Christian Education Vision, Mission, and Purpose
by Minister Jan J. Brown

Christian Education is designed to educate and prepare God’s people for living a Christian life. In-depth studies provide the knowledge base for examining the ways and beliefs of our God, His Son Lord Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit. Through proper studies and appropriate life application, we begin the transformation process of conforming to the image of Christ.

We, God’s people, are called by God to be a Royal Priesthood and to be ministers of the Word. Each person has a calling to a ministry to help people learn about God and His ways. We represent God through His Son Jesus Christ and must live lives that reflect His image. We must be trained and educated in His ways. The Christian Education ministry is a catalyst to other ministries through which those gifts and abilities that God has given us are manifested and used for the glory of God.

“Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still, teach the righteous, and they will gain in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Prov. 9:9-10 (NOA)

As members of the Royal Priesthood, we must study the Word of God, attend Bible Study and Sunday School classes, and apply our God-given gifts and abilities to our every day walk of life in order to demonstrate to all who see that we are followers of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)

Our Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Carlyle Fielding Stewart, III has a vision that Hope Church will be a Bible literate church. He wants us to be well educated and versed in the Word of God. This catalog is presented to you, the body of Christ, as a guide to identify the educational classes available to you at Hope United Methodist Church. | Back to top

Book by Book Bible Overview

DESCRIPTION: This Bible study offers an overview of the entire Bible for all who are interested in studying God’s Word.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a working knowledge of the Bible including historical, cultural, and background information.

AUDIENCE: Adults, good for but not limited to beginners

WHEN: Monday 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Back to top

Great Truths of the Bible

DESCRIPTION: In this Bible study, we will be engaged in meaningful discussion about a variety of real life topics.

OBJECTIVES: To review the Bible within a year and learn how to apply God’s principles to our every day lives.

AUDIENCE: Adults, good for but not limited to beginners

WHEN: Mondays 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Back to top

Life Application of the Word

DESCRIPTION: This is a chapter-by-chapter, verse-by-verse study of the Word to learn how to apply God’s principles to our lives. Through this in-depth study, we will see how God’s Word is revealed in our lives in preparation for discipleship.

OBJECTIVES: To teach and train adults how to be Disciples of Christ and to be not just “hearers” of the Word, but “doers” of the Word.

AUDIENCE: Adults interested in a deeper in-depth Bible study

WHEN: Wednesdays 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Back to top

Spiritual Discipline

DESCRIPTION: This Bible Study is an in depth study of the books of the Bible. Each book is reviewed in an exegetical manner to provide you with a more accurate view of it. Exodus is the current book in review.

OBJECTIVES: To review the Books of John 1, 2, and 3.

AUDIENCE: Adults interested in a deeper in-depth Bible study

WHEN: Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Back to top

Warriors for Christ

DESCRIPTION: This men’s only Bible study is designed to provide the men with the spiritual focus, mindset and weapons to be warriors for our Lord Jesus Christ.

OBJECTIVES: To bring men closer to Jesus Christ, help them grow in their individual roles as members of the Body of Christ, and empower them with the tools they need to be the leaders of their families.

AUDIENCE: Adult Men

WHEN: First and second Fridays of each month 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Back to top

Women of Hope

DESCRIPTION: This is a topical Bible study for women only. The women explore the Bible identifying the challenges women encountered and the roles and responsibilities that God gave women. Topics rotate during the year.

OBJECTIVES: To help women understand Jesus Christ and how to apply biblical principals to their daily walk with Christ.

AUDIENCE: Adult Women

WHEN: First and second Fridays of each month 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Back to top

Children’s Bible Study – Growing into Greatness

DESCRIPTION: Foundational teachings from the Bible about God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ Ministry, who we are in Christ Jesus, how to live holy, and many other treasures of the Bible, using Bible principles showing how to apply these teachings to our lives.

OBJECTIVES: To teach children how to search for and study the scriptures for themselves, and that scripture is the standard to measure all teaching. To help children develop a love relationship with our Father in heaven through the reading and studying of His Word.

AUDIENCE: Children 8 – 12 years of age

WHEN: Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Back to top

Solid R.O.C.K. Café

DESCRIPTION: A study in sound biblical teachings, which shows teens how to apply these biblical truths and principles in daily living.

OBJECTIVES: To excite the teens and invoke them onto a new way of thinking and living. We want the youth to “be transformed” by the renewing of their minds.

AUDIENCE: Youth 13 – 18 years of age

WHEN: Thursdays 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Back to top

First Place

PREREQUISITE: Orientation and written physician’s approval is required for first time attendees.

DESCRIPTION: First Place is a scripture based weight management course, which incorporates scripture memory verse, daily Bible study and prayer. This nine-step program is designed to help participants overcome weight issues. The course includes 10-week Bible study, registered dietician and outing. The outing is designed to encourage participants to make healthy selections when eating out. The course runs for 13 weeks.

OBJECTIVES: To help participants lose weight while developing a closer relationship with God, through daily prayer, meditation, scripture memorization and bible study.

AUDIENCE: Anyone who is overweight. (Class is currently 100% female; men are welcome to start their own class)

TEXTBOOK: Gospel Light series. Books are $19.99. New member kits are $99.99.

WHEN: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m. (Offered quarterly) | Back to top

Single Adult Bible Study

DESCRIPTION: Acknowledge and appreciate the sacredness of being a Single Adult yet not alone in the Christian context within a secular world. Highlight topics such as Christian dating, Single Parenting, Singleness and Sexuality, etc.

OBJECTIVES: To enable single adults to be saved and satisfied.

AUDIENCE: All single adults age 18 and up who have never been married, who are divorced, widow(er), and/or do not desire to marry

TEXTBOOK: Varies every 3 to 5 months.

WHEN: First and second Mondays 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Back to top

CTA 201 Ethical Standards in Christian Communications

DESCRIPTION: Do you ever ask your self these questions? Am I doing the right thing? Am I fair and honest in the way I am sharing information? This course will help you learn the ethical rules of truth and intent when communicating or being communicated to by someone else. | Back to top

CTA 202 Effectively Managing Service Workers

DESCRIPTION: Leaders, can't get your service workers to act right? Maybe you aren't treating them right!! This course works with leaders, to provide you with a service worker’s perspective of serving and how God values them. We will discuss ways to encourage performance, while leaving the person and the mission value intact, if not enhanced. | Back to top

CTA 203 Leadership in the United Methodist Church

DESCRIPTION: We will share how the United Methodist Church is structured and how it works together as one body in Christ. We will understand how serving in our church ministers to the global community. | Back to top

CTA 204 Internal Team Evangelism

DESCRIPTION: Your team's mission is to support the church, but should it not also be to help your team members have a closer walk with the Lord and know where there soul is headed? Internal Team Evangelism will help leaders, develop a soul enhancing relationship with God and perpetuate the same knowledge of seeking God with team members. | Back to top

CTA 205 Peacemakers

DESCRIPTION: Conflict is a part of life. How do we best handle it? Come, explore God's approach to peace and learn new peace making skills. Blessed are the Peacemakers!!! | Back to top

CTA 206 Stewardship

DESCRIPTION: The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. God has blessed you with some resources so how does He want you to use them? Are you using your resources according His will? Are you using your tithing your time, talents, and treasures? In this seminar we explore the Godly perspective to prudent management of His material gifts. | Back to top

CTA 207 Strategic Planning and Budget Preparation

DESCRIPTION: This course explores the developing of goals and objectives for your ministry work area and creating an operating budget to obtain those goals. This is an awesome opportunity to gain and sharpen your strategic planning skills and processes for budget submission to Hope UMC. | Back to top

CTA 208 Team Development: Recruiting, Developing and Sustaining A Team

DESCRIPTION: This ain’t no secular course like you get at work. This team-building course comes from a Christian perspective, with world confounding wisdom, and a Godly outcome. The goal is to be able to attract, teach, and sustain a team to support the work of Jesus Christ. | Back to top

CTA 209 Time Management and Effective Meetings

DESCRIPTION: Are we optimizing the time God has given us? Are your meetings effective enough? Could you team benefit from shorter, more organized meetings? If the answer is no to any of these questions, this course will teach you how to develop these skills and much, much more. | Back to top

Disciple Bible Study

DESCRIPTION: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study is the first in a series of studies emphasizing disciplined reading of Scripture. It aims at transformation, not just information, through life application of the Word. DISCIPLE participants will encounter:

• a small group study limited to 15 students per group
• a 34 week commitment to study (nine months)
• movement through Scripture chronologically from Genesis to Revelation
• reading more than 70% of the Bible

DISCIPLE Bible Study is summed up in Ephesians 4:12, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”

OBJECTIVES: DISCIPLE calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God’s word, and to be changed by God’s word.

DISCIPLE will help:
• Provide biblically nourished persons
• Develop strong servant leaders
• Identify spiritual gifts and ministry service areas

AUDIENCE: Adults (ages 21 and older); All male, all female, or co-ed classes available

REQUIRED TEXTS:
• Holy Bible [unmarked Bible without footnotes]
• DISCIPLE: Study Manual (2nd Edition) $30.00

OPTIONAL TEXTS:
• Nelson’s Bible Dictionary
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance [same translation as your Bible]
• Bible Atlas
• Commentaries [same translation as your Bible]

WHEN: Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (34 weeks) Beginning in September

OPTIONAL TEXTS: See Registration form during registration period. | Back to top

Sharing Jesus Without Fear

DESCRIPTION: The class gives a unique style of evangelism. This method is simple and will assist you to gain confidence in witnessing. This class will help you understand how completely lost we and others are without Jesus Christ and that our only hope for eternal life is found in a relationship with Him.

OBJECTIVES: To learn the true meaning of success in witnessing and that fear can be overcome by following three simple steps in sharing your faith. Those of you who study Share Jesus Without Fear will find your own faith deepened and strengthened as you learn to share the hope and love you find in Christ. You will experience the joy of the Christian life as your friends and family members turn away from sinful and destructive behavior to faith in Jesus Christ.

AUDIENCE: Church Members. Class size is limited.

WHEN: Quarterly
• Friday
• 5:00 p.m. Dinner
• 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Class
• Saturday
• 9:30 a.m. - Breakfast
• 10:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Class

COURSE FEES: Nominal fee of $10 for materials (tape and book) and a light meal. | Back to top

Adult Confirmation

DESCRIPTION: A series of eight classes addressing the following topics: Pastor’s Vision; Foundations of Prayer; Salvation; Stewardship; UM History, Polity and Structure; Study of the Bible; Sacraments; Major Methodist Beliefs; and Spiritual Gifts Foundation and Assessment

OBJECTIVES: To strengthen new members in their spiritual formation and their relationship to Jesus Christ. These sessions provide attendees with the opportunity to discover their gifts and talents. It also exposes them to opportunities for service within and outside of the congregation to support the Body of Christ.

AUDIENCE: All members of Hope who are not confirmed.

WHEN: Classes are held three times per year. Schedule is published in the Church Bulletin. | Back to top

Youth Confirmation

DESCRIPTION: These classes assist the youth in making the transition from child to youth as they prepare to become confirmed members of Christ’s community and the United Methodist Church. These interactive classes are led by spirit-filled instructors and clergy and consist of biblical and historical research, lectures, group activities/discussions, video or audio tapes.

OBJECTIVES: To guide the youth on their faith journey growth in the Christian Faith, assist them in developing a relationship with God, and prepare them to be accepted as confirmed members of the Church

AUDIENCE: Youth ages 12-17 (They must be 12 by October 31 to be accepted in the class)

WHEN:
Orientation: First Sunday in October
Sundays 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Classes: Begin the 3rd Sunday in October and end in March | Back to top

Advancing Through Adversity (Intermediate)

DESCRIPTION: This course teaches how to “stay the course” when we are going through trials and difficult situations. Hardship is a true test of faith, and God does give us power to overcome. Come and learn of the spiritual power that you have that can be used against the spiritual forces that will come against us. | Back to top

Experiencing Forgiveness (Intermediate)

DESCRIPTION: This class teaches us how to truly forgive others as Christ commanded. There are key factors that, in the natural realm, keep us from forgiving others. Lack of forgiveness toward others is not only against the will of God, but can lead to bitterness and sickness. This class can be a burden lifting and spiritually gratifying experience that can lead to spiritual release and wholeness. | Back to top

Experiencing God (Basic)

DESCRIPTION: A course that examines our relationship with God in terms of the work that God calls us to do. God has prepared every Christian for given work within the body of the church, and invites us to join Him in what He is already doing in the world around us. | Back to top

The Holy Spirit (Intermediate) (Leadership Development)

DESCRIPTION: This is a class that examines the Holy Spirit in-depth, and in a personal way. Many people know of the Holy Spirit, and realize that He is a part of the Godhead, but they do not know of the works, the baptism, and the infilling and anointing of the Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost to some). The class also teaches about the power and authority that believers have under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the associated manifestations of power that are given to the faithful. Special things could happen in this class. This class is a basic requirement for church leaders, but anyone can attend. | Back to top

Listening to God (Basic)

DESCRIPTION: Does God really speak to people today? If so, how does He communicate with His people? Can we actually converse with God? This and other matters are some of the questions that will be answered in this course. | Back to top

Power of the Vision (Basic) (Leadership Development)

DESCRIPTION: This course helps to lead and guide church leaders in grasping and implementing the vision of the church. God’s vision for the church is not focused on us, but through us. Vision, as defined in the course, is a clear mental image of a preferable future imparted by God to His chosen servants, and is based on an accurate understanding of God, self and circumstances. The course also shows us how to invest in the vision of the church, in order to be successful leaders. | Back to top

Servant Attitude (Basic)

DESCRIPTION: A class that explores the spirit of submission to the authorities ordained by God for the orderly operation of the church, and toward enhancing the effectiveness of our Christian works. It explores the true meaning and purpose of humility, not only in the church, but also in the world in which we live. Just as armor bearer carried the sword and shield for the kings as they went to battle, we too must be taught to stand firm and ready with the weapons that our leaders will need in order to fight “the good fight of faith”. This class is particularly valuable in preparing students for the time when they will need the help of an armor bearer during the spiritual battles that lie ahead. Simple exercises could be given during this class to illustrate the value of being an armor bearer. | Back to top

Spiritual Gifts (Basic) (Leadership Development)

DESCRIPTION: God has equipped each member of His church with spiritual gift(s) in order to help the church grow and reach out to the world. Spiritual gifts are not talents. They are specific capabilities that are given by God, to individual persons, for the building of the church. We are most effective and happy in performing our Christian service when we are operating within the gift(s) that God has given us. This course identifies and discusses 27 spiritual gifts, and leads you toward finding and using your specific gift(s). | Back to top

Spiritual Warfare (Intermediate) (Leadership Development)

DESCRIPTION: This course teaches the elements of how to fight in the Spirit against the forces that seek to eliminate growth and effectiveness in our personal lives, and in our ministries. Our fight is not against carnal (worldly) forces but against the spiritual forces that seek to undermine and destroy our families, our churches, and any other things that we seek to build up for the Lord. Many people cannot fight in the Spirit because they do not know how. Christians do have spiritual weapons that, when used, can and will defeat the enemy. This course shows us how to fight and win the spiritual battles that are sure to come. | Back to top

Training for Reigning (Intermediate) (Leadership Development)

DESCRIPTION: We must be trained by the Holy Spirit before we can reign and rule for Christ, and before we can properly operate in the Spirit within the church. This class is an all-time favorite of many who have taken these lessons. The class uses the life of King David as he went through four stages of his life until he became king. Virtually everyone will identify with David’s trials and temptations, but at each stage of David’s life, there is relevance to our own lives, and to the trials we face within and without the church. This is a starkly frank, pull-no-punches class, covering some themes that are seldom discussed, but very necessary for church leaders. There will be adequate time for questions, testimonies and discussion. | Back to top

What Christians Believe (Basic)

DESCRIPTION: In this course we examine some of the basic tenets of Christianity, to explain and clarify the things that Christians should, and must, truly believe as followers of Jesus Christ. This class helps believers to establish a firm footing for future growth and service in the faith. | Back to top

Pre-school and Primary

DESCRIPTION: The Preschooler’s and Primaries’ journey through the Bible will emphasize basic understanding of the scripture text. These students will encounter:
• A year’s study
• Movement through scripture
• Understanding of scripture verses
• Reinforcement of scripture through activity centers, object lessons, songs and crafts.

OBJECTIVES: The Preschoolers at the conclusion of the course will master the following objectives:
• An introduction to Christ with understanding of the Word
• Demonstration of the joy of living for the Lord
• Understanding Salvation
• Demonstration of behaviors that exhibit faith. (obedience, love and sharing)

AUDIENCE: Children, Preschool, Kindergarten, grades 1-2

TEXTBOOK:
Children’s Holy Bible (New International Version)
Preschool Playhouse Student Book (provided during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

Primary 2

DESCRIPTION: The Primary Sunday School Class aims to introduce children to Jesus Christ and His Word. After boys and girls have accepted Jesus as Savior, we desire to help them follow Him in their everyday living.

OBJECTIVES: Sunday School outlines Bible facts and understandings that we want children to learn based on the Scripture passage chosen by the Uniform Lesson Series. We emphasize written knowledge, attitude and action objectives.
• The knowledge objective defines Bible facts and understandings.
• The attitude objective focuses on the changes we desire in children’s hearts.
• The action objective describes specific behavioral changes.

AUDIENCE: Children, grades 3 and 4

TEXTBOOK:
Holy Bible/Children’s Bible (New International Version)
Primaries Student Book (provided during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

Juniors

DESCRIPTION: The Juniors Sunday School Class actively engages youth in Bible study, prayer, praise, worship and fellowship. Scriptures are read and discussed, and students can apply each scripture/lesson to challenges and problems in their lives and society in general. They will also study:
• How God communicates with us
• The importance and power of God’s Word
• God’s salvation plan

OBJECTIVES: The Juniors Sunday School Class aims to:
• Guide students toward lasting relationships with Christ through Bible study, prayer, praise and worship and good stewardship.
• Increase the learning and understanding of Bible scriptures that help them solve problems.
• Teach students how to communicate with God through prayer.

AUDIENCE: Youth, grades 5 and 6

TEXTBOOK:
Holy Bible for Youth (New International Version)
Junior Way Student Book*
Junior Way Activity Manual*
*(Provided during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

Middle School

DESCRIPTION: The Middle School Class emphasizes life application of Bible truths and principles by helping students understand the characteristics of Christianity and identifying methods to live according to God’s Word.

Middle School Class participants will:
• Study and discuss quarterly themes using the appropriate scriptures and student texts.
• Participate in such activities as skits/role playing, essay writings, scripture recitation, drawings and games.
• Identify ways to implement the Bible principles into daily living.

OBJECTIVES: The Middle School class challenges students to submit themselves to God’s will by studying Scripture, to learn more about God’s Word through class activities and to be transformed by God’s Word. The class will help students:
• Know God’s Word as emphasized through memory verses
• Understand how they feel about God’s Word
• Apply God’s Word to their daily living

AUDIENCE: Middle School students, grades 7-8

TEXTBOOK:
Jam Student Book (provided to each student)
Holy Bible (recommend a Teen version, New International translation)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

High School

DESCRIPTION: The High School Class emphasizes life application of Bible truths and principles by helping students understand the characteristics of Christianity and identifying methods to live according to God’s Word. High School Class participants will:

• Study and discuss quarterly themes using the appropriate scriptures
• Participate in such activities as skits/role playing, essay writings, creative writings, debates, drawings and games
• Identify ways to implement the Bible principles into daily living

OBJECTIVES: The High School class challenges students to submit themselves to God’s will by studying Scripture, to learn more about God’s Word through class activities and to be transformed by God’s Word. The class will help students:

• Know God’s Word as emphasized through memory verses and Scripture discussions
• Understand how they feel about God’s Word
• Apply God’s Word to their daily living

AUDIENCE: High School students, grades 9-12

TEXTBOOK:
Holy Bible for Teens (New International Version)
InTeen Student Book (provided to each student during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

Young Adult

DESCRIPTION: The Young Adult class follows the International Sunday School lesson plan to help students learn and understand Scripture and the standards of Christian living.

Class participants will experience:
• Weekly lessons that select Scriptural stories and teach object lessons in context for young adults.
• A learning environment that encourages student participation via open discussion and questions about the lesson.
• Age appropriate activities to reinforce life application of Biblical precepts.
• A time period devoted to praise and worship as well as lifting up individual prayer requests that are brought forth by the students.

OBJECTIVES: Through interactive learning, the Young Adult Sunday School class students will:
• Gain historical background for the Bible texts.
• Examine a contemporary story for the sake of relevance.
• Be able to apply the lessons to their daily lives and mature as disciples of Christ.

AUDIENCE: Young Adults, ages 18 through 35

TEXTBOOK:
Holy Bible (New International Version)
Discovery Adult Student Book (provided to each student during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top

Adult

DESCRIPTION: The adult class follows the international Sunday School lesson as prepared by the International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching, and Urban Ministries Inc., Chicago Ill.

Class participants will experience:

• Weekly lessons that select scriptural stories and teach object lessons in context for adults.
• A learning environment that encourages student participation via open discussion and questions about the lesson.
• A time period devoted to lifting up individual prayer requests that are brought forth by the students.

OBJECTIVES: Through interactive learning, the Adult Sunday School class students will:
• Gain historical background for the Bible texts.
• Examine a contemporary story for the sake of relevance.
• Be able to apply the lessons to their daily lives and mature as disciples of Christ.

AUDIENCE: Adults

TEXTBOOK:
Holy Bible (New International Version)
Discovery Adult Student Book (provided to each student during class)

WHEN:
School Year: September to August
Sunday Mornings: 9:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m. | Back to top