Passage Course Descriptions
SG 100—First Step (formerly Discover Group)
Duration: 5 week course
Instructor: Talbot Davis
Description: First Step is an experience that serves as a pre-requisite for official membership at Good Shepherd. In First Step you will be exposed to the essentials of Christianity, the heart of Methodism, and the character of Good Shepherd. There is a small amount of homework. No cost for materials.
SG 102—Crown Financial Ministries
Duration: 12 week course
Instructor: Laura Lucas
Description: An in-depth study of what Scripture teaches about money and possessions. Graduates have confirmed that marriages are being strengthened and individuals are finding their way out of debt. They are also becoming consistent savers, generous givers, and prudent consumers. Most importantly, people are entering into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply His Word. Classes meet for 2 hours every week. Requirements: daily prayer for each member of your group, memorize one assigned Scripture each week, complete weekly homework assignments - both Bible study and practical application - and attend a minimum of 8 of the 10 classes. $45 per person or $55 per couple.
SG 104—The Gifts of the Spirit
Duration: 6 week course
Instructor: Karen Lynch-Bromby
Description: The Spiritual Gifts are often a source of confusion or division among Christians. This course will seek to provide a Biblical foundation for understanding the Gifts of the Spirit. Students will follow Pastor and Author Jack Deere's journey from skeptical theological professor to one who embraces the reality of the Spritual gifts in our own age. His book, "Surprised by the Power of the Spirit" will serve as guide for participants in this course as they delve into their own objective study of the scriptures. Discussion will explore questions like: What do we believe about the Holy Spirit and the gifts? Did the miraculous gifts cease with the apostles? Why does God heal? Why does God not heal? How can I be more in touch with the power of the Holy Spirit? $10 for book.
SG 105—I Promise: How Five Commitments Determine the Destiny of Your Marriage
Duration: 6 week course
Instructor: Talbot Davis/Rich Tuttle
Description: Join Talbot as he leads a six week marriage class called I Promise. The class will use a video-based curriculum from the ministry of Dr. Gary Smalley. The cost for the book and study guide (two books total) is $10.
BS 101—Bible for the Rest of Us
Duration: 5 week course
Instructor: James-Michael Smith
Description: This course is designed to introduce the Bible to those who are unfamiliar with it, as well as provide interpretive overviews and guidelines for those who have read and studied Scripture for years. Topics include Bible Basics, Translation differences and theory, choosing and using Study Bibles and other resources, Intro to textual criticism, Fallacies in interpretation, Genre considerations, and the meaning of Inspiration. This course is a prerequisite for any 200 level Biblical Studies courses.
BS 202—Invitation to the NT
Duration: 8 week course
Instructor: Bill Caulfield
Description: This course seeks to provide an overview of the New Testament along with its origin, themes, and usage of the Old Testament in presenting the person and claims of
BS 366—The Book of Revelation
Duration: 12 week course
Instructor: James-Michael Smith
Description: Perhaps the most widely-misunderstood book in the entire Bible is the book of Revelation. Is it a detailed map of future events that we are currently experiencing? Is it merely a symbolic fable describing the triumph of God over evil in this world? Or is it something else? The irony is that Revelation was originally written to make things clear to early believers! This course consist of an in-depth look at the text, focusing on the events and people to whom it was originally written and their cultural settings, and then stepping back to see what it has to say to the Church throughout the ages and, equally as important, what it does not say. BS 101 and BS 201/202 are required prerequisites for this course. $10 for book.
PM 102—Sharing the Faith
Duration: 7 week course
Instructor: Ron Dozier
Description: Evangelism doesn’t have to be frustrating or intimidating. Sharing the Faith is a lifestyle Evangelism course designed to help you share your faith in a style that fits you. DVD segments, as well as individual and group activities, will help you gain confidence and equip you to: build spiritually significant relationships, use easy to remember gospel illustrations, pray with someone to receive Christ, direct conversations to matters of faith.