About
Forma | A Ministry of Lifelong Learning, is the Network for Christian Formation for the Episcopal Church and beyond. We have members from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe. We work ecumenically with several denominations including the Lutheran, Methodist, Moravian, Presbyterian, and Catholic communities. Forma is a ministry of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary, and yet, closely partnered with the Office for Formation Ministries at The Episcopal Church office.
Forma members and partners are . . .
. . . members of the body of Christ accepting the call to ministry extended to us in our baptismal covenant
. . . ministers of the church—both ordained and lay
. . . paid and non-paid professionals—part-time and full-time—with responsibility for Christian formation for children, youth, and adults
. . . Episcopal educators who hold positions in local parishes, regional or diocesan offices, seminaries and other Christian education institutions
. . . consultants, camp and conference coordinators, publishers, advisers, and resource coordinators in the area of Christian formation
. . . congregations, diocese, resource providers, and other institutions that value formation ministry and partner with Forma in its mission
. . . we are YOU—welcome!!
Mission and Vision for the 21st Century
MISSION
Forma | A Ministry of Lifelong Learning celebrates, equips, supports and connects leaders who form followers of Jesus. - Ephesians 4:11-16
Core Values
Forma | A Ministry of Lifelong Learning is a community of...
Love and Care: We share God's love and care for others by fostering connection, celebration, hospitality, and reconciliation.
Creativity and Wonder: We e…
Read More »Forma Leadership
Forma is a ministry of Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary. Forma's initiatives are administered by the staff of Lifelong Learning in collaboration with the Forma Advisory Committee. Sarah Bentley Allred currently serves as the Forma Convener on behalf of Lifelong Learning.
2022 Forma Advisory Committee
2023 Conference Planning Committee
History of Forma
Forma was founded in 1997 when a group of Episcopal Christian educators gathered with a vision to create a place where those directly responsible for Christian formation of children, youth, and adults could share resources and support one another in their ministries. First incorporated under the name NAECED (the National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors), i…
Read More »Advocacy
The Forma Advocacy Team is a group of dedicated lay and clergy who actively develop, promote, and support formation and lay professionals in the Episcopal Church. The Advocacy Team supports the work of Forma in two main areas, both which include the role as an advisor to those seeking information and support.
- General Convention
- Professional Development
Forma members Missy Morain, D…
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