Trio of resources available for study of the Protestant Reformation

PC(USA) Congregational Ministries Publishing celebrates 500th anniversary

by Gregg Brekke | Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE – Congregational Ministries Publishing (CMP) of the Presbyterian Mission Agency is highlighting three resources in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation this year. The publications are intended for use in study by children, youth, young adults and adults.

The children’s resource is a special edition to the popular Growing in Grace & Gratitude series called “Luther Learns from Paul.” The study is available as a free download and is intended as an addendum to the existing multiage curriculum (ages 5–10) for use on Oct. 29, 2017, two days before the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his “95 Thesis” on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany.

The session includes a Bible story that speaks of God’s grace while helping children learn about the church’s heritage. Children and their leaders will learn about Paul’s teaching on grace that changed Martin Luther’s life and the course of the Christian church.

For youth and young adults, CMP has recently published a special five-session survey of church history that includes a look at Martin Luther’s life and his impact on the Reformation, and includes a session on the life of John Calvin and his work.

Written by Carol Wehrheim, “The Protestant Reformation” speaks to the faithfulness to God’s call felt by the reforming men and women in times of turmoil and renewal, and encourages students to share the impact of this witness today.

The study is available for purchase from the PC(USA) Store for $8.95.

As part of the Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding adult learning series, CMP has released “The Protestant Reformations.” Available as a leader guide ($8.95) and participant book ($4.95) from the PC(USA) Store, the study explores the backgrounds to the Reformation and each of four Reformation traditions: Lutheran, Reformed/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Free Church, and the English/Anglican Reformation.

Author Donald M. McKim says one hope for the study was to present “a wider vision beyond just Luther, and recognize where the different streams led and where they still have embodiments today.” The study considers the divisive theological issues that spawned each of these traditions, and continue to shape them.

Focusing on three important matters — the means of salvation, the understanding of the Lord’s Supper, and the relation between church and state — the study investigates how each tradition approached these views. Participants are invited to consider the impact of the Reformation in today’s churches, including the influences and legacies of each strain.

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For these and other resources, please visit pcusastore.com.