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Overflow: An Introduction to Growing in Faith
Let us take you by the hand and guide you through the different paths of faith.
About this Course
Overflow: An Introduction to Growing in Faith is designed to take you on a journey through various paths of faith, exploring the depths of God’s word and engaging in transformative spiritual practices.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
Have you ever felt “Stuck” in your faith?
In Overflow: An Introduction to Growing in Faith, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Join our vibrant community of learners who, just like you, have experienced moments of doubt and feeling unworthy. Together, we’ll celebrate victories, learn from setbacks, and discover the incredible worthiness that God sees in each one of us.
In this course, we’ll take you on a journey through various paths of faith, exploring the depths of God’s word and engaging in transformative spiritual practices. You’ll gain a deeper connection to the divine and learn to love God with your mind, spirit, and body.
Throughout this adventure, we’ll tackle tough questions, dismantle harmful myths, and unearth your spiritual strengths. By the end, your faith won’t just grow—it will overflow!
But it doesn’t stop there. As your faith overflows, it will touch the lives of those around you. You’ll learn to love your neighbors in a new and profound way, creating a positive ripple effect.
Are you ready to break free, get unstuck, and embark on this incredible spiritual journey? Sign up now and let’s begin together.
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, download the interactive handbook, and access the group to chat with others!
Introduction
In this module, you will
- Explore three core metaphors that connect to spiritual formation: The Vine, The Overflowing Pots, and The Parent/Child Relationship.
- Learn the core elements of Loving God and Loving Neighbor: Mind, Spirit, Body, Comfortable Neighbor, Uncomfortable Neighbor, and Environment.
- Reflect on God’s unconditional love in your life.
Loving God with Our Mind
In this module, you will
- Learn the basic nature of the Bible and why it is important for spiritual formation.
- Practice the basic elements of Quiet Time with God: Quiet, Trust, Investigate, Meditate, Express Yourself.
Loving God with Our Spirit
In this module, you will
- Define worship and explore various pathways to connect with God.
- Learn a simple model for prayer.
Loving God with Our Body
In this module, you will
- Understand that there is not a disconnect between Mind/Spirit/Body.
- Realize that everything we have is a gift from God and we are called to be good stewards of it.
- Explore practical ways to use our natural gifts and passions to meet the needs of others in acts of service.
Loving Our Comfortable Neighbor
In this module, you will
- Explore the importance of a Christ-centered community of faith for healthy spiritual formation.
- Learn the importance of both a corporate worshipping community and an intimate fellowship group.
Loving Our Uncomfortable Neighbor
In this module, you will
- Explore Jesus’ teaching about loving the enemy and practical ways to do this.
- Learn how environmental issues are directly related to Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom of God.
- Explore practical ways to grow in ecofaith.
Setting Spiritual Goals
In this module, you will
- Take a Spiritual Health Assessment.
- Create practical goals in each area: Mind, Spirit, Body, Comfortable Neighbor, Uncomfortable Neighbor, Environment.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course and how to stay connected with your group. You'll also be able to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
9 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Steve Thomason
Rev. Dr. Steve Thomason is an artist, pastor, and teacher, passionate about studying and teaching the Bible. He earned a Ph.D. in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary and then became an Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation and Discipleship within the seminary.
He is the author of “A Cartoonist’s Guide to the Bible” and “The Visual Preacher: Proclaiming an Embodied Word.” In his work as an artist, Steve regularly focused on writing and drawing about Spiritual Formation, Biblical Studies, Theology, and Art.
He is a graduate of Wheaton College, where he studied art (BA, 1990), Bethel University, where he focused on Biblical Studies (MDiv, 2002), and Luther Seminary (Ph.D., 2015).
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
Enroll in this on-demand course
$55
One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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Access this on-demand course
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.99 per month
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!