Summary and Goals
The Adult Sunday School program at NBC is intended to provide grounding in core beliefs by teaching through matters essential to faith and practice. There are two specific tracks. One will focus on doctrine and the other on the application of that doctrine. These tracks will run concurrently to each other and will repeat every three years. These classes are considered by the leadership at NBC to be essential to vibrant church membership. Those members who have attended all the below listed classes (after six years) are encouraged to retake these classes with new members as a means of discipleship.
Schedule
|
Year 1 (2011) |
Year 2 (2012) |
Year 3 (2013) |
| Jan-Apr |
New Testament Overview
Sanctification |
Old Testament Overview Part1
Spiritual Disciplines |
Old Testament Overview Part 2
Discipling |
| Apr-July |
Basics of Christian Belief Part 1
Missions and the Church |
Basics of Christian Belief Part 2
Evangelism and Apologetics |
Basics of Christian Belief Part 3
World Religions and Cults |
| Sept-Dec |
History of Redemption
Marriage and the Family |
New Testament Theology
How to Study the Bible |
Historical Theology
Church Life |
Core Classes
History of Redemption
This class will provide members a broad overview of the history of redemption as it unfolds through the storyline of the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation). It will attempt to trace out the Bible’s various themes as they appear and are elaborated upon within the text itself with an eye toward under-standing how the various parts of the text fit under the redemptive scheme.
Old Testament Introduction I
OTI will provide members with background material and the basic intent of the Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy) through some of the poetical books, ending with Proverbs. Issues covered in this class will include a summary of authorship issues, date of writing, survey of intended audience and basic outline of the various books. Those attending this class will gain insights into the background of the various books of the Old Testament and be better prepared for personal and community study of these books within their various historical and theological contexts.
Old Testament Introduction II:
OTI 2 will provide members with background material and the basic thrust of the books Ecclesiastes-Malachi. Issues covered in this class will include a summary of authorship issues, date of writing, survey of intended audience and basic outline of the various books. Those attending this class will gain insights into the background of the various books of the Old Testament and be better prepared for personal and community study of these books within their various historical and theological contexts.
New Testament Introduction:
NTI will provide members with background material and the basic purpose of every book in the New Testament. Issues covered in this class will include a summary of the time between the testaments, authorship issues, date of writing, survey of intended audience and basic outline of the various books. Those attending this class will gain insights into the background of the various books of the New Testament and be better prepared for personal and community study of these books within their various historical and theological contexts.
New Testament Theology:
NT Theology will provide members with an overview of the various theological themes of the New Testament and demonstrate their connections with the Old Testament and the church today. Issues covered in this class will include a more detailed summary of themes such as kingdom, priesthood/temple, and the gospel. Those attending this class will gain insights into the various ways these themes are dealt with in the New Testament by the various authors.
Basic Christian Beliefs I:
Beliefs I will provide members with a basic introduction to theology in general, the doctrine of the Bible and the doctrine of God. The topics covered will include the various methods applied when accomplishing the task of theology, the importance of the Bible to theology, the doctrine of inspiration, angelology, the trinity, and providence. Those attending this class will better understand why theology is important to the church and be able to defend an orthodox view of the Bible’s truthfulness and the trinity.
Basic Christian Beliefs II:
Beliefs II will provide members with an introduction to the doctrine of man, the doctrine of the Christ and the doctrine of salvation. The topics covered will include man as created in the image of God, man as sinner, the person and work of Christ and various aspects related to the gospel (faith/ repentance/justification/etc.) Those attending this class will better understand man’s sinful state and Christ’s life/death/ressurection and its effects.
Basic Christian Beliefs III:
Beliefs III will provide members with an introduction to the doctrine of the Spirit, the doctrine of the church and the doctrine of end times. The topics covered will include the role of the Spirit in salvation and beyond, the import of the church as it relates to carrying out mission and the various views relating to the coming of the kingdom and the second coming. Those attending this class will better understand the reality of the Spirit, the need to be involved in the church and the fact of the second coming and its implications for believers and unbelievers.
Historical Theology:
This class will provide members with an introduction to the evolution of Christian Theology beginning with the early church and continuing to the present. Special attention will be given to the historic creeds and threats to orthodoxy as they developed in their historical contexts. Other topics discussed will include the formulation of the sacraments (in a Roman Catholic setting), the reformation and the development of baptist history. Those attending this class will gain deeper insights into the development of orthodox doctrine in the context of historical struggle and gain a deeper appreciation for the doctrinal roots of baptists generally and NBC specifically.
Supplemental Classes
Sanctification
This class will focus on the progressive nature of growth in holiness. The various topics covered will include the different proposed models of sanctification (Roman Catholic/Weslyan/ Keswick/etc.), specific texts relating to the subject (Romans 5-8; 2 Cor. 2-4; 1 Cor. 3) and the central role the gospel plays in Christian growth. Those attending this class will be better able to recognize the ways different denominations implement spiritual growth strategies and a deeper appreciation for the gospel and its role in the growth process.
Missions and the Church
Missions and the Church will provide members with an introduction to the purpose of missions and the church’s role in carrying this out. A brief history of missions will be discussed along with the biblical mandate for carrying out the work of missions. Those in attendance will be better equipped to defend the role of missions and the various ways it can be carried out both locally and throughout the world.
Marriage and Family
This class will cover topics including the biblical role of men/women and the role of husbands/fathers, wives/mothers and children. The different scripture passages that relate to these subjects will be discussed (Gen. 1-3; Eph. 5-6) as well as various strategies for biblical parenting.
Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual Disciplines will help members work through the different aspects of the Christian life that are important for growth including bible study, prayer, and fellowship. These aspects will be explored and different methods will be discussed to help members be intentional about the implementation of these disciplines.
Evangelism and Apologetics
Different strategies will be discussed to help facilitate personal growth in evangelism including encouraging the class members to find ways to use their training in real life. Those who attend this class will be able to explain the gospel and defend it against various critiques (exclusivity, Pharisaical, etc.)
How to Study the Bible
This class will cover basic methods for Bible study beginning with understanding backgrounds to books and the role genre plays in interpretation. The different types of genre in the Bible will be discussed and various illustrations will be used to help demonstrate the study techniques discussed. Those who attend this class will learn how to study the Bible in its various settings and be better equipped to lead Bible studies both in church and with their families/friends.
Discipling
Discipling will provide members with both the knowledge of why this is an important aspect to biblical Christianity and give basic methods to enable them to carry out this process. Topics covered will include illustrations of discipleship in the Bible, the gospel’s role in discipleship and tips to help people in need. Members who attend this class will be better equipped to counsel and build meaningful gospel-centered relationships within their ministry context.
World Religions and Cults
This class will introduce members to the different world religions (including cults) and provide a Biblical critique of these systems of thought. A brief history of these religions will be discussed along with a survey of doctrine and practice. Those who attend this class should be able to accurately define the various religious movements and cults and critique their belief structure biblically thus enabling them to find a platform to share the gospel.
Church Life
This class will provide members with a framework for understanding the church and the need to be a part of the body of Christ. It will cover topics ranging from membership to doctrine and unity. Participants in this class will be encouraged to think through the role the church should play in their lives and the various ways they should be involved within the body to promote its health.
