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?
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 5: The Creeds: What is the core of Christian belief in greater depth, as shown through the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds? These six sessions aim to equip the reader with an understanding of the creeds as priceless resources for living the Christian life and for knowing God better. In Session 1, we look at what it means to say: "I believe" and "We believe" and at the role the creeds play in strengthening our relationship with God. Session 2 explores what it means to understand God as Trinity: one God in three persons. Sessions 3 and 4 take us deeper in our understanding of Jesus and look at the way Christ is fully God and fully human and at the great work of redemption on the cross. Session 5 explores the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and Session 6 at what we believe about the Church.
Download a sample session
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
