Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary

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Lifelong Learning at Virginia Theological Seminary

We connect, nurture, and celebrate communities of faithful practice.

The Center for the Ministry of Teaching was founded in 1985 to promote research and development to foster improved teaching practices and curricula in The Episcopal Church. Our resource library and ministry of consultation and training have historically served the Virginia Theological Seminary community as well as the broader Church. In more recent years, we have embraced the opportunities of the

digital age, expanding our technological resources and extending our ministry into the online world. We look forward to working with you as we seek and serve Christ through vital lifelong faith formation.

05/28/2026

During the final gathering of our Mutual Ministry Initiative fellows, the group read children's books like "Stone Soup" that feature themes for intergenerational formation about mutual ministry.

Mutual Ministry Initiative was a multi-year experience led by Lifelong Learning's Rev. Patricia Lyons, D.Min. and designed both to leverage the strengths of a residential, denominational seminary education and address its challenges. Eleven Virginia Theological Seminary students participated.

Mutual Ministry invited the fellows to consider shifting from the model where professional clergy are the sole ministers in a congregation to one in which ordained clergy serve alongside and among a community of ministers: the people of the congregation!

Patricia Lyons

IMAGES: Lifelong Learning

05/26/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to the nine Roots & Wings Fellows who recently completed the inaugural Roots & Wings program designed to equip Episcopal congregations to live into the fullness of the body of Christ by equally valuing and actively engaging the gifts and needs of all ages in liturgical worship.

For the past eight months, the Fellows explored intergenerational worship through presentations from expert-practitioners, one-on-one coaching, reflection, and peer collaboration.

Roots & Wings Fellows:

Rev. Martin Elfert
Rector, Grace Memorial, Portland, OR

Rev. Erika Jackson-Essiem
Rector, St. Francis, San Jose, CA

Rev. Marna Franson
Missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan
Missioner, St. Paul's, Marquette, MI

Rev. Isaac Martinez
Priest in Charge, Trinity Parish, Melrose, MA

Rev. Bryan O'Carroll
Rector, Holy Innocents', Valrico, FL

Rev. Lissie Rhoton
Rector, Christ & Grace, Petersburg, VA

Rev. Alexander Swain
Assistant for Intergenerational Ministry, St. Philip's, Tucson, AZ
Vicar, St. Andrew's, Tucson, AZ

Rev. Lauren Grubaugh Thomas
Founding Vicar, Holy Companion, Sterling Ranch, CO

Rev. Marisa Tabizon Thompson
Rector, Church of the Epiphany, San Carlos, CA

Martin Elfert Erika L Jackson Marna Franson Trinity Parish in Melrose Bryan O'Carroll Lissie Rhoton Saint Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church Lauren Grubaugh Thomas Marisa Tabizon Thompson

05/20/2026

In the latest episode of the TryTank Podcast, two Lifelong Learning colleagues, TryTank's Rev. Lorenzo Lebrija and the Rev. Kyle Oliver converse about the power of storytelling.

Kyle is the new director of Hope Exchange, a groundbreaking Lifelong Learning storytelling initiative being funded by Lilly Endowment.

Hope Exchange aims to connect diverse communities through shared narratives, emphasizing the importance of personal stories in understanding God and belonging to a faith community. Kyle reflects on the transformative impact of storytelling, not just for those within the church, but for anyone curious about faith!

LISTEN: https://www.trytank.org/podcast.html

TryTank Kyle Oliver

05/14/2026

During their three years earning M.Div. degrees at Virginia Theological Seminary, Emma DiPace and Lauren Breeden also served with excellence and good fun as Lifelong Learning student workers. Both made lasting contributions to our programming and common life; we are forever grateful.

All of us in Lifelong Learning wish Emma and Lauren God's blessings as they embark on the next chapter of their life in ministry. They have been a blessing to ours!

Emma Di Pace Lauren Breeden

05/12/2026

Join this workshop that examines how faith-based educators equip justice-seeking disciples for public life. Explore creative approaches to the core practices of listening, storytelling, and embodied presence that build capacity for faithful and courageous action in the way of Jesus!

Live Spanish interpretation available.

REGISTER: https://ww-formation-faithful-action.eventbrite.com

05/06/2026

The latest episode of the Faith-filled Families Podcast features Lifelong Learning's Lisa Kimball in a conversation about her personal journey into faith formation.

As she shares, that journey began in college when Lisa was asked, “When did you first accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” Although she had been raised to attend church consistently, that question sparked a determination to go beyond following the habits of church and to seek to understand how being a follower of Christ changes a person.

LISTEN: https://www.faithfilledfamilies.org/app-landing-page

Faith-Filled Families Lisa Kimball

05/04/2026

During an April 30 reception, Virginia Theological Seminary honored the enduring impact of Lisa Kimball, Ph.D. as she prepares to retire as the Vice President for Lifelong Learning and the James Maxwell Professor Chair of Lifelong Christian Formation.

Current and former VTS and Lifelong Learning colleagues, students, and friends shared what Lisa has meant to them as a beloved and inspiring teacher, mentor, and leader.

This summer, Lisa will literally be able to ride off into the next chapter of her life: her retirement gift from the seminary is a bicycle!

Virginia Theological Seminary Lisa Kimball Patricia Lyons

04/30/2026

Lifelong Learning’s Roots & Wings: Intergenerational Formation Collaborative grant team has recently published a new, free resource: The Hallmarks of Intergenerational Worship Toolkit!

The Toolkit is designed to help congregations assess and strengthen how they welcome, engage, and empower all ages in worship.

EXPLORE THE TOOLKIT: https://buildfaith.org/hallmarks-of-intergenerational-worship-toolkit/

BuildingFaith Sarah Bentley Allred

04/28/2026

JUST RELEASED: Building Faith’s favorite curriculum options based on theology, availability, and pedagogy!

As of 2024, the Building Faith editors have expanded this list to include both catechesis and confirmation resources to help you prepare candidates for baptism, reaffirmation of their baptismal vows, reception, or confirmation.

For each curriculum “top pick” the editors list the name, publisher, publication date, age group, curriculum contents, and a brief summary.

EXPLORE THE TOP PICKS: https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?e=478be9c87a&u=81191640565cfef85d9ce1249&id=96cca24e21

BuildingFaith

04/23/2026

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Address

3737 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA
22304

Telephone

(703) 461-1885

Website

https://vts.edu/lifelong-learning/

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