Presbyterian Publishing Corporation releases three units of its new Follow Me curriculum

Designed for learners of all ages in churches of all sizes, Follow Me has been a collaborative effort

by Presbyterian Publishing Corporation | Special to Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE — The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC) is pleased to release the first three units of Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living, a new curriculum for all ages, designed to work with churches of all sizes.

The biblically based curriculum centers on 36 practices Jesus did or said to do and will be released over 36 months beginning this month. Each unit will build a library so that churches can choose which practice to study and in which order.

“The Presbyterian Publishing Company is proud to be introducing this new curriculum for the PC(USA),” said David Dobson, PPC’s president and publisher. “Follow Me promises to be an engaging, adaptable, Bible-centered curriculum that will help participants learn how to put their faith into practice in today’s complex world.”

Developing new curriculum requires listening to church leaders, pastors, and educators who are most in touch with the needs of congregations. For over a year, PPC curriculum stafff conducted online surveys; led focus groups with church educators, youth leaders, and pastors of large and small congregations; and held consultations with professors of Christian education, Bible and theology, and seasoned curriculum writers.

In addition, staff met with denominational leaders in Louisville who serve and network with particular groups in the church, including:

• Christian Formation
• Intercultural Ministries and Support for Congregations of Color
• Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
• Presbyterian Youth and Triennium
• Theology and Worship
• 1001 New Worshiping Communities

The Office of Christian Formation was particularly helpful and supports the focus on Christian practices as Christian Formation staff believe this is an area Christians of all ages wish to engage in order to be faithful, effective disciples. They began the initial study on the importance of faith practices in the development of lifelong faith formation and have created toolkits to help congregations engage in five faith practices across ages and ministries.

“We are so excited to have been on this journey of exploring practices with PPC and are thrilled that churches will be equipped with this curriculum,” said Stephanie Fritz, Mission Coordinator for Christian Formation in PMA. “We believe that practices bring richness to our life together as Christians and connect across ages and stages to enhance our communal faith lives. Exploring practices through the invitation of Jesus calls us into that community to be equipped as life-long disciples.”

Each practice offers leader’s guides for all ages. In addition, several features were created based on feedback received from church leaders. They include infographic posters which provide visual engagement for all ages, video discussion starters for adult groups, and a self-led café discussion guide for informal groups, such as college students, women’s groups, or men’s groups who might meet in a coffee shop or restaurant.

Church sessions may enjoy starting a meeting with them as well. A congregational guide is part of each practice. It includes a foundational essay written by a scholar to help in preaching preparation, worship suggestions, an intergenerational session, suggestions for parents/caregivers to do at home with children, and children’s worship leaflets.

To learn more about this new resource for the church, click here.