Wisdom Circle: Exploring How Episcopal Churches and Preschools Can Support Parents in Early Faith Formation
A Joint Project of the National Association of Episcopal Schools and Faith-filled Families at Virginia Theological Seminary
The Wisdom Circle
The Wisdom Circle is a collaborative learning community that will bring together Episcopal school early childhood leaders, school chaplains, and early childhood educators from NAES member schools to explore how congregations and early childhood programs can partner to support families in nurturing the spiritual lives of young children (ages 0–6).
The Wisdom Circle will foster new insights, creative ideas, and practical approaches to engaging families as active partners in early faith formation.
About Faith-filled Families
Virginia Theological Seminary’s (VTS) Faith-filled Families (FfF) initiative has launched a project to empower parents to teach their children about faith. FfF, which operates out of Lifelong Learning at VTS, was awarded a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving initiative.
What Participants Will Do
Members of the Wisdom Circle will meet monthly (virtually) for 60 minutes from October 2025 through November 2026. There will be an in-person gathering on November 17, 2026 in San Francisco.
Members will work collaboratively to define a shared vision for early childhood discipleship rooted in Episcopal identity and family engagement. They will examine current practices in schools and churches, identify areas for growth, and explore ways to strengthen church–school partnerships. Participants will provide feedback on existing Faith-filled Families materials and help create new, culturally responsive resources that meet the diverse needs of Episcopal communities. Together, they will develop strategies to empower families as faith leaders, promote inclusion, and ultimately design and implement pilot programs that model sustainable approaches to early faith formation.
Who Should Apply
We invite applications from Early Childhood Directors, School Chaplains, Early Childhood Educators, and Rectors who are passionate about early faith formation, eager to learn in community, and committed to innovative church–school collaboration. Team applications (e.g., an early childhood director and a parish priest) are especially encouraged. Current membership in NAES is a requirement to participate. Participants will receive a $1,500 stipend for their participation in Wisdom Circle.
Applications are now open — due September 1, 2025.
You must be an NAES member to participate in this program.