Not just a book of information, but a book for transformation
The everything-you-need to know adult guide to the Episcopal Church that is easy to read but with substance for newcomers, adult formation groups, and lifelong Episcopalians who desire to know more about their church. The language of worship, theology, church structure, sacraments, and discipleship offers a framework to explore the meaning and practice of being an Episcopalian and follower of Jesus.
This updated and revised version of the popular original 2009 book incorporates new initiatives and changes in the Episcopal Church, including marriage, inclusion of LBGTQ+ persons, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s call to join the Jesus Movement, and taking our faith out into the world, following our baptismal promises. A Leader Guide is included in this revised edition in addition to the “transformation questions” that follow each chapter.
Read an excerpt
Part One: Welcome
Preface: Telling Secrets
Introduction: Transforming Questions
Part Two: Be
Interlude: “God doesn’t resolve”
Chapter One: Beginnings
Part Three: Seeking the True and Be Attentive
Interlude: “I Wonder”
Chapter Two: Bible Stories
Interlude: “Four Words Toward Aha: “Today We Remember Tomorrow”
Chapter Three: History
Part Four: Be Intelligent
Interlude: “I Set My Heart on God”
Chapter Four: Faith: Whom Do We Trust?
Part Five: Be Reasonable
Interlude: “A Troubling Call”
Chapter Five: Navigating the Church: From Local to Worldwide
Part Six: Seeking the Good and Be Responsible
Interlude: “Do”
Chapter Six: Ministry: Participating in the Mission of God
Part Seven: Seeking God and Be in Love
Interlude: “Created To Be in Relationship”
Chapter Seven: Spirituality: Created for Prayer
Interlude: “A Thin Place on Sunday Morning”
Chapter Eight: Worship: Responding to God’s Blessings
Interlude: “Called to Be … In Love”
Chapter Nine: Sacraments: Symbols of Grace
Glossary
Leader Guide
"This much-anticipated update of Your Faith, Your Life is unique in its combination of liturgical faithfulness, heartfelt spirituality, and adaptability to our varied learning communities. I've used it as a foundational text for adult formation for years, both as a diocesan educator and a parish priest, and continue to appreciate it as a resource for both learning and practicing the Christian and Episcopal faith in community."
––The Rev. Canon Julia McCray-Goldsmith, Canon for Cathedral Life, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon
"Your Faith, Your Life teaches the basic content of the Christian faith through an Episcopal lens, and it does so briefly and effectively. It is also interspersed with thoughtful reflections that remind us that the life of faith is not merely a matter of gathering and assenting to information. As such, it can be helpful to people of many different temperaments and learning styles. Give this book to newcomers, catechumens, and all those who are deciding whether to make the Episcopal Church their home."
––The Rev. Josh Hosler, Associate for Adult Formation, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Bellingham, Washington
"Your Faith, Your Life provides information, formation, and transformation to those who are seeking to learn more about the Episcopal Church. In this remarkable book, Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis offer story, data, perspective, explanation, and thought-provoking questions and suggestions for action so that the reader can enter into the truths of what is presented and discover how it connects with their own life and faith. Unlike any other book on Anglican heritage that I have read, this work suggests a process for deepening one's spirituality, wherever one is on their faith journey. I am impressed with the usability of this book, by individuals, small groups, perhaps even entire congregations who want to understand church tradition and their place within the story of salvation. This book is a gift to the Episcopal Church!"
––Kate Gillooly, Director of Deacon Formation, Episcopal Diocese of Ohio and Education for Ministry Trainer
"Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis have completed a generous update of the 2009 instant classic Your Faith, Your Life, presenting orthodoxy for the 21st century. It's not rewriting orthodoxy to include 21st century ideals, its showing that orthodoxy always included these ideals. New textbooks on physics aren't created because the immutable laws of physics have changed. New discoveries illuminate what was already there: quarks, gluons, earth-like planets. These don't change our view of Newton's laws of gravity, or the 2nd law of thermodynamics. Likewise, Gamber and Lewellis have brought the "new" discoveries of the gospel of inclusion, the Jesus Movement, and the modern Church to a new guidebook of Episcopal identity. Your Faith, Your Life will be the new must have for Confirmation classes, adult education, college ministry, and other formation needs. It offers a simple guide through what it means to be an Episcopal disciple in the 21st century."
––Bill Campbell, Executive Director of Forma
