Dr. John R. Franke
Director of Adult Faith Formation
317-252-5513
Adults@Second
What is "formation"? In a nutshell, formation is any way in which people are formed in faith. Formation is inclusive of but not limited to what is better known as “Sunday school,” as well as weekday Bible studies and small groups for all ages. This community of faith remains connected, whether we are meeting in person or on screen. Find ways below to engage in spiritual formation with Second!
Click on the images to learn details. For information about other programs and activities at Second, please go to SecondChurch.org/Events.
October 8
Second Act is headed to Europe next summer on a Reformation Tour! Learn more about the stops along the way by joining us for this informational meeting.
Sundays, 8 AM, via Zoom
This class begins on September 10.
Book Study: American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church by Andrew Whitehead, Associate Professor of Sociology at IUPUI.
Sundays, 9 AM, Room 403
Join Second staff as we study Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Sundays, 9 AM, Common Room
This class explores various topics related to Christian faith and life in the world and seeks to bring biblical and theological education together with advocacy and action.
Sundays, 9 AM, Room 401
This group resumes September 10 and meets to consider various issues related to Christian faith and life in the world through engagement with the Bible and leading authors.
Sundays; 9 AM
Join Rev. Sara Dorrien-Christians on the second Sunday of each month for a time of theological reflection and faith formation.
Sundays, 9 AM, Room 402
This class offers a space for men to experience fellowship and connection as we discuss scripture, life, and the world around us.
Sundays, 9 AM, Room 112
This adult class is for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We discuss scripture as it relates to the sermon for the week in a class tailored to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Mondays, 10 AM, Room 312 & Zoom
All women are welcome to join Wisdom Seekers each week for study, discussion, and fellowship.
Mondays; 1 PM, Room 312
Allies for Justice (formerly Wayfinders) is a book study group that examines why and how social justice is important in the church and in our faithful action.
Tuesdays; 7:30 AM, Youth Suite
Start your day with us! This ministry of Men@Second meets every week on Tuesday morning for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.
Tuesdays, 2:30 PM, Room 114
The class begins on September 5 and gathers each week for in-depth study of scripture and theology as well as other topics related to the history and practice of Christian faith.
Wednesdays, 9:15 AM, Room 356
This class begins on September 6. Come and join us this fall as we study the Gospel of Mark using material from the New Testament for Everyone series by N. T. Wright.
Thursdays; 6 PM, Room 356
A weekly forum for men to share their faith journeys and become the people God intends.
Thursdays, 6:30-8 PM, Zoom
Join us as we revisit the sermon from the prior Sunday and discuss its relevance in our lives today.
Presbyterian 101
Four classes to understand where we've come from...and where we're going
Lectio Divina
Guided Scripture Readings
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Director of Adult Faith Formation
317-252-5513 | JFranke@SecondChurch.org
As Director of Adult Faith Formation, John provides the congregation at Second with exceptional biblical and theological teaching as well as guiding the adult education and spiritual formation programs of the church. An acknowledged thought leader, he and has spoken on the relationships between the gospel, church, and culture throughout the country and around the world. He is the author of multiple books and numerous articles, essays, reviews, and book chapters, as well as the general editor of two academic book series.
John is a graduate of Oxford University (D.Phil. in Theology) and previously served as a seminary professor and administrator, chief executive officer of a new school start up, and as theologian in residence for a Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation in Pennsylvania. He joined the staff of Second Presbyterian Church in September 2015 and also serves as affiliate professor of theology at Christian Theological Seminary, general coordinator of the Gospel and Our Culture Network in North America, and adjunct professor at Princeton Theological Seminary.
John is an avid sports fan and a Cincinnati Reds season ticket holder. In addition to the Reds, his favorite teams are the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Blackhawks, Golden State Warriors, Ohio State Buckeyes (football), and the Indiana Hoosiers (basketball). He loves to read, listen to the music of the 70’s, and hike in remote places. He recently completed his first Spartan run and looks forward to bettering his time in the future.
Book recommendations: Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates), The Woman’s Hour (Elaine Weiss), Baseball as a Road to God (John Sexton), The Day the Revolution Began (N. T. Wright)
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Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter
Ministry Assistant for Formation
317-726-5433