At St. Barnabas, we have come to realize that our life of faith is about so much more than just our minds.  Our whole selves experience God and so when it comes to growing in our faith, we need our whole person to be formed as those who seek to follow the Christian road.  At St. Barnabas, formation is not just for the young.  We have programs for everyone from age 2-102.  We encourage all people to continue growing in their faith, to keep seeking God’s presence in their lives and to find fellowship and joy throughout the journey of their life in faith.

Below is information about our various adult programs. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The Art of Engaging Holy Scripture (TAEHS)
Contact: Ann Hott

A unique small group Bible study that is much more than a typical Bible study!

TAEHS teaches a lively method of engaging the Scriptures through reading and study, conversations and silent prayer, and group sharing. This dynamic method gently leads us to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit and the experiential focus makes all the diffference. We become awakened to the presence of the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, in our own selves and in our sisters and brothers. As our ability to experience the Spirit's presence is refined, the method continues to nurture us in an ever-deepening relationship with the Holy Spirit.

At the same time, we are learning the Bible and retaining what we learn. The small group context offers the opportunity for meaningful friendships to develop within our larger Christian faith community - and for having fun! Participants report that the TAEHS program enhances their awareness of the spiritual dimension of their lives and strengthens their bonds of community. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Sunday Mornings with Father Phil
Contact: The Rev. Phil Carlson

Associate Rector Phil Carlson was an ordained Methodist pastor and is the retired president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. With this background, Father Phil brings a rich and unique life's experience. Phil's understanding of faith formation has been shaped by a life of prayer, theological reflection and community service - not to mention his passion as a husband, father and grandfather. In Sunday Mornings with Fr. Phil, we participate in conversations about how our Christian faith intersects the pressing needs and concerns of our time. A rich time of theological reflection occurs, but Phil is quick to add that we are not here just to think holy thoughts! We are here to become holy people and to go out and make a difference in this hurting world of ours where it really matters. Fr. Phil meets at 9 am in the Learning Center. This forum is open to all, no RSVP is needed. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Early Bird Scholars
Contact: Larry Brainard

The Early Bird Scholars meet every Sunday morning providing an opportunity for traditional Bible study lead by Larry Brainard. This group is open to all who would like to engage the scriptures in this fashion! The Early Birds meet at 9 am in the Learning Center. It is open to all, simply This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out which Scripture they are studying.

Education for Ministry (EfM)
Contact: Ken Allison

EfM is a four-year program of theological education found in Episcopal and Anglican parishes worldwide. The first year is dedicated to the Old Testament, the second year to the New Testament, and the third and fourth years to church history and theology. Designed specifically for the laypersons of the church, EfM provides a basic, but thorough, theological education in order to help each participant respond to the call to ministry that we all received at our baptism. Two groups meet Tuesday evenings with their Mentor, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Newcomers Orientation
Contact: The Rev. Erika von Haaren

To help Newcomers to our parish get acclimated to the ins and outs of the Episcopal church, life at St. Barnabas and how to get involved here, we offer a 6-week Newcomers Orientation Class. The class breaks down into these subjects:

1. The Meta-Narrative (the 'over-story')--this 45-minute explanation of how we got from the first book of Genesis all the way up to today is a great overview of our Christian story.

2. Our Prayer Book--here's your chance to understand the book that guides all of our worship and how it can be useful in your daily life.

3. Liturgy Challenge!--Ever wonder why we do the things we do? This is your week to put your clergy on the hotseat & ask all those questions you've been wondering about!

4. A Place to Belong--this session explains the structure of the church: from how decisions are made at a national & international level as well as how we do things at St. B's.

5. A Place to Grow--We are seeking to become Jesus' disciples and we do that through continued growth in our spiritual lives through Faith Formation. We'll explain all the ways to engage formation at St. B's.

6. A Place to Get Involved--Serving God's people is serving God! We have over a dozen outreach opportunities & lots of on-campus volunteer jobs that can empower you to serve.