Adult Christian Education happens in a variety of ways, but Sunday School classes and Bible studies are the most frequent methods at Pender. It takes an entire lifetime (and more) to know God; therefore, a variety of adult learning activities is offered year-round on Sunday mornings as well as during the week. All classes study scripture with differing topics and study styles. Study topics vary from the basics of the Christian faith, to a particular book of the Bible, and to Biblical principles for marriage and parenting. Study styles differ in the amount of pre-class preparation, teacher presentation, or group presentation. Adults are invited to visit all classes and find the study that meets their needs. The Education Committee always welcomes suggestions for new classes.
9:30 am Sunday School Classes for Adults
All About Marriage is devoted to building and maintaining strong Christ-centered marriages. It is open to couples at all relationship stages (e.g., those thinking about engagement, engaged couples, just married couples, couples married for multiple decades) and is led by rotating facilitators. They are currently using the Homebuilders Bible Study Course Growing Together in Christ. Feel free to stop by the classroom this Sunday or send an e-mail to Dana May at dana.d.may@gmail.com for more information. They meet in room 220.
Bethany uses the International SS Lesson series as their curriculum. Lessons alternate on a quarterly basis between the Old and New Testaments. This class meets in room 200 next to the Fellowship Room. The teacher is Kay Matthias.
Cornerstone is led by rotating facilitators who guide discussions about Old and New Testament books and topics. Since this is a large class, the members support each other by sharing prayers and praise each week and enjoying regular socials. They meet in rooms 215 and 217.
Genesis to Revelation is a verse-by-verse Bible study that will enable you to understand what the Bible says, what the passage means, and how the Scripture applies to your life today. The study uses the Cokesbury series plus other sources. They meet in room 218. The teacher is Rich Taddeo.
New Directions is using Christian Basics Bible Studies (InterVarsity Press). These are topical studies (priorities, commitment, hope, etc.) which take members through key Scripture passages and help to apply biblical truths to life. Rotating facilitators guide the weekly discussions. "Transformation" is the current study. This group meets in room 206.
Seekers studies biblically-based topics, which are discussed in a free format as opposed to lectures. The study books used are Inter-Varsity Press publications in the Lifeguide Bible Studies series. Topics are selected by class members and emphasize strengthening our faith for Christian living. The study this quarter is entitled "Acts - Seeing God's Power in Action." Members are in all stages of faith and biblical knowledge and has periodic social events in homes and frequently eats meals together in local restaurants. This class meets in room 216. Teachers are Stan and Dottie Kurzeja.
Spiritual Gifts is a 6-week study that will help you discover your spiritual gifts and plug into opportunities for ministry.
11:00 AM sunday school classes for adults
The Insiders Class is a group who seeks to grow in their walk with God while becoming effective "insiders" -- people who are trying to live effectively for the Kingdom of God among seekers who are already within their daily lives (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.) If you want to grow in your Christian discipleship while having an impact on those within your sphere of influence, then this is the class for you! Often, topics that are based on the sermon from the Common Ground (CG) service will be used for the group discussion. Take what you heard in CG and apply it to your life in a practical way! See description of new study to begin on January 24th below. Dale Rice can be contacted at 703-803-7295 for more information. His class meets in room 218.
