Adult Sunday Morning Christian Education
Starting Point Study
Is it possible to wipe the slate clean and have an adult starting point for faith? If so, where would you begin? What questions would you ask? In an 8 part video series, by Pastor Andy Stanley, the Adult Sunday School class is exploring what it would look like to hit the restart button on one’s faith. This class is for anyone who is curious, confused, or disillusioned about Christianity. Together, we are exploring fresh starting points in our faith, together.
Adult Tuesday Morning Christian Education
What is the difference between a Disciple and an Apostle?
The New Testament (NT) has numerous references to people called "disciples" and "apostles." Have you ever wondered what's the difference? The word "disciple" is derived from a Greek word meaning learner, pupil, student, or follower. The Bible indicates that a disciple, however, doesn't just learn, but also agrees and accepts the teacher as their LEADER. While the NT most often refers to the disciples of Jesus Christ, there is also some mention of John the Baptist and the Pharisees having disciples. Followers of Christ were not called "Christians" until the founding of the church at Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:26). Before then, Christians were called "disciples of Jesus Christ." The apostles began as disciples, however there are far fewer apostles than disciples. All apostles were disciples, but not all disciples became apostles.
"Apostle" is derived from a Greek word meaning messenger of ambassador. The Twelve Apostles, with Matthias replacing Judas Iscariot, were called to serve as the foundation of the Christian church. All of them, with one possible exception, were martyred or killed because of their faith. Others were appointed as apostles at later times and other purposes, including Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles and Barnabas. Lesser-known people were also referred to as apostles, including Adronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7), Timothy and Silas (1 Thessalonians 2:6) and James, the brother of Jesus (Galatians 1:19)
The names of the Twelve Apostles are listed in four places in the NT. The lists do NOT agree with each other as far as the sequence of names is concerned; they only agree in placing Peter's name first, even though we know that it was his brother, Andrew, who was called first by Jesus. Scripture does not indicate why the number of disciples should be twelve, although that number had significance in the history of God's people. For example - Jacob had twelve sons who became the leaders of the tribes of Israel and the number twelve was considered important enough that between the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost, the church replaced Judas with a new apostle.
It is rumored that one apostle was martyred by being sawed in half, another speared to death while praying, and still another, flayed alive. One is known by the symbol of two crossed keys, another by a basket, and yet another, by a fish. One preached in Asia Minor and another in India. So...join the class on TUESDAY MORNINGS AT 9 AM in Pastor's Laura's office downstairs, for this marvelous journey of studying the Apostles!
Children's Christian Education
Intergenerational Class
The approach to learning in this class is quite different from the traditional model in which the teacher simply tells the children what they need to know and then memorize. The Christian curriculum used is Godly Play and It is not just about learning lessons or keeping children entertained. It is about helping children locate each story in the whole Christian experience.
Some liken Godly Play to the Montessori method of learning. Because children are naturally curious, imaginative, and spiritual, Godly Play strives to engage their creativity and encourage them to connect their own life experiences with their relationship to God. For example, when the Good Shepherd and his sheep are studied, the children "hear" the story, as the observe the teacher simultaneously using visual aids. The teacher literally leads the sheep through a hands-on "desert" wilderness, through green pastures, and beside still waters. Families and individuals are then, offered a variety of "wondering" questions. For example: "I wonder...if the sheep have names?" "I wonder...why the sheep trust the shepherd?" and "I wonder...if you have ever been afraid like the sheep when they were in the wilderness place?" Participants are given time to think about the "wondering" question and then time retell the story as they "heard and saw" it, if they so choose, using the visual aids. Or, they can engage in another activity that allows them to retell the story in their own words. For example - with art, play dough, or music. Godly Play also prepares our children to join in worship and the life of our congregation as they develop a deeper understanding of the biblical stories, church calendar, liturgical colors, sacraments, and symbols of our Christian faith.
Some liken Godly Play to the Montessori method of learning. Because children are naturally curious, imaginative, and spiritual, Godly Play strives to engage their creativity and encourage them to connect their own life experiences with their relationship to God. For example, when the Good Shepherd and his sheep are studied, the children "hear" the story, as the observe the teacher simultaneously using visual aids. The teacher literally leads the sheep through a hands-on "desert" wilderness, through green pastures, and beside still waters. Families and individuals are then, offered a variety of "wondering" questions. For example: "I wonder...if the sheep have names?" "I wonder...why the sheep trust the shepherd?" and "I wonder...if you have ever been afraid like the sheep when they were in the wilderness place?" Participants are given time to think about the "wondering" question and then time retell the story as they "heard and saw" it, if they so choose, using the visual aids. Or, they can engage in another activity that allows them to retell the story in their own words. For example - with art, play dough, or music. Godly Play also prepares our children to join in worship and the life of our congregation as they develop a deeper understanding of the biblical stories, church calendar, liturgical colors, sacraments, and symbols of our Christian faith.
