RESOURCE MANUAL for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM Prepared by: CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND NURTURE CLUSTER Southern Luzon Jurisdictional Convention United Church of Christ in the Philippines 1991 1 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM TABLE OF CONTENTS I. FOREWORDS i. From The Bishop, ii. From The Program Secretary II. ACKNOWLEDGMENT III. THE SLJC LAY FORMATION PROGRAM: A Concept IV. LFP AREAS OF STUDY The Status Of Laypeople by Norbert Becker Laypeople: Hope of the Church by Norbert Becker Ministry of the Laity: Some Biblico-Theological Reflections by Rev. Luna L. Dingayan We Believe … in the Holy Bible by Dr. Noriel C. Capulong Understanding the Bible Nature and Origin of Biblical Writings by Rev Rexvalor Reyes Basic Understanding of Theology Jose DeMesa, Paul Tillich Study Guide on the UP Statement of Faith by Rev. Luna L. Dingayan Kalikasan at Misyon ng Iglesya ni Reb. Rizaldo I. Bahia The Church: A Steward of God's Creation by Bishop Estanislao Q. Abainza Epekto ng Ginagawa ng Tao sa Kapaligiran Primer on Environment, DENR Philippine History: A Course Outline by Rev. Noel L. Baybay Philippine History/Philippine Church History Rev. Noel L. Baybay A Survey on the Historical Development of Christian Churches by Rev. Luna L. Dingayan Ang UCCP: Isang Pangkasaysayang Pagtanaw ni Bishop Eliezer M. Pascua 2 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM The Role of Liturgy in the Life and Witness of Christian Community by Prof. Nellie M. Cleto Liturgical Renewal and Peace by Ms. Sharon Rose joy Ruiz-Duremdes Liturgical Renewal and Peace by Rev. Lydia N. Niguidula Liturgy and Justice by Stephen Larson, WCC Input on Listening Techniques Leadership Qualities by Pastor Reynaldo Cortes Skills of a Good Supervisor/Facilitator A. Hope, S. Timmel and C. Hodzi Managing A Church: Managing A Ministry by Prof. Angelito Samson Teaching in Groups Running Effective Meetings Mga Mungkahi at Gabay Para sa Isang Sistematiko at Komprehensibong Pagpaplano ni Rev. Jessie S. Suarez Rules of Debate and Order from the UCCP Constitution and By-Laws Basic Principles of Church Organizing by Rev. Dennis Duhaylungsod Gawaing Pag-oorganisang Pangkomunidad ni Rev. Serafin Ersando 3 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM FROM THE BISHOP The remarkable impact and stirring accomplishments which resulted from the Lay Formation Program since it started are enough inspirations for us to be more hopeful and strong-willed in the task of educating the laity. And why not? Well, simply because we believe that "laypeople are the hope of the church." Norbert V. Becker, in his book, Laymen: Hope of the Church, quoted an old Chinese proverb which goes like this: "if you are planning for one year, plant a grain. If you are planning for one hundred years, plant trees. If you are planning for one hundred years, plant men (persons).” It captures very lucidly our vision for the church wherein all members, clergy and laity together, work hand in hand and corporately using their gifts and talents for the life of the world. This resource material is but a concrete gesture of our commitment to attain that noble purpose. I commend this to all those who also aspire for the same. This might not be a complete volume, yet full of insights that will surely help our laypeople (and even our clergy) enhance their potentials. I hope that in the process, this will not only make our laypeople become aware of their role but will also challenge them to actively participate in the continuing ministry of Jesus Christ in this world. Partner in Service, BISHOP ELIEZER M. PASCUA Jurisdictional Bishop 4 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM FROM THE PROGRAM SECRETARY CONFERENCE WITHIN SLJC are now on their third year of venturing into a systematic and comprehensive formation of the laypeople in the local churches. And thus far, we can say (without being too presumptuous) that the program, since it was formally implemented in 1988, is now gaining ground. Reports from conferences reveal that those who have already finished the one-year course, are now actively involved in the ministry of the local churches. A good number of them, as a matter of fact, have already-been recognized as lay preachers by their respective conferences. And for some conferences, LAY FORMATION PROGRAM has been required as a pre- training course for those who aspire to take up ministerial training. These are but favorable indicators of LFP's impact to Local churches and conferences. Educating the laity is indeed one of the most inevitable tasks that the church has to perform, if it wants to be more effective in its ministry. Lay formation is an essential element of our pedagogical task as a church – a necessary component of our education and nurture program. Continuing education for church workers is, of course, equally significant. But we are envisioning and looking forward to a future where "church workers and laypeople are working hand in hand in the task of witness and service." To contribute to the attainment of such a vision, the jurisdiction, through its Christian Education and Nurture Cluster, prepared this RESOURCE MANUAL FOR LAY FORMATION PROGRAM which is designed for both facilitators and lay trainees. While we are cognizant that this may not be a perfect contribution, we are nonetheless, certain that this will serve as a booster particularly to those who are involve in the lay formation undertaking. For sure, this is not yet the last. This, in fact, is just the beginning of a more determined effort on the part of the jurisdiction to assist in the empowerment of its constituents – the laypeople in particular. May this be a good beginning for all us – local churches, conferences and jurisdiction, at that – as we corporately work for the attainment of a renewed and empowered Christian Community. Shalom, REV. JESSIE S. SUAREZ Program Secretary Christian Education & Nurture Cluster, .SLJC 5 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Southern Luzon Jurisdictional Convention is indeed very grateful to those who shared and contribute their creative skills and talents and their precious time for the accomplishment of this resource material. Special mention goes to: Rev. Rexvalor Reyes Rev. Lana L. Dingayan Rev. Rizaldo I. Bahia Rev. Noel L. Baybay Bishop Estanislao Q. Abainza Bishop Elieaer M. Pascua Prof. Nellie M. Cleto Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz Duremdes Rev. Lydia N. Niguidula Rev. Dennis Duhaylungsod Rev. Serafin R. Ersando Rev. Jessie S. Suarez Rev. Patrick McDivith Pastor Reynaldo Cortes Ms. Sharon B. Bavot Ms. Marissa B. Suarez Ms. Rahvin C. Banguran To all unknown Writers/Authors whose works have been used here To all other persons who helped us in this undertaking, but whose names we cannot enumerate, our deep gratitude. May this be of help as we strive to empower our laypeople, the hope of our church. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & NURTURE CLUSTER Southern Luzon Jurisdictional Convention 6 Resource Manual for LAY FORMATION PROGRAM THE SLJC LAY FORMATION PROGRAM CONCEPT (A One Year Training Program for Lay) I. RATIONALE: Much has been said about the significant roles the clergy and the church workers could create in re-directing and re-orienting the churches. Moreover, considerable efforts and resources have been poured in to realize such thrusts. The Pastoral Formation Program, in one way or the other, contributed largely in making the SLJC churches what it is now. The impact of Pastoral Formation Program ushered in meaningful consciousness as well as opportunities for church workers to engage themselves in a more systematic and scientific churchmanship as rich traditions of the faith rediscovered, distorted and domesticating values challenged and dialogues between the new and the old thoughts facilitated. Furthermore, church workers have come to realize the very essence of motivating, forming, and moving the churches – its people, its resources both material and technical to be of service to the needy in the communities. The era of reawakening has come! The decade of intensified and massive Formation work among SLJC church workers has indeed produced considerable number of dedicated men and women. Unintentionally, however, while the SLJC has been engrossed with its reasonable concern for church workers, the silent majority — the laity to whom belongs the destiny of the churches — stood untouched, unmoved, uninvolved and unaccounted to the cause of the church where it should be. The laity who are supposed to be those who possess hundredfold of talents, positive attitudes, aspirations and ideals have yet to be tapped for the realization of an authentic world to live. The dynamic faith and its imperative continue to challenge as many Christians as possible especially the laity, since they are the very core in the task of Kingdom building. The lack of means or opportunities for growth and development must be provided for to ensure not an elite church, but for more efficiency and effectivity in the church service. The struggle therefore goes on so that church people can become more deeply God's people, God's loved and cherished community – a community where His presence reigns supreme in every heart, where all participate actively in life, where all show Christian love by working together to make the churches and communities better and more humane places. With its commitment and dedication, the SLJC wishes to pursue the mission of responding to the calls of the times as it carries on the theme “The Church For The Life Of The World: Called To Be Stewards of God’s Creation”. Specifically, the SLJC, would attempt to Venture on the thrust of motivating, forming, and moving church people – the laity, hence, THE LAY FORMATION PROGRAM. II. NATURE OF THE PROGRAM Lay Formation is the task of equipping and enabling the laity of the Church to Live and act out their faith in the world in order to assist in bringing about the fuller manifestation of God's Kingdom.