Our Learning Communities
Bible study is central to our strategy for spiritual formation in the lives of adults. One of the cornerstones of that strategy is Sunday morning Bible study which begins at 9:45AM. Here at SABC, adults are organized into two large learning communities that roughly divide into pre and post retirement groups. These communities provide a variety of ongoing classes. Learners are encouraged to find a place that works best for them regardless of age. Feel free to try more than one class within a community or even more than one community. Below you will find more information about both groups.
Foundation Community
"Transforming lives by building a solid foundation as devoted followers of Jesus Christ."
This community seeks to provide a consistent approach to Adult Spiritual Formation that is easy to communicate to guests and potential members. Some guiding principles for the community include:
· Focuses on spiritual formation based on life-stage as opposed to age.
· Encourages folks to go where they feel comfortable and not just where they “fit”.
· Allows participants to attend any class they wish, any time they wish.
· Provides a variety of Biblically-based studies that utilize multiple methodologies.
· Equips participants to live out the vision of the church.
Location: The Foundation Community shares the Third Floor Gathering area for an early gathering/coffee time at 9:45 AM and then breaks out into classrooms for study at 10. Click here for a map of classes.
Foundation A
This class seeks to be a place for both discipleship and community for younger adults in the early phases of life from first job through marriage and parenting. Topics include the basics of discipleship, Bible study, workplace and vocational discernment, marriage enrichment and parenting issues.
Foundation B
This mixed life stage class explores various biblical topics and themes using diverse teaching methods. Content may include Bible study, book studies, video or guest lecturer/teacher.
Foundation C
This mixed life stage class is an ongoing adult Bible study based on The Uniform Series Bible Study from Smyth & Helwys. Lessons are designed to encounter the Scriptures, consider pertinent information with respect to the text, and apply the Scripture's teaching to living a faithful, spiritually maturing Christian life.
Foundation D
This class is for ladies of all life stages. Women involved study God’s Word desiring to apply it to daily life. Bible studies and prayer are the foundation of the class curriculum. They are ladies teaching ladies through lesson discussions and sharing their experiences with God in their daily lives.
Note: Periodically we will combine some or all of these classes for a particular study or church emphasis.
Fellowship Community
The Fellowship Community is focused on adults who have moved in to the retirement phase of life and beyond. Based on the Learning Community model, learners are encouraged to try any class they like and attend where they feel most comfortable.
Location: The Fellowship Community meets in various locations on our first floor centered around the Fellowship Hall.
Classes include:
The Fellowship Class
The Fellowship Class is a large class made up of older adults (singles and couples). It follows a standard Sunday School curriculum and is taught largely by one teacher. The class is a loving, caring group of people who are constantly involved in various church, community, and personal ministries and who love and look after each other. The Fellowship Class meets in the parlor of our Chapel located just inside the Second Avenue entrance.
The Mildred Hudson Joyful Servants Class
A ladies Sunday school class in the Fellowship Community who study the scriptures in four ways: reflecting, studying, understanding, and what about me? This class of mature ladies help in all areas of the church and community. This group utilizes the Formations Bible Study Series also from Smyth and Helwys. It is taught by a rotating roster of teachers and meets in the Bride’s Room located at the front of our Fellowship Hall.
The Men’s Class
Similar to our class for ladies, this class also utilizes the Formations series and is taught by a rotation of excellent teachers. The class meets in the left-hand corner of our Fellowship Hall as you enter the room.
The Joy Class
This class is a co-ed class made up of our most senior members. They study a life-stage focused undated curriculum and are taught by two loving teachers. This class meets in the right corner of our Fellowship Hall just as you enter the room.
Other Bible Studies for Adults
Throughout the year, we also offer various small group studies that meet at other times and in other places. These groups include a Friday morning Bible Study for women, a Sunday evening study for men and two co-ed groups that meet on Sunday evenings and Wednesday mornings respectively. The schedule for these groups and topics they study change frequently. Please consult the church calendar for meetings or email or call us for further information.