Learning is a life long process and Church of the Cross offers many adult classes.

Adult Education at Church of the Cross

Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were going to live forever. (Mahatma Gandhi)

• Classes are offered on Sunday mornings, Wednesday night and Tuesday afternoon.
• Some classes continue all year.
• Some classes are offered for a shorter period of time.

Adult Classes Offered Currently:

Sunday mornings

• Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis – Room 8

This beloved classic of Christian Faith was first heard as informal radio broadcasts. It brings together what C. S. Lewis sees as the fundamental truths of Christianity. Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity’s many denominations; Lewis finds common ground on which all those who have Christian faith can stand together. Keith Allen will lead us in this class.

• The Thoughtful Christian – Room 9

Resources published on www.thethoughtfulchristian.com are the basis for discussion of contemporary issues, social and ethical issues, issues in the news, and issues of Christian living. The Thoughtful Christian provides study and discussion guides written by noted Christian authors, ministers, and theologians. After the initial two class sessions, the class will select the topics they want to cover for the rest of the year. The class will be led by Bill Gilpin.

• The Bible from Scratch – the Old Testament Room 10

Did you find the Bible an easy read? If so, this class is not for you – but if you find the Bible somewhat difficult and hard to understand, this class could be for you! From the most basic aspects of what is in the Bible to helpful interpretive discussion of its theology, this class offers a wonderful guide to the Scriptures. This class will be led by Karen Morey and Jim and Norma Schnabel.

• Hebrews – East Conference Room

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convection of things not seen. (Heb 11:1) The authorship of Hebrews cannot be known for certain, but the theme of Christ’s superiority and thus Christianity over Judaism is clear. Join Mary Kern as she leads this class in an exploration and greater understanding of the book of Hebrews, the message imparted, and the lessons it holds for us today.

• Young Couples Class – Discovery Preschool Room 1

Harold Kushner’s “When All You’ve Ever Wanted Isn’t Enough.” is about the search for meaning in our individual lives. Ecclesiastes is used to help in this search. Class discussion will give us a good chance to get to know each other and grow more comfortable sharing ideas. Then the class will move into one of the studies by Doctors Les and Leslie Parrott, such as “Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts – Seven Questions to Ask Before and After You Marry.” This class will be led by Dr. Kirk A. Ryckman.

• Young Adult Class - Fellowship Hall - Nursery

This is a new class just starting for young adults in their twenties and early thirties. We’ll use a series of books designed to examine a powerful biblical image that defines and shapes your life. This class will encourage you to look at your own questions, goals, and beliefs as you study Scriptures that expand on the biblical image. The class will be led by Mary Cramer and Larry Frederickson.

Wednesday Nights (Cornerstone)

• Adult Bible Study

Join Pastor Kirk Ryckman for adult bible study on Wednesday night after Cornerstone. This study is more advanced, examining the great themes of Scripture moving from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Class will begin with an orientation of the Bible and then proceed with the Theme of Salvation. The central theme of Salvation in the Old Testament experience of the Exodus continues through a variety of salvation events in the Old Testament. Moving into the New Testament, we explore continuity with the Old Testament and new directions in salvation in the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. We will look at the way the church expressed the theme of salvation. Each week, class members will prepare for class by reading and responding to Scripture.

• Discovering the Bible (Kerygma)

Join Pastor Redman in a class for those who are beyond the basics of Bible study and are ready to take the next step on the journey of discovering God’s word. We’ll gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Bible as the book that guides and nurtures our faith. We will approach the Bible as a whole and this year our focus will be the Old Testament. We will look at the various types of literature contained in Scripture, how they were collected and organized, and most importantly, how they inform our faith and life.

Tuesday Afternoon

• The Jesus I Never Knew

Phillip Yancey wrote this book, which will be explored in the Tuesday afternoon class, with Nancy Bunjer leading. Yancy’s flair for honest, vivid, well-informed, down-to-earthness gives piercing power to the gospel facts about Jesus Christ. This book offers major help for seeing the Savior as he really was.