Fall 2018
Exposition of Acts | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Scott Bucher
Location: the Chapel
Category: Exposition of a Biblical Book
Focus: This class will focus on equipping our church body through focused exposition of the book of Acts. This class will feature engaging and rich teaching with consistent pastoral application.
Systematic Theology, Part 4 | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Ken Harvey and John Paul Stepanian
Location: Room 203
Category: Systematic Theology
Focus: Our focus this term will be on what the Bible teaches us about the work of Christ and the doctrines of election, calling, regeneration, conversion, justification and adoption. We look forward to joyfully searching out the riches of Christ together as we examine the Scriptural teachings that are essential to a right understanding of the gospel. Please note that all are welcome to join our class regardless of whether you've been with us before.
Fundamentals of the Faith | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Trevor Ice
Location: the Backstage Green Room
Category: Foundations
Focus: This class will equip new believers with a rock-solid theological foundation while simultaneously helping more mature Christians sharpen their understanding of key doctrines. It will equip the church for evangelism and discipleship while fostering the only kind of unity that truly means anything in the church—unity based on a shared understanding of God’s truth.
Apologetics | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Russ Zakarian and Brett Prieto
Location: Backstage Boardroom
Category: Biblical Skills
Focus: This class aims to equip believers to defend the veracity, reliability and authority of the Bible in a Christ-honoring manner against the various attacks that come from unbelief and skepticism. The class will help you 1) establish a biblical foundation for apologetics, 2) examine various methods of apologetics, and 3) engage with opposing world views with Biblical accuracy and confidence.
How To Interpret Your Bible | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: David Morris and Casey Banks
Location: Sanctuary
Category: Biblical Skills
Focus: What skills do you need to understand your Bible? What foundational tools help you unlock the meaning of the Bible, whether you are studying it on your own or with others? This course helps equip you to interpret your Bible consistently and accurately. Our goal is to know clearly how to study God’s Word and apply those methods consistently throughout the genres of the Bible.
Membership Class | Sep 2–30
Teacher: Dom Avila
Location: Worship Center
Category: Foundations
Focus: Explain the reasons for church membership at Grace, the process, and the heart of GCV for anyone considering joining Grace Church. This class is informal, personal, and designed to help you become a member at Grace Church.
Baptism Class | Oct 7–21
Teacher: Dom Avila
Location: Worship Center
Category: Foundations
Focus: Explain the need, purpose, and process of baptism, culminating in a baptism service on October 28, 2018.
High School | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Shay Thomason
Location: Rooms 201A
Category: Spiritual Formation
Book: This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years by Jaquelle Crowe
Focus: The student book study centers on junior-high and high-school students reading and discussing a practical, theological piece of Christian literature chosen by GCV staff. With an intentionally casual atmosphere, this class encourages students to voice their thoughts and questions in a free-flowing manner.
Junior High | Aug 12–Dec 9
Teacher: Dan Jackson
Location: Rooms 201B
Category: Spiritual Formation
Book: This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years by Jaquelle Crowe
Focus: The student book study centers on junior-high and high-school students reading and discussing a practical, theological piece of Christian literature chosen by GCV staff. With an intentionally casual atmosphere, this class encourages students to voice their thoughts and questions in a free-flowing manner.
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday school classes are available for children of all ages. See the Children’s Sunday School page for details.
Equipping the Saints
Our equipping classes are an essential element in helping us fulfill our mission statement. They provide training for our church family to be more competent, committed, and contagious disciples of Jesus Christ. Here are three reasons why we believe every disciple of Christ should invest in an equipping class here at Grace.
Know God
The Lord has revealed himself and his eternal plan of redemption in a book, and his desire is that we know and love him with our whole being (Matthew 22:37). We are all called to grow in the knowledge of God as a means of growth in godliness (1 Corinthians 14:20). Throughout the New Testament we learn that it is the responsibility of every Christian to grow in our thinking about God. As we increase our knowledge of God—his attributes and his works—our faith also increases, allowing us to become more conformed to His likeness.
Apply Truth
Christ-exalting preaching is absolutely essential to the life and health of the church, but it is not the only ministry of the Word. Preaching exalts, proclaims, and celebrates the glory, majesty, and beauty of God in the Gospel. But it is mainly addressed to the entire congregation without any discussion. Equipping classes provide both monologue and dialogue. They provide detailed training and interaction, with focused time and attention on specific topics (parenting, finances, evangelism, systematic theology, biblical interpretation, etc.) The concentrated nature of the equipping class is designed to teach you to apply the Gospel to every facet of life.
Help Others
Equipping classes should encourage further discipleship. They allow the elders and other gifted teachers the opportunity to exercise a vital, life-giving ministry while training others to use their gifts to build and serve the church. As you learn and grow, you will be equipped with knowledge and experience that you can then invest in others.
Contact
Have questions? Contact:
Dominic Avila
(831) 324-3935
dom@graceofthevalley.org
