In order to more fully accomplish our vision, we must follow Jesus’ teachings and example. We will intentionally equip and send out the church to share the good news of Jesus. We will devote increased time in our gatherings on Sundays and Wednesdays to ensure that we are not merely hearers of the word but are also training to go out and be doers of the word (James 1:22-25). We will encourage one another to grow as disciples of Jesus in the knowledge, understanding, and practice of God’s word in our daily lives. We will ask our congregation to develop new skills and the confidence to share their faith as a matter of daily practice.
Goals
We will focus more time on equipping all members to serve others and share the gospel (Eph 4:11-13). It is also our goal to spiritually ground our church family in a Christian worldview so that they will have a strong foundation to withstand Satan’s desire to undermine faith (2 Cor. 10:3-5).
Training
We will increase the number of classes that are designed to equip members to serve others and share the gospel. Wednesday will be revitalized and used for more than a mid-week devotional. This time slot will be used increasingly to cultivate and practice the lifestyle of following Jesus. There will be training classes and actual opportunities for ministry offered that will intentionally train our members to serve others and share the gospel of Jesus.
Education
We will develop and publish a two to three-year plan to offer classes to all ages that will strengthen the core foundation and faith of our Christian family. Also, members will be encouraged to look ahead and choose classes as a part of their own intentional plan to grow themselves and their families spiritually. In order to support this goal and to prepare for the future, we will ask God to help us identify others in this congregation that we can develop as teachers.
Spiritual Formation
We will offer advanced classes, retreats and other opportunities for individuals and families to more deeply experience the fellowship of God and the presence of his Spirit through spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, confession and deeper Bible study. All members will be asked to participate in one of these opportunities each year.
Updated Nov. 2019
Core Curriculum
- Withamsville Adult Core Classes
Teachers: Barry Boverie and Kevin Stewart
Romans 1:18-20 says that we can clearly see the power and divine nature of God by reflecting on the creation of the world. During this class, we will spend several weeks reviewing the amazing things that we see in our universe and here on earth around us, that fill us with confidence that God is the creator of our world and our life.Jan. 24 – Feb. 28, 2021
Teacher: Jeff Painter
The historical fact of the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. Being sure about this changes everything (1 Cor 15:12-58) and should inspire us to follow Jesus as Lord. This training class will establish the basis for believing in Jesus’ resurrection. It will equip us to summarize—in less than one minute—why we believe in Jesus’ resurrection. It will enable us to talk to others about Jesus’ resurrection as a historical fact. Let’s be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have (1 Pet 3:15). That hope is in Christ, the resurrected Lord.March 14 – April 18, 2021
Teacher: Kevin Stewart
What does the Bible teach about church organization and worship? Is there one New Testament authorized pattern we are compelled to follow to be considered the true church? Or does God give the church freedom to worship and organize itself in various ways as we seek to praise God and reach a lost world for Christ? We want to make sure that we please God in all that we do. So what does God truly want from us? This class will explore the differences between core Biblical doctrines, traditions, and opinions related to church organization and worship.April 25 – May 30, 2021
Teachers: Keith Baker and Mark Jordan
Didn’t go to Sunday school or need a review? Come read along with us as we do a high-level summary of Israel’s great leaders from the Old Testament. This first in a series of classes will cover Moses, Joshua, the Judges, Samuel, Saul, and David. The purpose is threefold: (1) to identify each leader’s importance in the biblical story; (2) to highlight key events associated with that leader; and (3) to encourage you to read the relevant sections of Scripture each week.June 13 – July 18, 2021
Teachers: Mike Gulley and Barry Boverie
Our desire at Withamsville is to be a church that is passionate about pursuing
and worshipping God. So how do we worship God? Is it a lifestyle, a worship
service, or both? Are we even aware he is present with us? Are we thankful and
do we acknowledge what He has for us through Christ? When worshipping, are
we more concerned about what we want to happen, or do we come ready to
be transformed to look more and more like Jesus? Come join us as we try to
discern what is at the heart of this thing called worship.Sep. 5 – Oct. 17, 2021