Title

Introducing Adoptive Theology Through the Practice of Confirmation for Ecclesial Revitalization

Author

Carol A. WunderlichFollow

Publication Date

5-2020

Abstract

The goal of this project is to explore the practice of confirmation as a means of substantive faith transmission and ecclesial revitalization within a United Methodist context informed by the apostle Paul’s adoption metaphor. Chap Clark has proposed a hermeneutic of adoption as a framework for congregations to conceive and engage their role in fostering spiritual identity formation in adolescents. Intentional intergenerational ministry is foundational for developing the mutuality necessary for a thriving congregation. Practice learning is a critical component in nurturing, equipping and empowering young people within the household of God. In an adoptive context, mature members build bridges to young people to share consequential faith. As adults create catechetical community, they also experience spiritual growth and the congregation thrives as its vitality is renewed by the continuous energy and creativity of emerging generations.

Confirmation has functionally become an end point of Christian education and spiritual formation leaving people suspended in an early adolescent state of Christian identity. Many congregations cling to confirmation with hope that it will ignite a journey of substantive discipleship for early adolescents but do not implement the ministry to bring about the desired end. Congregations caught in systemically siloed ministry structures fall short of living into their baptismal and confirmation vows. Introducing adoptive theology and ministry practices through confirmation can lead to substantive faith transmission for early adolescents and revitalized ecclesiology for the congregation.

The confirmation ministry design for this project was implemented at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Highland, MD.

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

First Advisor

Coates-Smith, Mindy

Document Type

Project

Language

English

Keywords

Confirmation, Adoptive Theology, Ecclesial Renewal, Faith Transmission, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church

Disciplines

Religious Education

Comments

This was uploaded by the David Allan Hubbard Library from the Theological Research Exchange Network (TREN). If there are any mistakes in this record, please contact archives@fuller.edu

Upload File

wf_yes

Date Uploaded

5-21-2020

Collection Number

DMin125

File Name

DMin125-0424

Rights

Material is subject to copyright.

Recommended Citation

Wunderlich, Carol A., "Introducing Adoptive Theology Through the Practice of Confirmation for Ecclesial Revitalization" (2020). Doctor of Ministry Projects. 418.
https://digitalcommons.fuller.edu/dmin/418

Embargo Period

5-21-2020