Are you ready to Akaloo?

The newest revolution in life long faith formation! This was announced from Augsburg Fortress and will provide a great way of learning for everyone in your congregation. Here is the press release.

Minneapolis, MN (January 23, 2006)—Augsburg Fortress, publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), announces a new lifelong, multigenerational faith formation curriculum for every member of the congregation: “Akaloo.”

Inspired by the Greek verb “to follow”(akolouthein), Akaloo is a program of intentional discipleship for children, youth, and adults focused on relationships. “This has been a long time coming,” says Bill Huff, publisher of the Congregational Life and Learning unit at Augsburg Fortress. “One of the biggest challenges for congregations is maintaining a consistent focus throughout their Christian education offerings.
Akaloo finally does this.”

The stakes are high. “Post-confirmation attrition rates are a big concern as we rethink faith formation across the lifespan,” says Rev. Kristofer Skrade, new brand development editor, Augsburg Fortress. “75% of our church membership loss occurs among 15-20 year olds.”

Akaloo will be released in August 2006 with curriculum for all ages. “As I have listened to leaders, both clergy and lay, throughout the church, the most asked-for new resource is something that will energize the whole congregation—including in the home—around intentional discipleship,” says Beth Lewis, president and chief executive officer of Augsburg Fortress.

Like Here We Stand, a new confirmation program from Augsburg Fortress, Akaloo will be Web-based with print support materials for leaders. “We consistently hear from congregations that they want options that fit their ministry,” says Huff, “and online resources make this possible in exciting, empowering ways.”

A series of seminars will be held across the country this spring and a network of teaching congregations in each Synod will be launched in April. The goal is to help train the whole church on what it means “to Akaloo.”

“We’re entering a new kind of partnership with congregations through Akaloo,” says Lewis. “It really amounts to a commitment by everyone—the whole church, the ministry of publishing, congregations, small groups, and individuals of all ages—to make intentional, lifelong discipleship a reality. I think we’re all ready ‘to Akaloo.’”