Faith Formation

Not only does our spiritual growth impact our lives, but our lives impact our spiritual growth.  We each have a unique journey of faith.  Our lives reflect who we are, and for anyone discovering faith in God, the teachings of Jesus, or desiring growth in their faith walk with God, our goal is this: To provide relevant and pertinent opportunities that both affirm God’s grace in our lives and world and also challenge us to move closer to the person God desires us to become.  

Message on Faith Formation at Second Baptist Church

Jesus was fond of organic metaphors; fields, vineyards, and plants seemed to provide ready examples for profound truths about the Kingdom of Heaven. This God-filled reality, which he often described with stories of abundance and growth, is all around us, but it is also within us. The reality Jesus described is all-encompassing; it touches every aspect of our lives. Second Baptist calls it a whole-life faith. 

Nearly everything we do as humans is part of our spiritual formation. Whether you are watching TV, reading the Bible, or playing with your kids, your inner spiritual life is affected in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.  Whether you are completing a presentation for work, paying bills, or sharing coffee with a friend, the way you act and the things you say are rooted in that same spiritual life.  

That is why adult faith formation opportunities are a critical part of Second Baptist Church’s vision of nurturing whole-life faith. Growth in Christ can be pursued in any number of ways, but thoughtful, diligent study of the Bible has been a vital part of faith formation for Christians through the centuries.

Scripture constantly emphasizes the need to ingest and enact the words of God. In Psalm 1, the person who does this is “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.” Organic images again, illustrating a faith with both roots and fruits. A whole-life faith. 

Second Baptist’s Sunday morning Bible studies are designed to help participants engage more fully in whole-life faith. These classes are wonderful opportunities for learning and community building. Each week we have groups for all age ranges, with excellent teachers covering a wide variety of topics and Biblical passages.

Opportunities to engage and grow come at various times of the week in groups of all sizes, in worship, meeting for coffee, or being involved with one of our Community Groups. We encourage everyone to make this Bible study time a key component of their spiritual development.

Whether you are a lifelong member or brand new to the community, there is a place for you. Whether you have an advanced degree in theology or have rarely opened the Bible before, there is a place for you. We hope you’ll join us.

Jeff Langford

Adult Faith Formation Coordinator