First winter term class launches

(posted by Paul Zilmer)

Last evening we kicked off the first class of our winter term. Norm Fadelle started his 4-week series on "Basic Discipleship". This class was scheduled as a direct response to feedback from our students, who have requested instruction on discipleship issues. There were 8 students registered, and they all came — along with two others who decided to join in! All 10 are ongoing students who have taken one or more courses already.

We received feedback from some of our students last fall, indicating that Wednesday was a difficult day for them to attend. Many of them go to a Wednesday class at their own church. Through January, we are experimenting with having classes on Tuesday and Thursday, instead of Wednesday and Thursday.

Meanwhile, our regular Tuesday Bible discussion class continues, currently studying 1 Corinthians. So, last night for the first time we had two simultaneous classes. We had a little concern about possible dilution, but it turned out that it worked fine. Besides ecclesial members who attend this class, we have 4 students who attend more or less regularly. One of these elected to sit in Norm's class, but the other 3 are definitely committed to the 1 Corinthians study, and plan to continue coming to it. They very much enjoy the discussion format, and as I was giving a couple a ride home afterwards, the husband remarked, "That was a great class!"  All of the students who attend this class have remarked on the contrast with what they think of as a "normal" Bible class, because we dig in much deeper, and we encourage everyone to participate in discussion. They are being fed in a way they've never experienced before.

On Thursday, I'll launch the second offering of "How to Study the Bible", which we've expanded to 6 weeks. This was the entry class for many of our students, and was received very enthusiastically last fall. Not too many registrations this time – 4 seem firm, with 2 others possible. We've also sent follow-up mailings to all of our contacts, so we could end up with more who just show up. On the other hand, a nasty winter storm is forecast...so everyone may stay home, or we may even have to cancel if it gets too bad.

Our God will guide us!