Adult Education

EVERY ONE A DISCIPLE: We believe learning and becoming more like Christ is a life-long pursuit.

Join a Discipleship Pathway Group!

We hope every adult will be part of a discipleship group and classes! New class members always welcome!

Sundays (January 5 - March 2)

10:00 - 10:40 AM, What Does It Mean to Be Spiritual?; Teachers: Dr. Bob Bohler & Doug Jenkins; Room 200

Using the classic book, He That Is Spiritual by Lewis Sperry Chafer, we’ll work to define true Christian living and unfold biblical teaching concerning spirituality — what it is and how it is secured. Nothing could be more important to Christians than the theme of this book. Its sound teaching corrects many false impressions and presents a scriptural pattern for the full life in Christ.

10:00 - 10:40 AM, God’s Presence and Glory: Exodus; Teachers: Bruce and Tina Powers; Room 100

Get up, leave, take off — these words are good ones for those trapped or enslaved. Some resist marching orders, however, preferring present surroundings to a new, unknown environment that might bring an uncertain future to them. But what if God gives the order to move? Join us in our own journey following the Book of Exodus, which describes a series of God’s calls and the responses of his people under the leadership of Moses.

10:00 - 10:40 AM, Sacred Marriage; Teaching Team: Deb & Skip Trimpe, Beth Haas, & more; Fellowship Hall

What if God designed marriage to make us holy instead of happy? Is there any better relationship in which to practice our discipleship? With these overarching questions in mind, we’ll discuss and practice topics like prayer, communication, navigating stressors together, fighting fair, and how to honor and cherish our spouse. This class is led by couples who are works in progress alongside everyone else. We invite couples of all ages, regardless of years of marriage, to join us!

Mondays

2:00 - 3:30 PM, Caffeine, Conversation & the Canon, Men’s Bible Study -Book of Daniel; Leader: Doug Jenkins; Room 200

The Book of Daniel is a fascinating and complex text that spans history, prophecy, and wisdom literature. In it, we learn how faithful people lived in captivity, and we see how God is in control of heaven and earth, nature, and nations, and how he cares for each person. Each Monday afternoon, we read the scripture carefully together and thoughtfully explore topics spurred by the Word that arise in our conversation. This strengthens our faith and fosters a deeper understanding of the book's themes, characters, and messages. Please join us any time.

7:00 - 8:30 PM, Community Bible Study (CBS), Teachers: CBS leaders; Fellowship Hall

Interested in an in-depth Bible study with fellow believers from the Athens area held at our church? Come join us on Monday evenings! This year’s books of the Bible for study are I & 2 Peter, I & 2 Timothy, Titus and James. We are currently studying I & 2 Timothy and will resume classes on January 6, 2025. Men, women, and couple groups available. Go here to register: http://athenseve.cbsclass.org.

Tuesdays (January 7 - February 25)

9:30 - 11:15 AM, Women’s Bible Study: Luke in the Land; Leader: Rev. Deb Trimpe; Fellowship Hall

Follow Bible study teacher and college professor Kristi McLelland through Israel as we study snapshots from the Gospel of Luke to see where the stories of the Bible took place. Together we’ll “visit” Bethlehem, the Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, and the road to Emmaus. Along the way you’ll see how Jesus the Messiah brought His kingdom to earth for everybody. Note: We’ll follow our study of Luke with The Gospel on the Ground: The Grit and Glory of the Early Church in Acts, also by Kristi McLelland. All women welcome!

Wednesdays (beginning January 8)

10:00 - 11:30 AM, Men’s Community Bible Study (CBS), Leader: Mike Greenhaw; Room 100

See Monday evening CBS information above. Class resumes on January 8, 2025.

6:30 - 7:30 PM, From the Garden to Golgotha: Titles of the Coming Messiah; Teacher: Dr. Ron Bowie; Room 200

Over an eight-week period leading to Lent, we will identify and discuss Old Testament terms used to identify Jesus as the Promised Messiah. The lesson design is to help us see the majestic ways and means the Holy Spirit communicates with humanity and prepares us to see and encounter the Son of God, who reveals the Father, redeems us from sin and sinfulness, and invites us into his family. Weekly topics include The Word, The Redeemer, The Light of the World, The Lamb of God, The Son of David, The Son of Man, The Suffering Servant, and The King of Kings. This is a mixed lecture/discussion class with the Bible as the primary source.

6:30 - 7:30 PM, Women’s Bible Study: Book of Romans; Teachers: Lucie Morris, Robin Rudisill, Beth Stewart; Room 207

The apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans stands as his masterpiece. Its energy and excitement stem from unveiling God’s power and grace through Jesus, accessible to all who believe. Deeply theological, the Book of Romans has been transformational for believers for centuries; most notably, the Catholic monk Martin Luther found his heart and life transformed after reading Romans, particularly Romans 1:17: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”