Pilgrim is a teaching and discipleship resource that helps inquirers and new Christians explore what it means to travel through life with Christ. A Christian course for the twenty-first century, Pilgrim offers an approach of participation, not persuasion. Following the practice of the ancient disciplines of biblical reflection and prayer with quotes from the Christian tradition throughout the ages, Pilgrim assumes little or no knowledge of the Christian faith. Individuals or small groups on the journey of discipleship in the Episcopal tradition can use Pilgrim at any point.
Pilgrim is made up of two parts, each with four courses contained in four booklets:
Follow: Do you turn to Christ?
1. Turning to Christ
2. The Lord's Prayer
3. The Commandments
4. The Beatitudes
Grow: Will you continue in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship? Releasing August 2016
5. The Creeds
6. The Eucharist
7. The Bible
8. Church & Kingdom
Each course offers six sessions each that combine a simple prayer, reflection on a biblical selection using lectio divina, an article by a modern writer, and reflection questions.
There is also Pilgrim Leader Guide which is an essential tool for anyone who wishes to offer any portion of Pilgrim in a small group, whether in church, school, or home.
Course 7: The Bible: What is it, how was it given to us, and how should we read it? These six sessions combine simple prayer, Bible reflection in the lectio divina style, an article by a modern writer, and time for questions and reflection. By the end of the six sessions, it is hoped that participants will have learned how to make reading the Bible a part of everyday life, with the ability to read, pray, and listen to what God might be saying, allowing the words to change each participant.
"The Pilgrim program is rich resource that promises to transform both individuals and communities on the Way. This book in the series is a combination teaching tool with an exploration of basics of the Bible and invitation to engage deeply with the Word of God, the Word around which we, as Christians, gather to listen to God's will for us as individuals in community. It is rich in its simplicity and a deep well of water to nourish us on the way as disciples of Christ in the world."
––Jenifer Gamber, author of My Faith, My Life and Your Faith, Your Life
The Pilgrim program is an exciting and highly accessible set of educational resources for Episcopalians and other Christians, wherever they are in their spiritual journey. Church leaders, take note, these helpful courses are well worth using in your congregations
—The Rev. Canon C. K. Robertson, Ph.D.
Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry
Beyond the Episcopal Church
Pilgrim: A Course for the Christian Journey, a 21st century resource for those who are considering becoming Episcopalians or for Episcopalians deepening their commitment to God and to the Episcopal Church, is an exceptional comprehensive study. The Pilgrim series Leader's Guide is clear in explaining the how to's as well as the nuances of leading a group. "The Commandments: How do Christians behave?" is a beautifully written study teaching the history of The Commandments in the context of living faithful lives today. I highly recommend the Pilgrim Series for adult confirmation/journey classes, or for anyone seeking to better understand what we, as Episcopalians, believe.
—Deborah Bell Rodahaffer, Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky, Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee
Pilgrim is a welcome resource for discipleship formation in TEC, presenting the foundations of the Christian faith in a format that is accessible and that encourages reflection and discussion. The Commandments segment provides a rich theological, historical and biblical background for breaking open the Decalogue and making it a useful tool for the spiritual journey. The companion Leader's Guide is user-friendly and will support group leaders at any level of experience in leading fruitful discussions.
—The Rev. Canon Patricia S. Mitchell, Canon Missioner, Mount Vernon Episcopal Ministry
I am using Pilgrim: The Bible for a new small group and everyone loves it. Most of these people have done some sort of Bible study and they love this format. I will be starting another group soon and will use it again.
—Laurie Holden, Christian Formation Coordinator at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina and the Chair of the Diocese of North Carolina¹s Chartered Committee for Lifelong Christian Formation.
