PATHWAYS
WALKING WITH PEOPLE TOWARD WHO THEY ARE BECOMING
Programs are the primary ways people participate in the life of Formation Church. Each program is designed to meet people where they are—and to walk with them, over time, toward deeper connection, formation, and shared life.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all path, these programs form a living pathway, from honest inner questions, to shared rhythms of life, to relational belonging, and finally toward outward purpose and cultural stewardship.
OUR FIVE PROGRAMS:
• Exploring Communities — safe spaces for honest questions
• Practicing Communities — spiritual formation lived together
• Common Ground — social connection and belonging
• Career Lab — practical support for everyday life and work
• Community Incubator — supporting those who steward our shared culture
Exploring Communities
SAFE SPACES FOR HONEST QUESTIONS
Exploring Communities are respectful, welcoming spaces where people can bring real questions about life, meaning, faith, and purpose—without pressure, judgment, or expectation. These communities are often the first step for those who are curious, searching, or simply wanting space to think out loud with others. Here, curiosity is honored, listening comes before fixing, and every voice matters.
FORMATION GROUPS
Real questions. Honest conversations. Safe community.
“Formation Groups” are our primary entry point for exploring life’s deeper questions together. These confidential small groups meet in the Fall and Spring and are designed to foster trust, listening, and thoughtful reflection. Groups are organized as Men’s and Women’s to honor different life experiences and perspectives. Anyone who identifies differently is warmly invited to join the group where they feel most comfortable.
What to Expect:
• Weekly gathering (~2 hours, typically a weeknight)
• Light dinner provided
• Anonymous question submission by group members
• A rhythm built on listening, reflection, and mutual respect
A Typical Flow:
• A real-life question is shared
• Clarifying questions (understanding, not fixing)
• Group reflection while the questioner listens
• Personal reflection from the questioner
It’s a simple but powerful practice—learning to listen well, speak honestly, and grow together.
ALPHA
A welcoming space to explore life and faith.
Alpha offers a relaxed, no-pressure environment to explore the basics of the Christian faith. It’s especially designed for those who are unsure, curious, or returning to faith after time away. Each gathering includes a shared meal, a short video introducing a theme, and open conversation in small groups.
• Come as you are
• Every perspective is welcome
• No pressure to believe
• No question is off-limits
Practicing Communities
SHARED RHYTHMS THAT FORM US TOGETHER
Practicing Communities are the shared rhythms of Formation Church—where faith is shaped not in isolation, but through worship, learning, meals, prayer, and shared discernment. Faith is not just something we believe—it’s something we practice together.
WEEKLY GATHERING (SUNDAYS)
A welcoming space to explore life and faith.
Our weekly gathering centers our lives around worship, Scripture-rooted teaching, shared stories, and communal response—reminding us that formation happens through attention, presence, and practice.
TABLE FELLOWSHIP
Faith formed around food, friendship, and presence
“Table Fellowship” creates space for belonging through shared meals in homes, church spaces, and community settings—without agenda, curriculum, or pressure.
STEP 2 GROUPS
Integrating faith into everyday life
These seasonal small groups focus on deeper exploration of a theme or formation practice through Scripture, guided reflection, and shared conversation.
SCRIPTURE & REFLECTION CIRCLES
Learning to let Scripture shape us together
These gatherings emphasize slow reading, thoughtful dialogue, and communal discernment—creating space for Scripture to form both heart and habit.
PRAYER & DISCERNMENT GATHERINGS
Practicing attentiveness to God in community
Through prayer, silence, and listening, these gatherings help individuals and the community discern next faithful steps together.
Common Ground
SOCIAL SPACES FOR REAL CONNECTION
“Common Ground” creates relaxed, welcoming environments where people can simply be themselves—building friendships and connection without pressure or pretense.
These gatherings are about joy, laughter, shared experiences, and discovering that belonging often grows through ordinary moments.
Examples include:
• Dinner & Games Nights
• Coffeehouse Hangs
• Board Game Socials
• Speed Friending
• Story & Laughter Nights
• Seasonal and Holiday Gatherings
• Collaborative Service & Shared Meals
Career Lab
PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR THE REALITIES OF WORK & LIFE
“Career Lab” offers hands-on support for navigating work, calling, and next steps—whether someone is discerning direction, preparing for opportunity, or building confidence.
Offerings include:
• Identity and calling discovery
• Résumé and cover letter development
• Interview preparation and mock conversations
• AI in work and everyday life
• Improv for confidence, communication, and presence
• MyBestCollege.com — a guided college-fit experience for students and families
Community Incubator
SUPPORTING THOSE WHO STEWARD OUR SHARED CULTURE
“Community Incubator” exists to come alongside locally rooted businesses and organizations—helping them launch, grow, and remain locally owned so they can continue blessing the community.
This is where faith meets economics, creativity, and stewardship.
BLESS A BUSINESS
We commit to pray for, patronize, and promote locally owned businesses—recognizing them as vital contributors to the life of our neighborhoods.
How It Works:
• Prayer for business owners and their stories
• Patronage through direct support
• Promotion by sharing stories and inviting others to support local
BUSINESS SUPPORT & INVESTMENT
Through partnerships with trusted experts, the Community Incubator provides:
• Strategic guidance
• Financial systems and bookkeeping
• Operations and process documentation
• Digital platforms and e-commerce
• Storytelling and content creation
• Leadership and management support
• Community-aligned investment to sustain local ownership