What Is Lifespan Faith?

Erick DuPree, MA

Director of Religious Education

Lifespan Religious Education, or Lifespan Faith Development is the opportunity to provide an educational and prophetic voice for the entire arc of a person’s lifetime. It is no secret that spiritual growth and exploration never stops. As Unitarian Universalist, we seek to affirm and promote, that the queries about faith indeed do not stop. Unitarian Universalism is founded on patriarchal heresies, and we couldn't be prouder!

Lifespan Faith is looking at the big picture, not just where we currently reside in our spiritual journey, but where we have been and where we are hoping to be in the future.The Unitarian Universalist Association meets this need with an exciting pedagogical model, Tapestry of Faith, which builds and nurtures Unitarian Universalist identity, spiritual growth, transformative faith, and brings together the vital communities of justice and love. This is a living project! These resources continue to be developed from a broad series of conversations that harkens towards the future direction for Unitarian Universalist religious growth. Most exciting about Tapestry of Faith is that it is a cumulative model, each unit offered builds on the experiences from the previous. How exciting to see the next generation of Unitarian Universalists who have been raised in this living tradition’s curricula.

Know however that many curriculums, from Our Whole Lives to the small group ministry models, to unique congregation based programs; vespers to mediations, drum circles to retreats, every course offered, including worship on Sunday is looking at the big picture. Unitarian Universalists empower people to seek a deeper spiritual connection within the gathered community. Lifespan Religious Education brings a focus to that, creates a safe haven for covenant building, and allows a community to grow together whereby holding the spiritual questions of tomorrow. Ministers are called to feed their flock, religious educators are trained to partner in that nourishing, lay leaders are inspired to dig in their tool chest to offer their unique gifts. Together we commit to a person’s lifetime of faith development.