Discipleship 3 – The Core Classes

Previously, we looked at the seminar series that assists a person to mature in their faith. Today we will look at the second part of the Purpose Driven paradigm which assists a person in maturing in their faith—core discipleship classes. At Evergreen, these classes are offered in twelve week blocks throughout the year. Some of the classes are very foundational and offered every year. These are the classes that we would like everyone in the church to take, especially those new to following Christ or those who are seriously considering following him.

Interpreting the Bible Faithfully: This foundational class is teaches the layperson how to read the Bible in its literary and cultural context, so that guided by the Holy Spirit they can hear God’s voice through the scriptures. How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart is the text for this class.

What Christians Believe: We live in an age and area where biblically illiterate people form their own ideas of what it means to be a Christian. Many have woven concepts from other religious world views (such as reincarnation) into their idea of the Christian faith. This class explains Biblical Christianity in plain and simple English. It covers Christian doctrines—the Bible, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, humanity, sin, salvation, the church and the end times. This is a foundational class that is offered regularly.

Grasping the Whole Book: This class helps the participants learn the basics of the bible’s history and themes, so they can see the “big picture.”

Making the Spiritual Journey: This class will challenge participants to grow in their faith through the practice of spiritual disciplines. Two books used for this class are Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster and Disciplines of the Holy Spirit by Dr. Siang-Yang Tan and Dr. Douglas H. Gregg.

Other classes we will be offering are Contemporary Issues for Christians, Becoming a Contagious Christian, Grasping Church History, The Roots of a Presbyterian-Based Faith, The Helper (a study of the Holy Spirit), Helping Your Student Grow in Christ-Like Maturity, The Purpose Driven Life, Prayer, Worship. We will be adding additional class over the years.

These classes are designed to give a Christ-follower a well rounded foundation for their life and faith.