Year of Discipleship

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

As we continue our Year of Discipleship, The Rev. Cory Michael Irwin — our Associate Rector for Christian Formation and Congregational Life — shares some thoughts on what following Christ looks like in everyday life.

The 2026-2027 program year, which runs from September through May, has been designated the Year of Discipleship at Saint Peter’s. Discipleship is the word we use to frame the lifelong commitment Christians undertake to follow Jesus and grow in faith that changes themselves and the world around them. It’s not a single act or special program; it’s many different strands of faith and action drawn together.

Our community’s concentrated focus on discipleship has origins in two areas. First, discipleship needs to be intentionally fostered across a lifetime in order for faith to stay engaging and relevant. Tertullian, a second century Christian theologian, wrote that Christians are made, not born. Though people might be raised in Christian families, formed in churches, and navigate the world with Christian values – none of these things makes someone Christian. Rather, we become Christian at baptism, which marks us as children of God and draws us into a community of baptized people dedicated to following Jesus in their daily lives. We spend our lifetime being formed in that community. Jesus’ example is reflected back to us in scripture, sacrament, and each other. We then carry what we encounter at church into our life beyond. 

Second, a hallmark of healthy, vibrant faith communities is that they tend well to core aspects of Christian identity and witness. Setting a strong foundation ultimately serves as a catalyst for individual and communal growth.

Saint Peter’s ministries in the 2026-2027 program year are drawing particular focus towards practices that prove foundational to Christian identity and witness. This includes deeper understanding and engagement with the Bible; resourcing people’s ability to expand their prayer and worship experiences; drawing folks into meaningful relationships in community; and exploring the ways in which our baptismal promises call us into different forms of service. 

Many different opportunities – from Bible studies to book groups, weekly formation sessions to special programs, invitations into new forms of prayer and service – have been crafted to help us grow as Jesus’ followers. You can learn about these initiatives by reading the Year of Discipleship brochure located in the narthex, reviewing the special e-blast sent on September 15, or by contacting the parish office. 

Of special note this year is a partnership with RenewalWorks, a ministry of Forward Movement. Each member of the congregation will receive an invitation in September to complete a spiritual life inventory. The inventory is a collection of questions about beliefs, practices, and faith engagement that is answered anonymously. The inventory’s responses will identify particular strengths and growing edges for our congregation’s faith life, which will be used to tailor ministry opportunities for our community beginning in January 2027. 

I hope you will avail yourself of the many opportunities to grow in faith and love of Jesus this year. 

Cory Michael Irwin+