It’s that time of year again—the e-Formation Conference is almost upon us. Here’s my stab at the e-Formation FAQ blog challenge.
Q: What is e-Formation?
A: A learning community for ministry in a digital world, convened by the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary.
Q: Why should technology matter to churches?
A: Because digital media are helping churches reach out to their neighborhoods and strengthen the ties among their members. Because technology is helping individual Christians explore and deepen their faith outside of Sunday morning. Because the Spirit of God is with us wherever we go (Psalm 139). Because Christ has no online presence but yours.
Q: What is e-Formation 2015?
A: This year’s big e-Formation gathering—150 or so ministry practitioners sharing hands-on training and big-picture inspiration. You can check out this year’s program here.
Speakers include author Keith Anderson, Augsburg Fortress CEO Beth Lewis, Scott Gunn of Forward Movement, Anthony Guillén and Jake Dell from the Episcopal Church Center staff, and so many more.
Q: Tell me about the cost, location, etc.
A: The event takes place June 1-3 on the campus of Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, just a few miles from Washington DC’s Reagan National Airport. Limited on-campus housing is still available for the evenings of May 31 through June 3. The cost of attending the full conference is $279, and online registration is available here.
Q: Is there somewhere I can get a taste of last year’s event?
A: Absolutely. Our #eform14 Pinterest board contains links to workshop materials and recordings from last year, and there are photos on RebelMouse and Flickr. You can also read our summary here, or check out blog posts from participants Chris Yaw and Nurya Love Parish.
Q: What if I can’t afford the time and expense of attending?
A: For just $79, you can purchase webinar access to the conference for simultaneous participation with a lively online audience and/or later streaming of recorded workshops and plenaries. For $99, you can purchase a single-day pass. And students can take advantage of our discounted registration price of $167. Find more information on the registration and webinar access pages.
Q: Are there opportunities for training in Spanish?
A: Yes, absolutely. Through our partnership with the Episcopal Church Latino/Hispanic Ministries office, we are thrilled to offer an evening program in Spanish corresponding to each day’s conference theme (Monday: congregational growth and development; Tuesday: tools/skills bootcamp; Wednesday: faith formation and learning).
Participants can attend in person or online via Zoom at prices designed to be affordable for everyone. Simultaneous interpretation will also be available at the conference for the plenaries and a small selection of workshops. Learn more about e-Formation en español here.
Q: OK, so why should I come to e-Formation?
A: I’m most excited for the insights from innovators on the cutting edge of faith formation and technology. Last year that meant Sarah Lefton from G-dcast. This year, for me, it’s Beth Lewis. She’s CEO of Augsburg Fortress, whose sparkhouse imprint continually rocks my world. I can’t wait to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the work she does and to pick her brain about curriculum design in the 21st century.