
• Book and film discussion groups
• Small Group Ministries, which meet over time and allow participants to get to know others and themselves more deeply
• Affinity and support groups, such as those for parents, elder caregivers, or those struggling with addiction
• Spiritual practice groups, such as yoga or meditation groups.

Curious about what is offered at your local congregation? Check the congregation's website or call.

Responsibility for designing, supporting, and evaluating adult faith development programs may rest with religious professionals or lay leaders, but it is often some combination of the two. If you are a congregational leader looking to strengthen adult offerings, a good first step is to notice what is already going on for adults and to recognize what is going well and meeting the needs of congregants. Only then can you turn your attention to strengthening or shaping your program.

Here are some resources to help you, whether you are looking for guidance on revamping or updating your entire program, or simply looking for a curriculum. Let us know how you use these resources, and if there are other helpful links you would like to have included.

Begin or Restart an Adult Faith Development Program

• Find helpful guidance and answers in frequently asked questions.
• View the May 2014 webinar, Beginning or Restarting an Adult Faith Development Program. Find the webinar powerpoint and transcript on the Faith Development Webinars page.
• Attend the Adult Faith Development and Programming Renaissance Module when it is offered in your area.

Find Program Curricula and Resources

• Explore Curricula and Resources for adults available on line.
• Explore Adult Spirituality and Inspiration titles available at the UUA bookstore.

Support Small Group Ministry/Covenant Groups

• Guidance for beginning a small group ministry program can be found in the book The Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry: Saving the World Ten at a Time, by Robert L. Hill, or at the website of the Small Group Ministry Network, an organization of Unitarian Universalists supporting the spiritual practice of small group ministry in our congregations.
• There are a number of sources for small group ministry session plans. Find a complete list on the Small Group Ministry page.

Lead or Facilitate Programs

For how to effectively lead an adult faith development workshop, discussion group, or committee meeting, see Sharing the Floor: Some Strategies for Effective Group Facilitation.

Review Accessibility Guidelines for Adult Workshop Presenters.

Connect with Other Congregations

Subscribe to the Adult-RE Email List and/or check for events in your region.