FPC's Core Adult Christian Education Courses

We have chosen special subject areas to form the core of the curriculum we want you to experience over a number of years. These core courses will be offered in between a variety of our elective courses, and match up with the core values of FPC. Our core courses are numbered to assist you in finding courses that meet you where you are and help you to grow from there. Beyond our two foundational courses— The Alpha Course and Adventure in Christian Commitment— we have five levels of courses:

100 Series — Basics
200 Series — Equipping
300 Series — Ministering
400 Series — Witnessing
500 Series — Mastering

CORE COURSES:

101: Christian Faith from Scratch

This is a four class study on basics of the Christian faith revealed in:

1. The Ten Commandments
2. The Apostle’s Creed
3. The Lord’s Prayer
4. Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

102: Introduction to the Old Testament

Have you ever asked: “How does the Old Testament relate to my spiritual development?” There are timeless messages woven into the story lines of the O.T. This 8 session course will provide you with the basic knowledge of the general timeline of events, the primary characters, key cultural perspectives, and selected messages that still apply today.

103: Introduction to the New Testament

Have you ever wondered about the books of the New Testament and how they got to be there? To whom were they written and why did the author write them? This 8 session course will review the timing of major New Testament events and will examine the cultural setting and circumstances, author’s objectives and themes.

151 & 152: The Bible From Scratch— Old Testament & New Testament

Do you think the Bible is boring or too difficult to understand? In these 8 week classes you will get a taste of: what the Bible is, why it’s important, how it came to be, and how to use your Bible.

161: Discovering God’s Way of Managing Money

You can be free from financial bondage! This 8 session course is for those who want to put biblical financial principles into practice in their own homes and lives. Each participant will work through a practical, workable plan for personal finances including: setting up a monthly budget for income and expenses, planning short-range goals, managing debt, etc.

201: Discipleship for Ordinary People — The Life You've Always Wanted

You will find a life marked by joy, peace, kindness, and all the signs of a faith that's vital and growing. This 8 session course offers an encouraging and challenging approach to a Christian life that's worth living — life on the edge that fills our ordinary world with meaning, hope, change, and a growing closeness with Christ.

202: A Crash Course in Church History

A light and refreshing survey of the major periods in the life of the Christian Church including:

• From Christ to Constantine
• The Creeds and Councils
• The Reformation
• The Great Century

203: Exploring Christianity through Music, Art & Drama

Discover the various art forms found through-out the Bible. Feasts, festivals, war and worship were some of the events in which the arts played an important role. The word “rejoice” literally translated means “to dance.” The 4 session class will look at the arts in Church history and their inspiring role in the Church today.

301: Discovering Your S.H.A.P.E. For Ministry

You will be led through a series of assessments that help you to discover your God-given blend of Spiritual gifts, Heart or passion, Abilities, Personal style and Experiences, in order to mobilize you to a place of meaningful service in our church family. We want to help you find a ministry that is both fruitful and fulfilling!

361: Crown Ministries Biblical Financial Study

This in-depth biblical study on personal finances will walk you through the steps of budgeting, creating financial goals and getting out of debt. The class is 12 weeks long and requires weekly homework to be finished in order to move forward through the lessons. Cost for the course handbook & workbook is $30/individual or $50/couple.

401: Becoming a Contagious Christian

Designed to equip you for effective evangelism in today’s world by showing how you can share the Gospel in a natural and powerful way while being the person God made you to be. Each of the 8 session’s exercises, discussions, self-assessments and video vignettes give step-by-step guidance to help you become effective communicators for Christ to those around you.

501: Bethel Bible Study

The Bethel Series is an in-depth overview study of Scripture that builds a strong foundation in Biblical knowledge and understanding — a discernment that leads to a life of discipleship. You are led in a disciplined study of Scripture in such a way that you encounter the Living Christ. Each of the 40 studies (over 2 years) includes striking, colorful images that reinforce the lesson's message and aid memory. The cost of materials is $25 per year.