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About

The Christian Formation Committee serves the 87 worshipping communities in the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. Our goal is to provide Christian formation resources and guide congregations in forming disciples of all ages.

In September 2021, Suzanna Green was appointed Bishop’s Deputy for Christian Formation. The Deputy for Christian Formation is responsible for encouraging strong Christian formation for all ages and creating a diocesan-wide support system for the churches, in collaboration with the Rt. Rev. David Reed, Bishop of West Texas, and the Christian Formation Committee. Contact Suzanna Green, at formation@dwtx.org and (210) 816-1949.

Click here to access resources and curriculum recommendations for Children & Youth Formation programs.

Diocesan Bible Studies

Individuals, small groups, and congregational Bible studies for Adult Christian Formation are listed below. These studies were compiled by diocesan clergy and lay leaders with deep background and context, along with suggestions for application to everyday life. Future seasonal and topical studies will be published on the diocesan blog. 

Written by the Christian Formation Committee as well as the Rev. Drs. John Lewis and Jane Patterson, each study begins with an introduction to the context and background for the book of the Bible being explored. All studies include questions for personal reflection and are designed for use by individuals or small groups over several weeks. Some studies were developed for a particular liturgical season in a particular year, but they are suitable for any time of year.

2023 Diocesan Study Resources - Matthew


“Remaining in Christ: Jesus’ ‘I am’ Statements in the Gospel of John”

The author of the Gospel of John is writing for a group of first-century, mostly Jewish followers of Jesus, but this book provides modern day readers with his community’s prayerful, deeply reflected answer to Jesus’ question “Who do you say I am?”

“Seek First the Kingdom: the Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew”

The Gospel of Matthew mainly serves as a guide for Christians to live fearlessly into the ways of Jesus Christ. The Kingdom of Heaven, Matthew’s way of characterizing the Kingdom of God, is the vision that anchors this teaching.

“Proclaiming the Kingdom: Parables in the Gospel of Luke”

Parables reveal the nature of God’s kingdom, showing us there is no length to which God will not go to redeem God’s people. Study resource coming soon.

“The Beginning of the Good News: the Gospel of Mark”

The gospel of Mark conveys a dramatic sense of urgency, challenging Christians to remain resolutely steadfast in their radical commitment as disciples of Christ. Study resource coming soon.

“Clothed with Christ’s Love: the Epistle to the Colossians”

Nowhere else in the New Testament does an author expressly interpret the death and resurrection of Christ as already accomplishing God’s redemption of the entire cosmos.

“Love Overflowing: Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians”

Paul’s correspondence to his beloved and trusted church in Philippi is possibly his most beautiful and certainly one of his most powerful, yet practical letters, for Christians then and now.

“Amor desbordante: Epístola de Pablo a los filipense"

La correspondencia de Pablo a su amada iglesia en Filipos, en la cual tenía mucha confianza, es posiblemente su carta más hermosa y es ciertamente una de sus cartas más poderosas, pero prácticas, para los cristianos de entonces y de hoy.

“Christ in Me, Christ in You: An Introduction to Paul and His Letters to the Corinthians”

This study will help connect Paul’s teachings in 1st and 2nd Corinthians to your daily life as an individual, as a member of a Christian community, and in the role of church leader. Study resource coming soon.

“Rooted and Grounded in Love: the Book of Ephesians”

This letter offers readers an opportunity to read, study, and reflect on insights into what God has accomplished for the entire world in the person of  Christ.

“Welcome One Another Just as Christ Has Welcomed You: the Book of Romans”

Early Christians were concerned about how their disputes over faithful practice undermined their unity in Christ. Paul’s letter to the Romans addresses this and other important concerns about Christian living and believing. Study resource coming soon.


Bible Study Facilitator Training

Join Suzanna Green, Bishop's Deputy for Christian Formation, the Rev. Nancy Springer, Carter Huber, and the Rev. Reagan Gonzalez to learn how to start, plan, and host a bible study group at your church. In this :30 minute video they walk you through how to pick and use a curriculum, best practices for leading and facilitating, and resources for you to get started.

The Wisdom Years Ministry

The Wisdom Years is an emerging ministry created by a small working group of over-70 adults. We believe – and our lives attest – that these are the years when we have the time to look deeply at our relationship with God, to finally live into all that God is calling us to become, and to see blessings even amidst the diminishment of aging. Click here to learn more.


Connect

Suzanna Green, Bishop's Deputy for Christian Formation

Marjorie George, Adult Formation & Wisdom Years Leader - Grace Church, San Antonio


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