Sunday Adult Spiritual Growth Classes

Classes begin August 22 (unless otherwise noted).

As we enter the second year of our two-year journey through the Bible, each Sunday class focuses on exploring the New Testament.

8 a.m.

Early Morning Bible Study: The Book of Romans

Janie Buchanan and Team; C-15
A series featuring Dr. John Piper, author, pastor and leader of Desiring God Ministries, guides this intimate early morning study through the book of Romans. This dynamic book of the Bible helps us understand that the Christian life is not abstract theology unconnected with life but has practical implications in how we live and engage our world.

9:30 a.m.

The Core Teachings of Jesus: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount

Steve Dickie; Fireside Room
So what did Jesus really have to say about how to live? In this life-defining teaching of Jesus found in Matthew 5 – 7, we discover a countercultural value system and a whole new vision for life. It was revolutionary then and is just as amazing and radical today! Christ’s teachings are not just good words to live by but a radical way of discovering the heart qualities God desires of us. Our study will focus on these teachings and allow them to become our guide and standard for how we live. Good fellowship, strong interaction with Scripture and engaging discussion highlight this class. Begins August 29.

The Prodigal God: The Depth of God’s Extravagant Love

Steve Dickie; Fireside Room
This study focuses on Jesus’ best known–parable, the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. In six sessions we will explore the parable using pastor and author Tim Keller’s dynamic book The Prodigal God, supported by dramatic DVD teaching clips. We’ll learn about the heavenly Father who lavishes his love upon his children and welcomes us back into his loving arms. Begins November 21.

The Gospel of Luke: Encounter with Jesus

Chad Edwards and Billy Boyle; C-11
In this most comprehensive Gospel, Luke presents an accurate account of the life of Christ as he affirms Jesus’ divinity yet also emphasizes his humanity — Jesus the Son of God and Jesus the Son of Man. As we study the words and life of Christ, we will discover that Jesus was the perfect man who gave the perfect sacrifice for sin, therefore, providing the perfect Savior for humankind. In our journey we will encounter the authentic Jesus and apply his teachings to our life.

Just Like Jesus: Living with His Heart (His Faithful Class)

Jason Van Hecke; C-13/14
What if for 24 hours Jesus wakes up in your bed, walks in your shoes, assumes your schedule and lives your life with his heart? Through a study of best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado’s book Just Like Jesus, we will reflect on what it means to live our life with Christ-like integrity and passion. If we can examine our own life, longings and abilities in light of Christ’s example, the profound liberation of God’s grace will change us. Meets through November 7.

The Prayers of Jesus: Lessons Growing Close to God (His Faithful Class)

Tracy and Laura Naff; C-13/14
Prayer was the backbone of Jesus’ life and ministry. From his baptism to his crucifixion, the Gospels portray Jesus as a man of prayer who knew and deeply valued intimate communion with his heavenly Father. What can we learn from the prayers he prayed? This look at the prayers of Jesus gives us new insights into prayer, the character of God and how to deepen our relationship with him. Begins November 14.

1 Corinthians: Living the Christ-Centered Life

Sam and Carol Amstutz; Parlor
In this strong and straightforward letter to the Church in Corinth, the apostle Paul confronts the believers about their sins and shortcomings and then calls all Christians to live Christ-centered, blameless, loving lives that make a difference for God. Through careful Bible focus and healthy interaction, this study will guide us in how to live for Christ “as new creations” in an indifferent and often antagonistic culture.

Young Married’s Class: Authentic Christianity

Don and Susan Lear; C-12
Young couples in their 20s who are in their first few years of marriage are invited to join us as we build a foundation for a dynamic marriage as well as discover and live in the strength of being in community with other couples. This fall, we work through the classic book Authentic Christianity, a study of II Corinthians 2:14 – 6:13, by the late pastor and author Ray Stedman. We’ll learn how to move beyond religion, doctrine, rules and rituals into the life-changing experience of being genuinely connected with Christ.

11 a.m.

The Epistle of James: Living the Teachings of Jesus

David Hitchcock; C-15
The Epistle of James in the New Testament emphasizes practical and authentic living within the context of Christ’s teachings and essentially calls us to put our faith into action. The letter of James could be considered a how-to book on Christian living. A call to commitment await us in its pages. As we work through this powerful book of the Bible, we will discover both the impact of “being” a Christian but also the impact of “living” like one.

Through the New Testament: Perfect Harmony

Dr. Ken Shultz; C-11
The 27 books that make up the New Testament center on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and provide a written history of the early church as well as the instruction in doctrine and living the Christian life. Beginning with the Gospels and then continuing through Acts, the Epistles and finally Revelation, we will journey book by book through the New Testament, all the while examining the teachings of Jesus and their "Perfect Harmony": The Gospel quartet, the march of Acts and the solos of Paul joining the Apostolic band in the Hallelujah Chorus of Revelation.

The Book of Acts: The Beginning of the Church

Dr. Phil Wahlbeck, Dr. Richard Spann and Ken Juell; Parlor
Acts tells the story of how Christianity began and spread. It bridges the gap between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. As we study together, we can put ourselves in the apostles’ sandals to feel their boldness in preaching the gospel and their fears when facing persecution. By reading about their faith and perseverance, we can be a little more emboldened to face our own life with the help of the same Holy Spirit.

The Life and Ministry of the Messiah: Ray Vander Laan Video Series

Elders; Fireside Room
Join us as we journey through Scripture and enjoy the rich teaching of Dr. Ray Vander Laan’s dynamic films from the popular That the World May Know series. Filmed on location in Israel, this series brings God’s Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible’s fascinating historical, cultural and geographical contexts, we will gain a new understanding of Scripture that will ground our convictions and transform our life. The Life and Ministry of the Messiah focuses on the birth, life and ministry of Jesus. Starts August 29 and meets through October 10.

The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah: Ray Vander Laan Video Series

Elders; Fireside Room
We continue into part two of the dynamic That the World May Know film series as teacher and historian Dr. Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insight from the Scriptures right from the Holy Land itself. Part of the class features the film while the other half features interaction in Scripture. The Death and Resurrection of the Messiah focuses on the last week of Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection, and the Holy Spirit’s visit on Pentecost. Begins October 17.

Sunday Morning “Vital Christian Life” Seminars

Various Teachers; Chapel

September 26: Case for Christ: The Movie by Lee Strobel 

Join us for a special showing of The Case for Christ. Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, former Chicago Tribune legal editor Lee Strobel cross-examines a dozen experts with tough, point-blank questions in search of credible evidence that Jesus of Nazareth was positively the Son of God. This riveting quest for the truth about history's most compelling figure is captivating! 

October 10 & 17: Evangelism 101: Discipleship the New Testament Way. Rev. Kermit L. Oppriecht    
October 31: Seeing Through God’s Eyes: How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem in Children (for parents only). Steve Dickie  
November 7: How to Raise Your Parents (a special seminar for parents and their fourth and fifth graders together). Steve Dickie  

6:15 p.m.

Discovering Your SHAPE: Unlocking God’s Design in You

Steve Dickie; Fireside Room
Join us for this four-week spiritual growth group after ekklesia. God made you to make a difference, and this study will help you unlock your God-created SHAPE. Through biblical investigation and life interaction, we will unpack the elements of God’s blueprint for creating you! Each session will bring clarity to your future goals and show how to have the most fulfilling life possible — a life lived for God’s purposes, by God’s design. Meets September 12 – October 3.