Intellectually Stimulating and Spiritually Enriching Classes.
COURSE CATALOG // FALL 2014
Welcome! As we enter year two of our launch of The School of Gospel Formation, we’re not only reflecting on a first year of encouraging growth and development, but we’re looking forward to how SGF will expand its reach and clarify its focus for teaching and training in the 2014-15 school year. Our vision for this ministry hasn’t changed – we still want to engage your mind, challenge your heart, and transform your way of life by offering a high-quality, gospel-centered curriculum taught by engaging instructors who haven’t reduced the Christian faith to brute series of theological axioms or principles for living. Instead, our classes are led by teachers who understand that Christianity is fundamentally a relationship with the crucified and risen savior. You’ll see several new courses added this term, courses such as How to Study the Bible, Gospel Stewardship, and a women’s Bible study on Galatians. Take you time to consider where you are in your progress through our curriculum, talk it over with a trusted friend or mentor, and pray that the Lord would give you clarity for your registration. The gospel is rich. And our hope and prayer is that you would experience more and more of its richness as you dig deep, think hard, and work out its implications through this year’s course offerings.
See you in September!
Pastor R W Glenn
COURSE CATALOG // FALL 2014
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Vision The School of Gospel Formation is a Christian academy with a curriculum designed to move people from “Joe Pagan” to Gospel Pacesetter in four years. What is a gospel pacesetter? It’s a phrase that was coined by Jack Miller in Outgrowing the Ingrown Church. It refers to people leading by being the first to repent and believe the gospel and to proclaim the good news of the love of Jesus to others. But this doesn’t happen accidentally; it happens intentionally as our understanding and application of the gospel take root and grow in our lives. SGF seeks to accomplish this by engaging your mind, challenging your heart and transforming the way you live every day through intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching classes taught by instructors whose minds, hearts and lives are growing more and more in step with the gospel (Gal 2:14).
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
Contents
Questions about a course, registration or curriculum? Contact Emily Boyer at emilyboyer@redeemerbiblechurch.com
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SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASSES Wednesday nights at Redeemer
Register for a half or full semester course and
are taking a whole new shape! Bring the whole
experience the benefit of weekly connection with an
family and enjoy a class, then stay for the fellowship
instructor and other students. Build relationships as
or drop in to the sanctuary for prayer.
you grow in your gospel understanding together.
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WEEKEND SEMINARS No time to commit to a half or
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MEMBERSHIP CLASSES Looking to learn more about
full semester course? Wanting to do a lot of learning
Redeemer? Start with the basics by taking RBC
in a short amount of time? Weekend seminars are
Distinctives, a three-hour class taught by Pastor Bob.
short and to the point, but packed with gospel-rich
Or, if you’re looking to go a little deeper and learn
insights delivered by instructors via lectures, videos
the ins and outs of life as a part of our church family,
and small group discussions.
sign up for RBC Orientation.
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INSTRUCTORS & FACILITATORS Our instructors and facilitators
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CURRICULUM TRACK Are you interested in more than
are all RBC members whose lives, minds and hearts
one course? Or, maybe you’re not sure which course
are growing more and more in step with the gospel
you should take first? Follow our curriculum track as
(Galatians 2:14). They are excited to teach and
a basic guideline.
engage with students, and together grow deeper in their understanding and application of the gospel.
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FAQ Do you have questions about SGF? Take a moment to look at
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REGISTRATION DETAILS Once you have decided on a
our FAQ page. If your questions about a course,
course or seminar, use our registration page to
registration or curriculum are not answered contact
learn about minimal fees and important registration
Emily Boyer at emilyboyer@redeemerbiblechurch.
deadlines. Classes will fill up quickly and wait lists will
com.
be used.
COURSE CATALOG // FALL 2014
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Our Mission Statement:
Christian education that engages your mind, challenges your heart, and transforms the way you live.
THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
Sunday Morning Classes Register for a half or full semester course and experience the benefit of weekly connection with an instructor and other students. Build relationships as you grow in your gospel understanding together.
SGF-101: CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED DESCRIPTION: Christianity Explored is for people who would like to investigate Christianity, or just to brush up on the basics. Looking at Mark’s gospel, it explores who Jesus is, why he came, and what it means to follow him. OUTCOMES: Growing skills as an evangelist, and perhaps especially that students unsure of their relationship to Jesus would leave as committed Christians. CURRICULUM: Christianity Explored from The Good Book Company SCHEDULE: September 14th – October 19th | Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM LOCATION: TBA INSTRUCTOR: Scott Smoliak MAX CLASS SIZE: 6
SGF-102: DISCIPLINES AND DOCTRINES DESCRIPTION: Covering the basic disciplines and foundational doctrines of the Christian faith, this course uses materials developed by Redeemer Bible Church to lay the groundwork for further adult Christian education. OUTCOMES: A better understanding of the basic teachings of Scripture as well as deeper devotion to Jesus Christ. CURRICULUM: Disciplines & Doctrines from Redeemer Bible Church SCHEDULE: September 14th – December 7th | Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Dave Nord LOCATION: Room 106, Main Building LL MAX CLASS SIZE: 12
SGF-103: HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE DESCRIPTION: This course is aimed at teaching students the basics of the how and why of reading the Bible. It utilizes a mix of video instruction, Bible study, discussion, practical exercises, prayer and home assignments that will help you on the road to establishing a new and more enjoyable Bible reading habit. OUTCOMES: Greater familiarity with the basic shape and nature of the Bible and increased facility in reading and applying Scripture to life. CURRICULUM: Six Steps to Reading Your Bible from Matthias Media SCHEDULE: September 14th – October 19th | Sun: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM INSTRUCTOR: Bruce Egertson LOCATION: Room 102, Ministries Building MAX CLASS SIZE: 16
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
SGF-104: THE STORY OF THE BIBLE DESCRIPTION: The Scriptures teach the story of God’s salvation in Jesus Christ. And only by understanding this overarching storyline can we understand the individual parts of the Bible we have come to know and love. Also called “Biblical Theology,” this course is aimed at giving students the big picture of Scripture as a story that moves from the creation and fall of man to redemption and final restoration of all things in Christ. OUTCOMES: Understanding how the whole message of the Bible hangs together and centers on Jesus as well as learning how the storyline of Scripture impacts your daily life. CURRICULUM: Gospel and Kingdom by Graeme Goldsworthy SCHEDULE: October 26th – December 7th | Sun: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM INSTRUCTOR: Dustin Thompson LOCATION: Room 102, Ministries Building MAX CLASS SIZE: 16
SGF-201: HOW PEOPLE CHANGE DESCRIPTION: How People Change challenges and equips participants to live out the gospel in their everyday lives by helping them to understand the underlying motivations for their actions and giving them specific, practical help in changing long-standing patterns of behavior. The sessions include teaching, homework discussion, “CPR” (Central Truth, Personal Application, and Relational Application), a group discussion guide, and “Make It Real” life applications. OUTCOMES: The hope is for a marked, observable change in a particular area of your life. CURRICULUM: How People Change from Timothy S. Lane and Paul David Tripp SCHEDULE: September 14th – December 7th | Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Warren Watson LOCATION: Room 102, Ministries Building MAX CLASS SIZE: 16
SGF-402: PARENTING CHILDREN DESCRIPTION: What we are after in the parenting of our children is not that they would conform to a certain outward standard of behavior, but that their hearts would be turned toward Christ, loving and worshiping him with sincerity. Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp provides the proper biblical framework and practical instruction necessary to participate with God in winning your children to Jesus. OUTCOMES: If parents leave this class with the tools to be more effective at giving grace to their children, we will have accomplished something deeply significant for the next generation of believers. CURRICULUM: Shepherding a Child’s Heart by Tedd Tripp SCHEDULE: September 14th – October 19th | Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM INSTRUCTORS: Pastor Mark & Kim Suchta LOCATION: Room 105, Main Building LL MAX CLASS SIZE: 20
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Wednesday Night Classes Wednesday nights at Redeemer are taking a whole new shape! Bring the whole family (childcare for 0 - Kindergarten and Kids Pray! for children 1st – 6th grade) and enjoy a class, then stay for the fellowship or drop in to the sanctuary for prayer. Wednesday nights at RBC: 6:45 – 9:00 – childcare 7:00 – 8:00 – classes for adults and kids 8:10 – 8:45 – prayer 8:00 – 9:00 – fellowship hour
SGF-204: A PRAYING LIFE DESCRIPTION: Let’s face it, prayer is hard. Our failed attempts to have a rich prayer life often end in quiet desperation. Hope dies, cynicism taunts: “Is God in control? Does he even care?” Feeling defeated and robbed of joy, we settle for less. We expect less. But we don’t have to! A Praying Life inspires people to pray in vibrant connection with God. Participants learn to pray the way Jesus did: like a child, coming as we are, asking anything, with eyes to see the Father’s story unfolding in us. OUTCOMES: That students would not only pray more, but love to pray for the rest of their lives. CURRICULUM: A Praying Life by Paul Miller SCHEDULE: September 10th – December 10th | Wed: 7:00 – 8:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Drake Lorence LOCATION: Sanctuary MAX CLASS SIZE: N/A
SGF-503: COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERSHIP DESCRIPTION: Every Community Group leader (CGL) of Redeemer Bible Church is required to be trained for the successful leadership of a community group. But simply because this training course is required for leaders doesn’t mean that only they benefit from it. Everyone will be helped by understanding the purpose, aims, goals, and methods for healthy community group life. OUTCOMES: A greater and more realistic understanding of the ins and outs of CGs at RBC as well as producing equipped and motivated leaders for future groups. CURRICULUM: Why Small Groups by C.J. Mahaney and Community by Brad House SCHEDULE: September 10th – October 15th | Wed: 7:00 – 8:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Pastor Paul Burr LOCATION: Room 106, Main Building LL MAX CLASS SIZE: 12
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
SGF-505: LOCAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP DESCRIPTION: A vastly misunderstood subject in the contemporary church, this course is designed to orient students to the work of the two offices of leadership in the local church: pastors and deacons. Topics covered in this course include the nature and organization of the local church, qualifications for church officers, and the duties and responsibilities of each office. OUTCOMES: An increase in the students’ understanding of the nature of leadership in the local church as well as planting seeds for men to enter leadership development on the road to becoming deacons and pastors at RBC. CURRICULUM: Local Church Leadership by R W Glenn SCHEDULE: September 10th – December 10th | Wed: 7:00 – 8:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Pastor R W Glenn LOCATION: Room 102, Ministries Building MAX CLASS SIZE: 16
SGF-706: WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: GALATIANS DESCRIPTION: This course looks at what the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians shows us about the gospel and does so in a way that encourages deepening friendships between the women in the class. Each unit studies a portion of Galatians and then takes some concept from the passage and helps the students to gain a better understanding of it and apply it practically to daily life. OUTCOMES: A clearer understanding of what it means to walk in step with the gospel as a woman as well as a greater foundation for fellowship with other women at RBC. CURRICULUM: Paul’s Letter to Galatians by Timothy J. Keller SCHEDULE: September 10th – December 10th | Wed: 7:00 – 8:00 PM INSTRUCTORS: Erin Johnson and Kim Suchta LOCATION: Fellowship Hall MAX CLASS SIZE: NA
KIDS PRAY! (run by Redeemer’s Children’s Ministry in partnership with SGF) DESCRIPTION: Prayer’s purpose is not to change God, but to change the person praying. With true prayer we get to know God better. Jesus gave the disciples the Lord’s Prayer as a model, and in it, Jesus shows us how our hearts should be when we come to our Heavenly Father in prayer. OUTCOMES: A greater understanding of why, how, and when (continually!) to pray, and an understanding that Christians have been saved to pray. CURRICULUM: Lord, Teach Us To Pray from Children Desiring God SCHEDULE: September 10th – December 10th | Wed: 7:00 – 8:00 PM INSTRUCTORS: Glory Lueck (Grades 1 – 3) and Jim Warren & Phil Schreck (Grades 4 – 6) LOCATION: Room 103 (Grades 1 – 3) and Room 107 (Grades 4 – 6), Main Building LL
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Weekend Seminars No time to commit to a half or full semester course? Wanting to do a lot of learning in a short amount of time? Weekend seminars are short and to the point, but packed with gospel-rich insights delivered by instructors via lectures, videos and small group discussions.
SGF-302: THE MINISTRY OF MERCY DESCRIPTION: Every individual Christian and every local church is called to be engaged in the ministry of mercy, which is that essential gospel work of meeting people’s needs through deeds, with special emphasis on the poor, the orphan, the widow and the refugee. This course establishes the basic principles and practices for a gospelcentered approach to social justice. OUTCOMES: Seeds for future service in the diaconate being planted as well as each student motivated to have his or her own ministry of mercy. CURRICULUM: Ministries of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road by Timothy J. Keller OFFERED: November 7th – November 8th | Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Mark Summers LOCATION: Fellowship Hall, Main Building MIN CLASS SIZE: 35
SGF-303: GOSPEL STEWARDSHIP DESCRIPTION: The gospel teaches us about our money and possessions, how to think of them, and from there, how to use them. This course explores the theological and practical sides of Christian stewardship. OUTCOMES: Better management of personal finances and a growing generosity in the use of them. OFFERED: October 10th – October 11th | Friday: 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM INSTRUCTORS: Jason Dailey and Pastor R W Glenn LOCATION: Fellowship Hall, Main Building MIN CLASS SIZE: 35
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
Membership Classes Looking to learn more about Redeemer? Start with the basics by taking RBC Distinctives, a three-hour class taught by Pastor Bob. Or, if you’re looking to go a little deeper and learn the ins and outs of life as a part of our church family, sign up for RBC Orientation, a six-week class that explores what it means to be a church member.
SGF-501: RBC DISTINCTIVES DESCRIPTION: Local churches in a community are like the individual members of the body of Christ – full of wonderful diversity. This means that each church has its own set of distinctives. This course presents an overview of our vision, values, doctrine, mission, plan, and structure along with help for getting involved in the ministries of Redeemer. OUTCOMES: Understanding what RBC is all about along with people excited to make a commitment of membership in our church family. SCHEDULE: Section 1: July 23rd | Wednesday: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Section 2: September 20th | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Section 3: November 13th | Thursday: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM INSTRUCTOR: Pastor R W Glenn LOCATION: TBA // Register up to one week prior MAX CLASS SIZE: 40
SGF-502: RBC ORIENTATION DESCRIPTION: RBC Orientation is a class geared specifically toward new members; however, it is open to anyone seeking to get more connected and involved in our church community! Looking at the foundational building blocks of life within the church, this course explores how to get plugged into a Community Group, how to find your niche serving in a ministry, why regular giving and attendance are important, and what it looks like to live out the one-anothers of Scripture. The class will be led by a facilitator, and each week, a pastor, staff member, or ministry director will do a guest lecture on a specific topic. OUTCOMES: A clear understanding of what it looks like to be a serving, active, invested, and involved church member at Redeemer. CURRICULUM: I Am a Church Member by Thom S. Rainer SCHEDULE: Section 1: September 10th – October 15th | Wednesday: 7:00 – 8:00 PM (Hansen) Section 2: October 26th – December 7th | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (LaVasseur) FACILITATORS: Debbie Hansen, Cory LaVasseur LOCATION: Room 105, Main Building LL MAX CLASS SIZE: 30
COURSE CATALOG // FALL 2014
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Instructors & Facilitators Our instructors and facilitators are all RBC members whose lives, minds and hearts are growing more and more in step with the gospel (Galatians 2:14). They are excited to teach and engage with students, and together grow deeper in an understanding and application of the gospel.
PASTOR PAUL BURR INSTRUCTOR SGF-503 paulburr@ redeemerbiblechurch.com
JASON DAILEY
INSTRUCTOR SGF-303, SGF-501, SGF-505 rwglenn@ redeemerbiblechurch.com
DEBBIE HANSEN
INSTRUCTOR SGF-303 jasontdailey@gmail.com
FACILITATOR SGF-502 djhansen50@comcast.net
BRUCE EGERTSON
ERIN JOHNSON
INSTRUCTOR SGF-103 begertson@yahoo.com
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PASTOR R W GLENN
THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
INSTRUCTOR SGF-706 scottanderin19@q.com
CORY LAVASSEUR FACILITATOR SGF-502 corylavasseur@ redeemerbiblechurch.com
DRAKE LORENCE
PASTOR MARK & KIM SUCHTA INSTRUCTORS SGF-402, SGF-706 marksuchta@ redeemerbiblechurch.com kimberlysuchta@yahoo.com
MARK SUMMERS
INSTRUCTOR SGF-204 drakelorence@yahoo.com
INSTRUCTOR SGF-302 marksummers@ redeemerbiblechurch.com
DAVID NORD
DUSTIN THOMPSON
INSTRUCTOR SGF-102 dnordgofast@gmail.com
SCOTT SMOLIAK INSTRUCTOR SGF-101 pfpatriotguy@comcast.net
INSTRUCTOR SGF-104 dthompson@heritagemail.org
PASTOR WARREN WATSON INSTRUCTOR SGF-201 warrenwatson@ redeemerbiblechurch.com
COURSE CATALOG // FALL 2014
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Curriculum Track HEAD CORE: 100s
TRAINING CLASSES: 500s
101: Christianity Explored
501: RBC Distinctives
102: Disciplines & Doctrines
502: RBC Orientation
103: How to Study the Bible
503: Community Group Leadership
104: The Story of the Bible
504: Gospel Leadership
105: The Theology of the Bible
505: Local Church Leadership 506: Preaching & Teaching
HEART CORE: 200s 201: How People Change
GENERAL ELECTIVES: 600s
202: Change and Your Relationships
Courses as needed
203: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands 204: A Praying Life
ADVANCED CLASSES: 700s 701: New Testament Survey
HANDS CORE: 300s
702: Old Testament Survey
301: Personal Evangelism
703: Christian Apologetics
302: The Ministry of Mercy
704: Church History
303: Biblical Stewardship
705: Systems of Theology
304: International Outreach
706+: Individual biblical book studies
KEY ELECTIVES: 400s 401: The Meaning of Marriage 402: Parenting Children 403: Parenting Teens 404: The Gospel and the World
SYMBOL KEY Half Semester Full Semester Seminar
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
FAQ Questions about a course, registration or curriculum? Contact Emily Boyer at emilyboyer@redeemerbiblechurch.com.
What is Redeemer’s attendance policy? Effective Fall 2014, there is no official attendance policy. Some instructors may continue to enforce an attendance policy, but that is at their own discretion. We understand that in the course of life and work, students will miss classes. It is our hope that they will remain invested in the class, keeping up with homework and working with the instructor to stay informed about what they missed.
I am serving in another ministry on Sunday mornings (children’s ministry, ushering, etc). Should I commit to serving AND an SGF class, at the expense of morning worship? No. The first priority is attending weekly public worship with the rest of the Redeemer community. If you are interested in taking a Sunday morning class, but are already committed to serving in a ministry that would regularly prevent you from attending Sunday public worship, we recommend taking a Wednesday Night Class, or attending one of our Weekend Seminars.
Are there pre-requisites for the classes? Effective Fall 2014, we do not require pre-requisites for classes. Please carefully read course descriptions, check out curriculum and perhaps have a conversation with an instructor to make sure you are comfortable with the level of difficulty each class presents.
Is childcare available? Childcare for ages 0 – Kindergarten is available for all Sunday morning classes and Wednesday night classes. We also have programming for children 1st – 6th grade and Youth Group for 7th – 12th grade available on Sundays and Wednesdays. Note that the times vary, and may not match up exactly with your class time. Please contact the office for our specific Children’s Ministry and Youth schedules. Childcare is NOT available for any of our weekend seminars.
These class times do not work for my schedule. Will you ever offer other days / times for any of these classes? Yes! Our plan is to continue expanding our selection of weekday classes, so that there are many options available on several days of the week at varying times. Watch for more expanded class offerings in Spring 2015.
I have teaching experience in another church, how can I become an instructor in SGF? In order to serve as an instructor or facilitator, you must first be a member of RBC. If you’re already a member, please contact Bethany Hway (bethany@redeemerbiblechurch.com) to express your desire. We will consider carefully and let you know if we’re interested in pursuing you further.
How much is tuition? The only cost incurred by students will be a small registration fee to help defer the costs of administration, plus the cost of materials. However, we never want finances to hinder you from learning and growing in the gospel. Please contact the church office for more information about our “pay-asyou-can-afford” policy.
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Registration Fees Classes have a small registration fee to help defer the cost of administration.
CLASS TYPE
PER PERSON PER COUPLE
HALF-SEMESTER CLASS
$ 15
$ 25
FULL-SEMESTER CLASS
$ 25
$ 40
SEMINAR $ 20
$ 30
Registration Deadlines Classes will fill up fast so please register as soon as possible.
Sunday & Wednesday Classes Gospel Stewardship Seminar The Ministry of Mercy Seminar RBC Distinctives Class
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THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
SEPTEMBER 3RD OCTOBER 8TH NOVEMBER 5TH
UP TO ONE WEEK PRIOR
Registration Opens August 10th register online at www.redeemerbiblechurch.com/sgf If you are unable to register online, please call the Church office.
952.935.2425
16205 HIGHWAY 7 | MINNETONKA, MN 55345 REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM | 952.935.2425 | INFO@REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM