Adult Formation
We offer rich and dynamic opportunities for adults to explore today's compelling issues and grow their faith. Offerings include
- small group Bible study sessions (on Sunday and during the week)
- discussion groups focused on exploring today's difficult issues
- dialog sessions designed for gathering feedback on faith-in-action initiatives
- knowing, loving, and supporting our neighbors sessions
- health & care education sessions
- ask-the-clergy forums
- adult fellowship groups (more info here)
Sunday Classes
Typically on Sunday mornings there are two adult formation classes running concurrently at 9:00AM.
One is thematic and runs 2-4 weeks and the other is Bible Study led by Debbie Moyer.
Our Sunday school year runs from mid September through mid-May
One is thematic and runs 2-4 weeks and the other is Bible Study led by Debbie Moyer.
Our Sunday school year runs from mid September through mid-May
April 2026:
Adult Formation Series - April 12, 19, and 26 at 9am
This April, the Rev. Justin Gabbard will lead a three-part Adult Formation series on The Philadelphia Eleven. This award-winning documentary marks the 50th anniversary of when eleven courageous women and three brave bishops shattered the stained-glass ceiling in the Episcopal Church. Good Shepherd hosted a screening of this film in 2024, but many parishioners were unable to attend and have requested another opportunity to watch. During each session, we will watch a portion of the film and then discuss the theological and pastoral issues it raises. This series begins at 9:00 AM on Sunday, April 12th in Room 323. Contact Rev. Justin
Lent 2026:
Adult Formation Series - March 8, 15, 22 at 9am
Join Rev. Imogen at 9 AM on March 8, 15, and 22 in the Adult Formation Room (PLC 323) for a three-part series: Walking Thru Holy Week. This series serves to provide a deeper understanding of the ancient Easter Triduum, the three last day’s of Jesus’ life on Earth: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Join Rev. Imogen at 9 AM on March 8, 15, and 22 in the Adult Formation Room (PLC 323) for a three-part series: Walking Thru Holy Week. This series serves to provide a deeper understanding of the ancient Easter Triduum, the three last day’s of Jesus’ life on Earth: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
Winter 2026:
New Year, New Horizons
We kicked off 2026 with two special adult formation offerings.
Adult Formation through March 1- Making Sense of the Bible
Ian Finley is leading a four-week series on one of his favorite books: Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton. Debbie Moyer’s Bible Study group will be joining Ian’s class for this special series.
The class runs on Sundays through March 1, and will meet at 9AM in Room 323. Whether you are a longtime student of the Bible or simply curious about its history and impact, you are welcome to join the conversation.
Copies of the book are available for purchase for $15 at the PLC front desk. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we dive into this new series together.
Copies of The Tears of Things and Making Sense of the Bible will be available for purchase at the front desk.
We kicked off 2026 with two special adult formation offerings.
- In January and February, Rev. Hershey Mallette-Stephens led a guided tour through Richard Rohr’s latest work, The Tears of Things. How do we find a compassionate way to keep going in the face of violence and injustice? When daily disappointments and grievances pile up, what authentic remedy might we find?
Adult Formation through March 1- Making Sense of the Bible
Ian Finley is leading a four-week series on one of his favorite books: Making Sense of the Bible by Adam Hamilton. Debbie Moyer’s Bible Study group will be joining Ian’s class for this special series.
The class runs on Sundays through March 1, and will meet at 9AM in Room 323. Whether you are a longtime student of the Bible or simply curious about its history and impact, you are welcome to join the conversation.
Copies of the book are available for purchase for $15 at the PLC front desk. We look forward to seeing everyone there as we dive into this new series together.
Copies of The Tears of Things and Making Sense of the Bible will be available for purchase at the front desk.
Fall 2025:
Advent: Making Room to Encounter Christ
Explore how Christ is encountered through service to others. Take a closer look at people at the Church of the Good Shepherd who are helping us “seek and serve Christ in all persons.” As a downtown church Good Shepherd has a tradition of outreach programs to our neighbors. This is evident in the Beyond Our Doors Monthly Sunday lunches, the Little Free Pantry, the Shepherds Table, Habitat for Humanity, St. Nicolas Tree, Community Resource Guides, White Flag Shelter, ReNew Mobile Showers, our participation in ONE Wake and more. This series took place each Sunday in Advent (Nov. 30, Dec 7, 14, and 21), featuring community leaders who share stories of compassion, justice, and discipleship in response to real needs.
November: Hospitality and the Spiritual Life
October with C.S. Lewis - Thanks and Resources
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to explore C.S. Lewis this October, from Mere Christianity through The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Linked below are the slides from the class, which include references to the relevant tests, as well as links to the YouTube resources we discussed. It was such a gift to explore Lewis' writing with you all! - Ian Finley
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KGrHJt98j22xx6ihTr0kGDuuWz1bY7zytVGTduzndvg/edit?usp=sharing
Adult Formation Sunday 9am: Bible Study with Debbie Moyer
The Gospel of Matthew 9am in Room 303- Debbie Moyer will lead this class as they resume their study of Matthew.
Explore how Christ is encountered through service to others. Take a closer look at people at the Church of the Good Shepherd who are helping us “seek and serve Christ in all persons.” As a downtown church Good Shepherd has a tradition of outreach programs to our neighbors. This is evident in the Beyond Our Doors Monthly Sunday lunches, the Little Free Pantry, the Shepherds Table, Habitat for Humanity, St. Nicolas Tree, Community Resource Guides, White Flag Shelter, ReNew Mobile Showers, our participation in ONE Wake and more. This series took place each Sunday in Advent (Nov. 30, Dec 7, 14, and 21), featuring community leaders who share stories of compassion, justice, and discipleship in response to real needs.
November: Hospitality and the Spiritual Life
- On Sunday, November 2 we kick off our November Formation series on Hospitality and the Spiritual Life. As our Little Free Pantry continues to feed our neighbors and we prepare to welcome overnight guests on White Flag nights, join Rev. Imogen and Lynn Hoke as they consider how prayer and solitude form us for rich encounters with God in the face of those to whom we minister, and who minister to us.
Bring your experiences, insights, and questions as we spend a little time with Henri Nouwen (in particular his short and powerful book, Reaching Out) and put out our nets for a catch.
- On Sunday, Nov. 16, we will join the Outreach Committee in welcoming Joy Shillingsburg, Mission Strategy Coordinator for the Episcopal Diocese of NC and founder of the nonprofit organization Wake Forest Community Table, who will lead a session on Asset Based Community Development (ABCD). This is a powerful tool for all engaging with our community and participating in outreach here at Good Shepherd.
Joy will share how to use ABCD to focus on the gifts and skills that are present in our community and we will discuss ways to move outreach ministries from transactional to relational by collaborating with neighbors to build stronger and more vital ministries and communities. These two podcasts would be a great way to learn more about ABCD before or after the session: At the Table: Christian Community for the Common Good: Mike Mather and At the Table: Christian Community for the Common Good: DeAmon Harges
October with C.S. Lewis - Thanks and Resources
Thank you so much to everyone who came out to explore C.S. Lewis this October, from Mere Christianity through The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Linked below are the slides from the class, which include references to the relevant tests, as well as links to the YouTube resources we discussed. It was such a gift to explore Lewis' writing with you all! - Ian Finley
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KGrHJt98j22xx6ihTr0kGDuuWz1bY7zytVGTduzndvg/edit?usp=sharing
- Session 1: C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity - An introduction to Lewis and the series of WWII radio talks that became this approachable and moving introduction to Christianity.
- Session 2: Exploring Mere Christianity - A discussion of the opening section of Mere Christianity and Lewis' compelling argument for the existence and grace of God.
- Session 3: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe - Enjoy readings from Lewis' most famous work, and explore its significance as a Christian parable.
- Session 4: Lewis' Legacy - Lewis left behind a wide selection of fiction and theological writings, from novels to essays. We'll explore his canon, and avenues to continue your reading.
Adult Formation Sunday 9am: Bible Study with Debbie Moyer
The Gospel of Matthew 9am in Room 303- Debbie Moyer will lead this class as they resume their study of Matthew.
Morning Prayer, each day at 9:00 AM
We welcome you to pray with the Rector and other parishioners in our beautiful sanctuary on weekday mornings. We will begin offering Morning Prayer from 9:00-9:30 Monday through Friday. Coming together in this simple way can deepen our sense of companionship with God and each other, and also reorient us to God's sense of peace and purpose for our lives as the day begins.
Additionally, the church will be open beforehand on weekdays starting at 8:30 for those who desire a space for silent prayer (even if you want to step in for 5 minutes on your way to work) or for those who have scheduling conflicts at the 9 o'clock hour. If you would like to join us and are in need of off-street parking, please feel free to park in the circle drive.
We welcome you to pray with the Rector and other parishioners in our beautiful sanctuary on weekday mornings. We will begin offering Morning Prayer from 9:00-9:30 Monday through Friday. Coming together in this simple way can deepen our sense of companionship with God and each other, and also reorient us to God's sense of peace and purpose for our lives as the day begins.
Additionally, the church will be open beforehand on weekdays starting at 8:30 for those who desire a space for silent prayer (even if you want to step in for 5 minutes on your way to work) or for those who have scheduling conflicts at the 9 o'clock hour. If you would like to join us and are in need of off-street parking, please feel free to park in the circle drive.
Tuesday Bible Study with Mother Nancy
- 10:30 AM in the Ennis Suite
- 5:30 PM at 3110 Belvin Dr., Raleigh 27609
For more information on these opportunities, please contact Lynn Hoke (Adult Formation Coordinator) or Guynn Prince (Morning Prayer Coordinator). We are excited to see what God makes possible through these new gatherings this fall.
