Beyond Sunday School: How Desert Cross Lutheran Creates Monthly Faith Formation Playlists
A behind-the-scenes look at the intentional ministry that keeps faith formation accessible 24/7
The Desert Cross way may take more time and effort, but the finished product, monthly playlists designed for children, youth, and adults, is well worth it. Each month, their Faith Formation Team (including children, youth and adult ministry leaders, worship/music director, and Pastors) embarks on a creative journey that results in comprehensive faith formation playlists —but don't expect a simple template you can download and use.
Born from Necessity, Sustained by Vision
Desert Cross's Faith Formation Playlists emerged during the pandemic when in-person gatherings weren't possible. "We weren't meeting in person and we wanted a way for our children, youth and families to be able to do faith activities at home," explains the ministry team. But what began as a pandemic response has evolved into something much more significant.
Today, these playlists continue because they serve a broader purpose: providing "faith on the go." Whether someone is traveling, unable to attend in person due to illness, or simply wants additional ways to explore their faith beyond Sunday morning, the resources are always available.
What Exactly Is a Playlist?
Think of a faith formation playlist like a curated learning experience. It's a thoughtfully assembled collection of activities that explore a specific topic or theme. These might include:
Scripture readings and reflection questions
Podcast episodes or sermon clips
Videos and movie segments
Articles and devotional materials
Songs, games, and interactive activities
Crafts and hands-on projects
The beauty lies in flexibility—congregation members can work through the materials at their own pace throughout the month, engaging with what resonates most deeply.
The Monthly Creative Process
Creating these playlists requires significant intentionality. The Faith Formation Team begins their work months in advance, gathering to examine the Lectionary readings for upcoming months. Together, they identify recurring words and themes, ultimately selecting one as the monthly focus. November's theme, for example, was "Promise."
Once the theme is established, the real work begins. Each ministry leader begins to research, discover, and compile faith-related materials that connect to the chosen theme. This isn't a quick Google search—it's thoughtful curation that considers different learning styles, age groups, and spiritual needs.
A Whole-Church Approach
What makes Desert Cross's approach particularly powerful is its integrated nature. This isn't just an education ministry working in isolation. Pastors incorporate the monthly theme into their sermon planning, music ministries weave it into their selections, and the entire church community rallies around a shared focus. "It's a team project!" the team emphasizes.
This coordination creates a rich, layered experience where the same theme appears across multiple touchpoints throughout the month, reinforcing learning and deepening engagement.
Three Audiences, One Vision
The Faith Formation website houses separate playlists designed for children, youth, and adults, but all center on the same monthly theme. For children, Shannon, the Director of Children's Ministry, might curate songs, stories, activities, crafts, games, prayers, and videos. Youth receive age-appropriate challenges and explorations, while adults engage with deeper theological reflection and discussion materials.
This multi-generational approach means families can explore the same theme together while accessing content appropriate for each member's developmental stage. To check out the current playlists, use this link Desert Cross Playlists.
Faith Formation That Never Sleeps
Perhaps most importantly, Desert Cross has embraced a fundamental truth: "Faith Formation happens 24/7." Their dedicated website at dclcfaithformation.org reflects this understanding, providing resources that are "available wherever and whenever."
In our increasingly busy world, this approach acknowledges that spiritual growth doesn't always happen during designated church hours. Sometimes the most meaningful faith conversations occur during car rides, bedtime routines, or quiet Saturday mornings.
Lessons for Other Churches
While you can't simply copy Desert Cross's playlists, you can learn from their approach:
Start with your community's needs: What gaps exist in your current faith formation offerings?
Think beyond Sunday: How can you support spiritual growth throughout the week?
Collaborate across ministries: How might your education, worship, and music teams work together?
Embrace the process: Meaningful ministry often requires ongoing investment rather than one-time setup.
Focus on accessibility: Who in your community might benefit from flexible, self-paced learning options?
Desert Cross's monthly playlists represent more than just creative programming—they embody a commitment to meeting people where they are and supporting faith formation as an ongoing journey rather than a Sunday morning event. In a world of quick fixes and easy templates, they've chosen the harder but more rewarding path of customized, community-centered ministry.
The result? A congregation equipped to explore their faith "wherever and whenever," supported by resources crafted specifically for their spiritual journey.
