Adult Bible Fellowships
Discipleship through Instruction. A robust knowledge of God’s Word, as well as the central doctrines of the Christian faith, is vital for living as an effective disciple of Jesus Christ. Adult Bible Fellowships (ABF) are mid-size, learning-centered communities that focus on discipleship through doctrinal instruction.
Each ABF offers a rotation of teachers who teach on the Bible, doctrine, issues of Christian living, church history, ethics, the mission of the church in the world, and more. Each course is committed to helping the believer see the intersection of theology and the life-lived.
Each of our Adult Bible Fellowships meets weekly on Sunday mornings and commits a part of their gathering to fellowship and prayer.
We hope you visit an ABF using these brief descriptions to guide your selection. ABFs are open to anyone; the listed age groupings simply reflect the primary attendees. Childcare is available through our Children's Ministries. Need a Map of Calvary's Classrooms? Click Here.
Current Class Offerings
The Story of the Bible - Pastor Gerald Hiestand
ABF: Life Trainers, mostly 30's and 40's Room and Time: 106 (Parlor), 8:30AM-9:40AM Dates: September 11 - February 26, 2012 (join anytime) Contact:
The Bible is a unique collection of 66 different books, written by over 40 different authors and compiled over the course of approximately 1600 years. It is part legal document, part history, part moral teaching, part prophetic, and part apocalyptic. Its diverse composition contains narrative, poetry, proverbial statements, doctrinal teaching, prophecy and governmental ordinances (just to name a few). One might think it unlikely that such a book would contain a unifying story. Yet in spite of its rich diversity, the Bible does indeed contain a central narrative. As with all good stories, the Bible has a plot line, principle characters (both villains and heroes) a conflict, a crisis, a climax, and a happy ending. The goal of this class, taught by Pastor Gerald Hiestand, is to help the student discover this central story.
Prayer: A Call to Intimacy and Service to God
ABF: Faith Builders, mostly 40's and 50's Room and Time: Choir Room (208), 10:00AM-11:10AM Dates: Feb. 5 - Feb. 26, 2012 (join anytime) Contact:
Foundational to a dynamic and effective prayer life is a heart that is wholly given to delighting in God, to pursuing His will, to laying hold of His promises, and to walking faithfully before Him, in His calling of us as His “treasured possession”, a “holy nation”, and members of His “royal priesthood.” (I Peter 2:9) Christ’s finished work of redemption on the cross and his ongoing ministry of intercession on our behalf, as our great High Priest, provide believers with privileged access to our Heavenly Father. Those who place their trust in Christ have “boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Believers are invited to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
We will explore God’s desire and framework for intimacy with His chosen people, and consider His commands, promises, and warnings concerning prayer. We will also look at the pattern He has shown us in Scripture for communing with Him in the splendor of holiness that both reverences and pleases Him, which in turn result in effectual prayer life that avails much.
The Wisdom of the Early Church - Dr. Kevin Hector
ABF: Running the Journey, mostly 50's and 60's Room and Time: Parlor (106), 10:00AM-11:10AM Dates: Feb. 5 - Feb. 26, 2012 (join anytime) Contact:
An insightful look at several church fathers who
struggled--often literally--to understand & live by the wisdom of the
cross, rather than by the boastful wisdom of the world. We have much to learn from these godly men, not least insofar as we, too, struggle against worldly wisdom.
Dr. Hector is currently an Assistant Professor of Theology and the Philosophy of Religion at The University of Chicago Divinity School. Kevin has attended Calvary for the last three years and regularly serves in the Children's Ministries.
Jonah: a Gracious God, a Rebellious Prophet, and a Great Salvation - Aaron Reyes
ABF: At His Feet, mostly 20's and 30's Room and Times: Parlor (106), 11:30AM-12:40PM Dates: Feb. 5 - Feb. 26, 2012 (join anytime) Contact:
The book of Jonah is unlike any other prophetic book in the Bible, and that's not because it includes a fish. In fact, Jonah is not about a fish. Rather, the story focuses on the gracious God and His pursuit to save a pagan city through the message of a rebellious prophet. What unfolds in the story is a prophet that goes to great lengths to avoid his commission, and in doing so he reveals his inaccurate view of God and self-righteous heart. In turn the grace of God heightens as the story progresses and ultimately culminates as God rebukes His prophet. Join us as we embark on a study of the beautifully composed story of Jonah. You'll not only learn more about the story and its meaning, but you'll leave with a greater appreciation for the text's precision. Join Aaron Reyes as he takes us through the study of Jonah.
Titus - Howard Duncan
ABF: Friendship Class (mostly Seniors) Room and Time: Dinning Room (108), 11:30am-12:40pm Dates: Dec. 11 - Feb. 26, 2012 Contact:
The theme of Titus is the inseparable link between faith and practice, belief and behavior. This truth is the basis for its critique of false teachers as well as its instruction in Christian living and qualifications for church leaders. Join Pastor Howard as he walks through this important book.
Other Groups Meeting on Sunday Morning
Cornerstone, Heritage Room (102), 10:00AM-11:10AM
Potter's Wheel, Room 222 (2nd Floor), 10:00AM-11:10AM
