Christian Formation:

Deeper into faith, through learning and practice

...an inquiring and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. 

 Book of Common Prayer, a prayer at Baptism


Christian formation—learning the “what” and the “how” of the Christian faith—aims to shape our lives more and more like Jesus’ life. We become disciples, or students, of the way of love that Jesus lived and taught.

Below are resources for seekers and teachers of faith.

2027 Formation Resources: To nurture and inspire your inquiring and discerning heart

  • January 25 - 28, 2027, 1-5 pm: Forma 2027 Conference at Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center

    • For Teachers of Faith: The annual gathering for learning and mutual encouragement of the Episcopal Church’s formation leaders — the group called FORMA — includes a local-to-NH in-person event this year. The Province 1 Formation Network will meet at Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center. Information about the January event is here. Reach out to Canon Kelly with questions.

  • January 2027 - Education for Ministry (EFM): The EFM group based at Church of the Good Shepherd, Nashua, is ready to welcome new and/or returning members as it launches its new study year in January. Reach out to diocesan EFM coordinator John Rowntree about EFM in general, or about joining the program in 2027.

  • Year-round: New Hampshire’s School for Ministry (SFM) offers a growing list of Theology for All courses — that includes YOU! Review the list of past and current offerings here.

Resources beyond New Hampshire

Beyond the robust offerings in our state, the wider church offers ways to learn with faithful people from all over, including:

  • The Iona Collaborative, our School for Ministry’s principal partner in formation, makes continuing education courses available to NH Episcopalians each fall and spring. Be inspired by the list of courses underway, and sign up to hear about spring offerings here.

  • The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) offers “Vital Practices,” toolkits, articles, and webinars to help leaders respond to the changing needs of the church. More information here.

  • The Episcopal Parish Network (EPN) offers a robust series of webinars (upcoming and archived) about facets of life in an Episcopal congregation, from stewardship to preaching to governance, administration to leadership. More information here.

  • The Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) offers the opportunity to enroll in courses taught by Anglican leaders and scholars from across the globe. (Our own Canon Tina is honored to serve as a Trustee of EDS!)

More Resources Below

  • The Lectionary Pagesets out the Bible passages read in worship on Sundays and other holy days.

    Join a Bible study with a congregation, or follow one online. Check out Bible Studies That Work, from The Episcopal Church.

    The Good Book Club reads a portion of the Bible together beginning every January.

    Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.

  • Daily Prayer, from Forward Movement: Options offered include the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) and other daily worship from the Book of Common Prayer.

    Additional guides to the Daily Office:
    Venite
    Oremus
    Mission St. Clare

    Pray as you go: A daily resource for prayer, music, scripture, and reflection.

    Find a worshipping community of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire here.

    SpiritBound, the Digital Mission of the ECNH worships online. Connect with that community of the spiritually curious here.

  • What We Believe, from The Episcopal Church

    “We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.

    “We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.

    “We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.

    “We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.” Read more.

    The Way of Love: Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life

    “The Way of Love is a way of life. More than a program or curriculum, it is an intentional commitment to a set of practices. It's a commitment to follow Jesus: Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, Go, Rest.” Read more.

    Grow Christians

    Grow Christians is a ministry of Forward Movement. We strive to create an online community of discipleship focused on the practical details of life at home. Gathering reflections, stories, images, and recipes from diverse Episcopalians, this group blog inspires generations to come together as they celebrate the presence of God through the Christian year. Read more.

    School for Ministry, Episcopal Church of New Hampshire

    The School for Ministry enrolls postulants and candidates for the priesthood in the Episcopal church. SFM also trains licensed lay preachers. Learn more.

    Forma

    Forma is the Network for Christian Formation for the Episcopal Church and beyond. Forma celebrates, equips, supports and connects leaders who form followers of Jesus. Learn more.

    Building Faith

    Building Faith is published by Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. It's mission is to equip and inspire churches and individuals for the ministry of Christian education and faith formation. Learn more.

  • Spiritual Gifts Inventory: A tool from the United Methodist Church. Click here.

    Wayfinders: To discern callings and goals, accompanied by a small group. Click here.

    Discerning my Path for Faithful Living: A discernment course offered through the Bexley Seabury Pathways program. Click here and scroll for more information.

    More resources for Discerning God’s Call, from the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire, are here.

  • A Spiritual Director is someone who is trained in listening and serves as a trusted companion for your spiritual journey. There are several centers for spiritual direction associated with the Episcopal Church in New England at which one can be connected with a spiritual director, or train to be a spiritual director. 

    Retreat centers offer time away, for rest, reflection, and prayer.

    Guide to Spiritual Direction in Province I

  • Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center, Greenfield, New Hampshire

    Camp Bishopswood, Hope, Maine

  • University of New Hampshire
    Episcopal Mission to the University of New Hampshire at St. George’s, Durham

    Dartmouth College
    Edgerton House Episcopal Campus Ministry

    Plymouth State University
    Episcopal Campus Ministry at Reflection and Spiritual Care Center

  • Find resources for and connections to The Episcopal Church’s partners for work on behalf of racial reconciliation, Beloved Community, immigration, earth care, prison concerns, and children HERE.

For more information about Christian Formation in New Hampshire, please contact Canon of Formation and Vocation, the Rev. Kelly Sundberg Seaman.