Christianity 101 - 401
A "Rock Solid" Foundation
The 101-401 series is a special set of "elective" classes that we regularly offer at routine intervals throughout the calendar year. Collectively these studies provide you with a "rock solid" foundation upon which to build your Christian journey. These classes are designed to help you look at the basics of the Christian faith and the Christian life:
· 101-Doctrine
· 201-Spirituality
· 301-Ministry
· 401-Evangelism
This series is most effective when taken in numerical order, but each class stands on its own and can be taken at any time. We make every attempt to alternate (days and times of the year) when we offer each of these classes so that everyone can have ample opportunity to enroll at a time that fits their schedule.
You may be a long time member of MPCC, or you may be a recent new member. You may be a regular attendee or a first-time visitor to our church. Regardless of whatever "category" fits your description, our Christianity 101-401 Series is designed just for you. We encourage everyone to take the entire series of classes at some point in their spiritual journey, but the earlier the better. In fact, you may find some of these classes (especially 101 and 201) helpful in helping you come to a decision to accept Christ into your life. Below is a detailed description of each of the classes in this series.

Christianity 101--Biblical Christian Doctrine: What We Believe
This study explains the beliefs of the New Testament Church, and we highly encourage people who have recently become new members to attend. This class
would also be a good step towards learning more for the person who is investigating the Christian faith and our church, or it can be a great review of the basics for all believers. The study focuses specifically on the following six topics:
1) Nine essentials of an evangelical church
2) Understanding Our Heritage
3) What the Bible Teaches about Communion
4) What the Church Ought to Be
5) What is Christianity All About?
6) How Reliable is The Bible?
Teacher: Steve Hill
Dates: February 10th - March 11th, 2008
Place: Room 14 (choir room)

Christianity 201- A Plan for Spiritual Growth
This class is an attempt to look biblically at God's roadmap for pursuing "Christ likeness". Have you taken the leap and given your life to Christ fairly recently, and now you need some real guidance on the question, "What now?" Is your current spiritual life spiraling aimlessly, and you feel like you need a compass to help get you back on track? If you can identify with either of these questions, then this class is for you. It's also a perfect class, and the logical next elective class, if who have taken Christianity 101 in the last year or two.
Over the course of the six class periods, we will look at the following topics:
· Spirituality vs. religion
· What does "make disciples" really mean? (Mt 28:19)
· Assessing your own spiritual life
· The role of fellowship in spiritual growth
· The first four habits to develop
· The Bigger Picture: Your life as "your spiritual act of worship" (Rom 12:2)
Within the framework of these topics, our hope is to offer you practical guidance and some practical tools for you to consider. There is no textbook, no homework, and no cost for this class.
Teacher: Steve Hill
Date: Fall 2008
Place: Choir Room (Room #14)


Christianity 301--Faith in Action: Finding Your Niche in Ministry
This study is designed to look at the basics of spiritual giftedness and the way God has created us for service and ministry. We will look at how we can determine what gifts we've been given through the Holy Spirit (via a gifts inventory test) and discover what passions drive us for service. Our hope is to provide an atmosphere where you can learn how God has specifically and wonderfully wired you for His Kingdom's work in the days ahead!
Teacher: Chuck Sackett
Date:TBA
Place: TBA

Christianity 401 - The Multi-Facets of Evangelism: Finding Your Style
and Place in "Sharing the Good News"

Many different styles of evangelism are identified in the Scriptures through viewing the lives of God's servants. Their unique personalities shape their approach to people and how they influence others. There are many ways of approaching people and influencing our communities for Christ. . . as many ways as there are people . So regardless of your personal likes or dislikes there is a style of influencing people that fits you. Jesus said "to be as wise as serpents, but as gentle as doves." Many people have concerns that they will be seen as weird when they share their faith. Jesus doesn't want you to be seen as weird. He said "to be as wise as serpents"--approaching people carefully, thoughtfully, and treating people as you would like to be treated if you were in their shoes. If that is your concern, then this class is for you as we take a fresh look at your assumptions about evangelism.

This study is a six-week "elective" class designed to look at evangelism and outreach. Sharing the Gospel doesn't have to be hard or difficult; on the contrary, it can be fun! We will look at how you can take everyday, normal relational interactions and conversations with others and use them to help others get to know Jesus a little bit better. As one author puts it: "You're more ready than you realize!" Our hope is to provide you with some encouragement and motivation to be a shining light for Christ in the days ahead!

Teacher: Bruce Willard
Dates: TBA
Place: TBA