Foundations: Marking Time Student Workbook

Available on Kindle: Marking Time: Forming Spirituality Through the Christian Year Student Workbook

Foundations for Ministry Series: Marking Time: Forming Spirituality Through the Christian Year
Dr. Don L Davis

A part of our Foundations for Ministry Series. Throughout the centuries, Christians all over the world have shared their celebration and discipleship in the form of observances and meditations organized around the “Church Year” (as it is preferred in Latin documents), or the “Christian Year” or “liturgical year,” depending on the tradition. As one document refers to the Christian Year, it represents “the whole mystery of Christ, from his Incarnation to the day of Pentecost and the expectation of his coming again.” When the Christian year is observed with humility, vitality, and hunger, it can provide a clear strategy to lead an entire Christian community together in its discipleship. This course explores the origins and meaning of the remembrance and reenactment of the life of Christ in real time during the calendar year. We will argue that a biblical appropriation of the Church Year can provide an integrated, connected means to unite a Christian assembly in vital shared spirituality. In addition, this course gives special attention to the ways in which the Christian Year can equip urban poor populations in a biblical worldview and Christian discipleship using its outline in worship, teaching, preaching, and service.