Schedule

Class description coming soon.

By looking at how Jesus demonstrates applied differential hermeneutics and apologetics in Matthew 22 and by analyzing Jesus’s interactions with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and crowds, we can learn some of his methods of interpreting Scripture and addressing theological questions, as well as appreciate the relevance of Jesus's approach for modern hermeneutics and apologetics in a diverse cultural context.

This session explores the dynamics of group-based biblical interpretation as a means of cultivating interpretive self-awareness and fostering deeper engagement with diverse perspectives. We will participate in a structured, collaborative reading exercise, which is designed to reveal how personal histories, cultural contexts, and theological commitments shape the act of interpretation. Through guided discussions and reflective analysis, participants can identify and critically evaluate their own interpretive lenses while engaging respectfully and rigorously with the perspectives of others, enabling students to appreciate the richness of communal interpretation for academic study, ministry, and personal spiritual formation.

This presentation will consist of four parts. (1) A brief look at the definition of hermeneutics. (2) Hermeneutics in the Stone-Campbell movement with a special focus on the Churches of Christ. (3) Hermeneutics in the International Church of Christ. (4) Suggestions on how to proceed with hermeneutics in the ICOC.

Is it enough for us to just tolerate other Christians in our faith communities who have different convictions and practices? In this class we will explore what it means to “accept the one who is weak in the faith” and to embrace Christians who are “not like us.”

Increased digital engagement at the cost of in-person interactions has negatively impacted communal life in the church. Amid an increase in online connectivity, relational connections have suffered as church members add more and more to their already busy schedules. Research has revealed how a purposeful increase in face-to-face communication has strengthened both horizontal connections with others and vertical connections with God. Meeting together can supply relational life and a renewal of community in the church.

This interactive session is designed to equip and inspire church teachers—whether new or experienced—with foundational principles and practical strategies for teaching God’s Word in a way that is both engaging and spiritually formative. While many passionate volunteers are eager to share Scripture, few have been trained in effective teaching practices that help learners retain, apply, and grow in biblical truth.

Drawing from 2 Timothy 1:6 (“Fan into flame the gift of God...”) , 1 Timothy 4:13-14 (“Do not neglect your gift”) and 2 Timothy 2:2 (qualified to teach); the session integrates the UK OFSTED teaching framework (Intent, Implementation, Impact) and insights from Dallas Willard on the sacred role of the Christian teacher.

Key Topics:
--Structuring Bible lessons with clarity and purpose
--Teaching methods that foster engagement, understanding, and retention
--Adapting to diverse learning styles within church settings

Participants will leave with:
--A practical toolkit of teaching strategies
--Greater confidence in their calling
--A renewed vision for how teaching strengthens the whole church

This workshop is ideal for church teachers, ministry leaders, and anyone who trains or develops volunteer communicators in the church.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.” Eph 4:11-13, emphasis added). Jesus Christ, Jesus himself, gave the church various servants whose job was to build up the church for the result of unity, all focused on the knowledge of the Son of God. Historically in our family of churches, we have had times of unity between the roles of teacher and evangelist and we have had times of disunity. This class will be a moderated open dialogue format between two kingdom teachers (younger and older) and two evangelists (younger and older) about both this challenge and this mandate, to bring about unity and to grow in our knowledge of Jesus, the Beloved Son.

This class explores how Old Testament narratives can shape the church’s cultural and political wisdom through deep, Spirit-led engagement with Scripture. Moving beyond devotional readings, participants will learn how to enter biblical stories through immersive interpretation, drawing out questions and insights that form us for faithful presence and action in today’s complex world. The goal is to equip believers to discern and respond to their cultural moment with theological depth and imaginative courage.

Spirit-Led Offering is the idea of the Spirit guiding leaders to offer space, discipleship, and authentic spirituality so that Jesus Followers learn to be guided by God and not man. We see the “offer” idea take place in Jesus' ministry and then reflected in Acts with ministry decisions, prayer, and evangelism.

YHWH invites his treasured possession into liminal space, a transitional state to mold and transform us for spiritual functioning. Sometimes uncomfortable, these liminal moments are indispensable for spiritual functioning and becoming.

In today’s church, a growing crisis of disconnection threatens the spiritual vitality of many congregations. Many disciples experience loneliness, a lack of deep friendships, and limited opportunities for genuine spiritual support. The absence of intentional discipling relationships has left many isolated in their faith journeys, longing for authentic connection and guidance.

This class offers a theological and practical exploration of healthy discipling relationships within a Christian framework. Grounded in the “one another” commands of Scripture, students will integrate biblical principles with time-tested approaches to mentoring, coaching, and spiritual direction. The course equips students with theological insight, spiritual discernment, and interpersonal skills to help others grow in Christlike maturity. Participants will develop essential competencies in active listening, empathy, affirmation, and spiritual discernment, learning how to nurture and walk alongside others with grace and wisdom. Emphasis is placed on cultivating spiritually formative relationships that reflect the love, humility, and transformational power of Jesus. This class empowers teachers and students to be catalysts of relational healing and spiritual growth in the body of Christ.

Addresses practical challenges like social media influence, generational differences in information processing, and the tension between encouraging questions and maintaining core doctrine. Teachers will learn to create environments where honest inquiry strengthens rather than undermines faith, helping disciples become confident in Scripture's truth while learning to navigate our increasingly complex information landscape.

There is a yearning among our ICOC people for developing close enriching relationships different from the old discipling manner. Jesus illustrates and others in the Bible teach incredible Emotional Intelligence which can guide us in our journey to fulfill this yearning. FLAN is being offered in this class as a new safe refreshing discipleship practice whereby disciples grow in their Emotional Intelligence becoming more like Jesus by learning and practicing in a structured safe setting, the skills of (1) discovering and naming one's own emotions or feelings, (2) actively listening, (3) attuning and asking gentle curious non-judgmental questions, (4) and relying on each other and the Holy Spirit to help determine what is needed for growth in each one's maturity in Christ.

This session offers a series of questions to explore when dealing with a controversial doctrinal issue, including recognizing our own biases, listening to alternative views, and considering who might be harmed by our conclusions. The overall theme of these questions is the consideration of "What if I'm wrong?" as we model healthy dialogue for our congregations.

Offers a vision for spiritual maturity, communal discernment, and relational humility. Disagreement can deepen our discipleship when we remain rooted in Christ.

Class description coming soon.