Formation – From Lived Experience to Practical Application

Episode Overview

In this episode of Religion to Reality, hosts Dave Plisky and Father John Gribowich explore the critical topic of faith formation, examining the barriers that prevent Catholics from receiving ongoing spiritual development and highlighting practices that have proven successful. Through conversations with three experienced formation leaders, they uncover why trust and personal relationships are foundational to authentic spiritual growth.

Key Timestamps

• [00:00:00] Opening quote on ministry and intimacy
• [00:01:00] Introduction to faith formation experiences
• [00:03:00] The backwards approach done right: Belong → Believe → Behave
• [00:05:00] Results from discipleship study on formation needs
• [00:06:00] Interview with Dr. Bill Keimig begins
• [00:11:00] Discussion on trust in formation relationships
• [00:19:00] Interview with Cindy Black on pastoral formation
• [00:26:00] Consumer Christianity vs. authentic discipleship
• [00:33:00] Interview with Friar Rick on Alpha program
• [00:39:00] Practical ministry approaches and flexibility
• [00:45:00] Long-term perspective on spiritual growth

Featured Guests

Dr. Bill Keimig

Deputy Director, Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University

• Expert in RCIA/OCIA processes
• Trainer for over 80 dioceses worldwide
• Advocate for relationship-centered formation

Cindy Black

Pastoral Associate, St. Vincent de Paul Parish

• Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana
• Experienced in Catholic radio ministry
• Specialist in welcoming seekers to the Church

Friar Rick Riccioli

Parish Ministry Leader

• Experienced with Alpha program implementation
• Focus on hospitality and evangelization culture
• Expert in community outreach through arts and media

Key Insights & Quotes

On Trust in Formation

“Ministry is defined by degree of intimacy and nothing else.” – Dr. Bill Keimig

On Consumer Christianity

“The end of evangelization is for you to go out and do it – to radically love people, not have the next thing that you get something out of.” – Cindy Black

On Personal Conversion

“Formation aims at the soul for yearning, while education aims at the mind for learning.” – Dr. Bill Keimig

On Authentic Discipleship

“The opposite of faith is not doubt, but the opposite of faith is certainty.” – Father John (quoting Anne Lamott)

Main Takeaways

1. Trust is Foundational: Authentic formation requires proving you’re trustworthy and demonstrating trust in God through daily interactions.

2. Relationship Before Program: Personal conversion happens through intimate relationships, not programmatic approaches that prioritize calendar schedules over individual needs.

3. Belong → Believe → Behave: The most effective formation welcomes people into community first, allowing belief and behavior to follow naturally.

4. Formation vs. Education: Formation targets the soul and develops yearning for God, while education primarily addresses intellectual understanding.

5. Avoiding Consumer Mentality: True discipleship involves giving what you’ve received rather than constantly seeking the next spiritual experience or resource.

6. Long-term Commitment: Effective formation programs often take years to develop culture and see significant results.

Discussion Questions

• How do you distinguish between formation and education in your own spiritual journey?
• What role has trust played in your most meaningful faith relationships?
• How can parishes shift from “consumer Christianity” to authentic discipleship communities?
• What barriers prevent people from receiving ongoing faith formation in your community?

Resources Mentioned

• FranciscanAtHome: Online catechetical platform from Franciscan University’s Catechetical Institute
• Alpha: Evangelization initiative focusing on basic introduction to Jesus Christ
• Called Learning Community: Online faith community co-founded by Father John Gribblewich

Connect With the Show

• Website: religiontoereality.org
• Called Community: calledcommunity.com
• Subscribe: Available on all major podcast platforms

Credits

Created by: Dave Plisky
Produced and Edited by: Connor Donnelly
An Initiative of: DeSales Media

Religion to Reality explores the intersection of Catholic faith and modern life, helping listeners move from theoretical belief to lived discipleship. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and visit our website for additional resources and community connection opportunities.