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click here for Winter 2001 Academy Classes Offered
Have you ever wondered where you are going in your walk with God? Many people have told me that they would like to learn more about the Bible, or learn to pray better, but they're not sure how to do it. I've also noticed that some Christians attend church services and even classes, but may be missing some vital aspects of being a follower of Christ. The Lord has given our church a plan to encourage each of us to become mature, "self-feeding" disciples equipped to serve Him effectively. This plan is the Certificate of Discipleship program, which will provide direction in choosing courses of study and activities to promote maturity in Christian life.
Rev. John McFarland
The Great Commission calls the church to make disciples. The Fountain Valley United Methodist Church has an organized plan to do that. Through the Certificate of Discipleship process, each individual who comes to our fellowship will be encouraged to become a mature," self-feeding" disciple of Jesus Christ.
With the help of mentoring counselors, disciple will evaluate their progress in the faith. From that analysis, they will begin to choose classes, ministries, independent studies, and groups that will be part of God's work in their growth
The Certificate of Discipleship defines a clear, structured plan for adults to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ.
The Certificate of Discipleship program is an organized approach to Christian maturity. While knowing that no program can "make" disciples, having an organized plan gives an opportunity for the disciple to pray for God to do the work within him. Many Christians are involved in church, groups, and classes, yet missing some vital aspects of being a follower of Christ. Some are unclear about basic Christian beliefs. Therefore, the Certificate was designed to provide direction and attainable goals. This training also gives the disciple a means of helping others along in the process.
The course of study aims at providing classes in all seven vital areas of Christian growth. A person May be advanced in one area and need more training in other aspects, so disciples may concentrate on certain subjects.
Christians should be able to demonstrate maturity in knowledge and skill in the seven areas. One may demonstrate this maturity without taking a single course. The courses, however, are designed to help a person in that process of maturity.
Our Academy is organized into a four-year course of study with two thirteen-week semesters (fall and spring) each year. The schedule also includes various Sunday morning classes during both first and second service. These classes cover each of the seven requirements of discipleship. At the end of the class, the candidate will take the test for the area, and will have satisfied that requirement. One may "challenge" any particular area by taking the "final" without taking the class.
The certificate can be earned by taking five core classes and three electives.
BIBLE 101 is our standard introduction to the Bible. No question is too elementary as we learn to find our way around God's Word. You will gain a solid basis for trusting the Bible as the Word of God, how to find all 27 books of the New Testament, the themes of some books, how we got the Bible, and how to use it in personal study. Come let us reason together!
BIBLE 201 helps Christians learn and practice the science and art of interpreting scepter, while applying their knowledge to their lives. From the assumption that the Bible is the Word of God they will learn how to study it through our reason, tradition and experience. The goals is that those who complete this class will have the foundation and confidence to teach other adults from the Bible. Each person will be given a chance to lead in Bible study. We don't expect all to become experts, just to know how, where and when to look for answers.
BIBLE 301 is an in-depth study of two books of the Bible (one from each testament) designed to give Bible students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in 101 and 201.
CHURCH HISTORY 101 establishes an understanding of God's work throughout history, which will culminate in the Second Coming of Christ. This course traces the development of the Church from the Acts of the Apostles through Wesley to the present.
DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS, (survey)
ESSENTIALS 101 is an Open Bible study course to examine essential doctrines of the faith such as assurance of salvation, the trinity, principles of growth, and prayer. Students will need to bring or purchase an Open Bible. Meets Certificate of Discipleship requirements.
EXPERIENCING GOD is an exciting course combining video and class discussion with daily guided study and prayer. The class focuses on developing a love relationship with God, understanding His will, and joining Him in His mission to reach the lost. Meets Certificate of Discipleship requirements.
WALKING WITH GOD, GOD'S WAY
MIND OF CHRIST is an inspirational, in-depth study of Christ's character through video, discussion, daily study, prayer, and Scripture memorization. Romans 12:2 admonishes the believer, "Be not conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Philippians 2:5states the goal of Christian living: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus." This course helps Christians cooperate with the lifelong work of the Holy Spirit to renew our minds.
PRAYER 101 combines a study of prayers in the Bible with the instruction and practice of personal and public prayer. This is a basic course in which participants will gain anew understanding of intense scholarly study, this class focuses on equipping believers to be confident in saying grace, praying privately and publicly for themselves and others, and developing a daily prayer time.
VICTORY OVER THE DARKNESS uses video and workbook materials by Neil Anderson (Freedom in Christ ministry) as participants take steps to spiritual freedom and personal growth. Meets Certificate of Discipleship requirements.
WITNESSING 101 (or BECOMING A CONTAGIOUS CHRISTIAN) gives believers inspirational teaching and practical instruction in sharing the gospel. Class members will study the Great Commission and the early Church's mission to the world as a foundation for evangelism. Participants will learn the essentials of witnessing the need for sharing the gospel, and how to share their testimonies.
WEIGH DOWN WORKSHOP – Wednesdays 7-9p.m. Learn to achieve personal growth through reliance on the Lord and overcome reliance on sex, food, tobacco, and other substances. Both men and women have experienced victory through this approach, which is not a diet.
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