What ministers privately listen to, look at: audio, video self-help: suggestions from pros

National Catholic Reporter, Oct 27, 1995 by Peggy Ekerdt

People in ministry use audio and video resources for many educational purposes But when it comes to their own formation, on what sources do ministers rely?

In the past few months, I have take an informal poll of three dozen people involved in church ministry: men and women, ordained and non-ordained, diocesan and parish ministers who serve both rural and urban communities. I asked what they have found helpful and what they would recommend to others for the continuing education and formation.

Responses have ranged from blank stares, t6 embarrassed silences, to good conversations about how we as ministers ensure our own continuing education and formation. The mere exercise of inviting the conversation puts it on the front burner and encourages ministers to pay attention to their continued development.

The process, though not a rigorous study, certainly elicited some common themes. More than half of my informants listed reading as their preferred means of continuing education and formation. America, Origins, Modern Liturgy, National Catholic Reporter and Church were mentioned as reputable and relied-upon sources. With rare exceptions, ministers (by nature?) prefer "live" experiences to any taped or print resource. National and regional conferences, diocesan continuing education days and monthly gatherings of colleagues offer both content and networking opportunities that appeal to many in ministry.

About one-third of the respondents said they never use audio or video materials for their own continuing education and formation. Their reasons ranged from "there are too many choices" to "it's too difficult to monopolize the VCR at home" to "the cost is prohibitive." One forthright individual remarked: "I never sit down for continuing education. I don't have the luxury or time to do it exclusively for me." He spoke for many who found time t view audio and video resources to use in their ministry for the benefit of others, but not for their own professional development. At the same time, many said they received unexpected benefits when using a resource in their work.

It is important, perhaps essential, that church ministers remain intentional about continuing education. Those who use audio and video materials for continuing education find resources through publishers catalogs, diocesan media centers, recommendations from others and tapes of talks from conferences they have attended.

What follows, then, are suggestions made by people in ministry whose work I value and whose opinions I trust, grouped into four categories: scripture/doctrine, liturgy/sacrament, individual spirituality and secular sources.

Scripture/doctrine

"Scripture from Scratch," published by St. Anthony Messenger/Franciscan Communications (SAM/FC: 1-800-488-0488), presents a solid introduction to scripture that begins at square one. There are 16 one-hour sessions. A 30-minute preview is available for $4.95. The cost of the complete set is $299.95;

Paulist Bible Study is a set of eight videos that provides basic scriptural catechesis. The format is process-oriented; each session has 15-20 minutes of input, followed by suggestions for dialogue and concludes with journal questions. One catechumenate director recommended it this way: "The people like it and, I pick things up, too." It is available from Paulist Press at $79.95 per video (Paulist Press: (201) 825-7300; fax: 1-800-836-3161.)

Also recommended is a SAM/FC two-tape audiocassette ($18.95), "Revelation: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Last Book of the Bible," in which Stephen Doyle focuses on this often misunderstood book of scripture and explores its literary forms, symbols and meaning for today.

The DeSales Catholic Video Library explores both scripture and doctrine. Several recommended this adult education series as a thorough, content-based presentation. Comprised of an eight-set series with eight one-hour videos within each set, topics include scripture (four the series), the Catholic creed, Eucharist, baptismal covenant and Christian morality. Each series retails for $195; the 64-video set is $1,295 and is available through SAM/FC.

Michael Himes is the presenter for the video series "The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism." Designed for use with the catechumenate and catechist formation, this is another example of a resource that ministers appreciate as a tool for their own formation. The tapes, which also may be Purchased individually, cover incarnation, Trinity, tradition, Eucharist, salvation, church, reconciliation, baptism and confirmation, sacraments of vocations, and grace. This series is from Fisher Productions. While it may be obtained from a variety of distributors, Fisher's marketing company is Corpus Video (1-800-795-0444). Cost of the complete set is $250; individual tapes are $29.95. Corpus also offers the possibility of purchasing five of the videos fro $125.

A final recommendation is a two-tape audiocassette, "Remembering the Holy Spirit," available from SAM/FC for $17.95. The set is a three-talk series by Elizabeth Johnson that reclaims the scriptural meaning of the Holy Spirit and connects it to daily life. Johnson's name is one I heard often; she is well-respected and people seek out her work.