Faith Formation for Epiphany 2025
Q: How can our congregation better connect with the Epiphany readings?
A: Dig deeper into the Year C Epiphany lectionary with these Book of Faith courses.
Luke (8 sessions)
The Gospel of Luke invites us to explore the story of Jesus and his mission as God’s chosen one, the Messiah. From the joyous accounts of Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem to the stark images of Golgotha to the eye-opening meal at Emmaus, we are invited into a remarkable story.
Being the Body of Christ (4 sessions)
Participants in this 4-session Bible study will look at selected Lectionary texts from 1 Corinthians and explore what it means for the church to live as Christ’s body in the world. Through reading Scripture, informed conversation and activities designed to engage many types of adult learners, participants will deepen their engagement with and understanding of Scripture.
Q: How can we support those who have made resolutions to read more scripture this year?
A: Here are some great ways to introduce your people to the breadth and depth of God’s word.
The Greatest Story Series (16 sessions each)
- The Greatest Story: Bible Introduction is a video-based overview of Genesis through Revelation that introduces the key people, places, and events of scripture in an easy-to-understand story. Participants are invited to explore where they fit in the greatest story and how the greatest story fits in their lives.
- The Greatest Story: Paul is a video-based course that takes participants on an exploration of the life of the Apostle Paul, from Acts through the Epistles.
- The Greatest Story: Jesus—Engage! Surprise! Transform! Over these video-based sessions you will journey through the Gospel narratives—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—in this exciting exploration of the life and ministry of Jesus.
See the entire series here.
Making Sense of Scripture (7 sessions)
by David J. Lose
In Making Sense of Scripture, David Lose invites the reader to engage in a conversation, one that he imagines discussing around his kitchen table, about seven major questions of the Bible. More than a standard biblical reference book, Making Sense of Scripture is a dialogue that encourages readers to bring their questions or doubts to the table when reading Scripture. During this conversation, there are different opportunities for the reader to interact with the Bible, ultimately leaving room for personal transformation of the heart and mind.
Q: Are there books we can read and discuss that will give us deeper appreciation for the season of Epiphany?
A: Yes! And book studies are a great way to involve participants who may shy away from Bible studies because they feel like beginners. May we suggest. . .
The Magi: Who They Were, How They’ve Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate
by Eric Vanden Eykel
The Magi examines the birth of the Magi story; its enrichments, embellishments, and expansions in apocryphal writing and early Christian preaching; its artistic expressions in catacombs, icons, and paintings and its modern legacy in novels, poetry, and music. Throughout, the book explores the fascination the Magi story elicits in both ancient and modern readers and what the legacy of the Magi story tells us about its storytellers—and ourselves.
Quantity discounts available.
Journeying in the Wilderness: Forming Faith in the 21st Century
by Terri Martinson Elton
In Journeying in the Wilderness, author Terri Martinson Elton observes that faith formation in the church setting is contextual, and multiple forces are coming together today to create seismic contextual changes at record speed. The use of stories, nontechnical language, and biblical perspectives make this work accessible for congregational leaders and others who seek to explore new directions in forming faith. Each chapter includes leadership competencies, shared practices, and group discussion questions.
Quantity discounts available.
The Mission Table: Renewing Congregation and Community
by Stephen P. Bouman, Mark S. Hanson
In a time of declining mainline Protestant church attendance, Bouman reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still very much at work in our communities and in the world. God continues to make all things new, and calls us to join this mission of reconciliation, restoration, and renewal. Each chapter of this book contains Bible references and questions for individual and group reflection, study, and action.
Quantity discounts available.
Without Oars: Casting Off into a Life of Pilgrimage
by Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, Diana Butler Bass
In Without Oars, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson blends history, storytelling, biblical insights, personal reflections, and spiritual formation in an inviting call to discover pilgrimage as a way of life. This book offers a unique perspective on the faith journey as an embodied practice of heading into the unknown and unknowable—with all the excitement, risk, and rewards that come with letting go. Continue your journey with the Without Oars Reflection Guide—perfect for church groups, book clubs, and individual study.
Quantity discounts available.
Q: The Baptism of Jesus kicks off the season of Epiphany. Are there studies that can help us appreciate the Sacrament of Baptism today?
A: Our intergenerational resources based on the work of Pastor Daniel Erlander will serve you well.
Come to the Water
This rich resource equips you to lead your whole congregation into a deeper understanding of holy baptism. The Leader Sourcebook includes 7 mini-Bible studies, an intergenerational event, a self-study resource, and lots of reproducible resources, including coloring sheets, activity pages, children’s bulletins, and more.
Baptized, We Live: Lutheranism As a Way of Life
This rich, compelling book has guided generations interested in enriching their faith in a meaningful way. In just 28 pages, Pastor Dan Erlander covers topics like history, liturgy, the eucharist, saying yes and no, and more. The new Leader Sourcebook offers many ways for congregations to interact with Baptized, We Live, including curriculum options for 4 youth-specific sessions, a youth retreat, 8 sessions for adults, and 5 mini Bible studies.
This is a great option for adult learners who want to explore the sacrament of Baptism:
Flowing Water, Uncommon Birth: Christian Baptism in a Post-Christian Culture
by Samuel Torvend
Explore a rich, ancient, multifaceted, deeply Christian baptismal practice and theology. This book invites us to ask important questions about the central mystery of Holy Baptism and the fullness of the baptized life.
Features include:
- Informal and insightful writing for all readers
- Study questions at the end of every chapter
- Examines vital issues in weekly worship
- Helps leaders and congregants understand and experience worship more richly
Finally, given the presence of the Holy Spirit in baptism, you might also want to consider this resource:
Holy Spirit: Creative Power in Our Lives
by Lois Malcolm
Who is the Holy Spirit? How does the Spirit work in our lives as individuals, families, communities, and in the world at large? What would happen if we claimed the promise of our baptism-that the Spirit truly is with us, creating within our bodies the new life we have in Jesus Christ? Drawing on Scripture, Luther’s writings, and contemporary theology, Lois Malcolm invites readers to experience the Spirit’s creative life and power-precisely within the complexity of our everyday lives.
Learner, Leader and Promotional materials are available by means of free downloads!
Q: Do you have a resource to get youth engaged with the missional themes of the Epiphany season?
A: Living beyond ourselves helps us become our fullest selves. We offer resources that can help your youth work through this journey of discovery.
Unearthing Us: Poems and Practices for Discovering Our Fullest Selves
by Joe Davis
Unearthing Us: Poems and Practices for Discovering Our Fullest Selves is a collection of 21 poems and practices inviting readers to envision a world planted with possibility, growth, and flourishing. These poems and practices beckon readers to dig deeper into ourselves and our communities to grow more joy and beauty within and around us. The Facilitator Guide provides 21 sessions for youth to learn and grow together.
T.B.D.: Mission
T.B.D.: Mission features four unique statements of faith for youth and their leaders to discuss, unpack, and ultimately find meaning around these statements:
- We are God’s servant
- God needs my help
- Mission requires sacrifice
- Everything you do matters
Epiphany ideas for kids:
Welcome, Child of God
by Anna Ylvisaker with illustrations by Claudia McGehee
Welcome, Child of God features illustrations that help children connect to their baptism and reinforcing the baptismal connections that surround us everyday. And in addition to being a treasured reminder of the child's baptism, the text has been written to be sung to the child with a musical score included on the back cover of the book. Parents will want to read and sing this beautifully illustrated board book to their child again and again!
Quantity discounts available.
Water Come Down: The Day You Were Baptized
by Walter Wangerin Jr. with illustrations by Gerardo Suzan
Water, Come Down is a wonderful introduction to the significance of baptism, its roots in the biblical story, and its meaning for life today.
Quantity discounts available.