6-Week Electives: October 15 – November 19

6-Week Electives: October 15 – November 19

6-Week Electives

October 15 - November 19

About Electives

The purpose of our electives is to engage and equip the people of our church with the Word for the roles God has given them. The classes survey a variety of doctrines or topics, helping us to grow in our walk with Jesus and in our relationships with each other. We’re eager to dive into these studies with you.

During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page

Electives map

6-WEEK ELECTIVES

Sundays, October 15 – November 19, 11:00 AM

God's Love in Marriage

The Doctrine of the Trinity

Overview: Whether single, dating, engaged or married, we all need an awareness of God’s love in order for our relationships to overcome the devastating effects of sin. Only when our hearts are fully aware of God’s love are we equipped to love and extend the grace that we all need and long for. In Christ, we’re fully known and yet fully loved. This is how God relates to us, and how we can and should relate to our loved ones, especially in marriage.  All are welcome to join as we explore the love of God that brings deep and lasting change.  

Teacher: Greg Fox

In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being:

Exploring the Depths of Our Union with Christ

Overview: As Christians, our union with Christ isn’t confined to the high-water marks of our spiritual experience; it is the ever-present reality in which we live our lives. More than a remote theological concept, our union with Christ is where we truly ‘live and move and have our being,’ transforming our daily lives and faith. In this class, we will explore the richness of life joined with Christ and unearth its profound impact on what it means to be a Christian.

Teacher: Dan Cruver

Week 1: Union with the God-Man
Week 2: The Trinitarian Security of Our Union
Week 3: Our Mysterious Union
Week 4: The Gospel Mystery of Salvation
Week 5: Union with Christ and the Visible Signs of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
Week 6: Union with Christ and Our Future Glory

Membership Matters

Exploring the Depths of Our Union with Christ

Overview: Membership in a local church is vital for the growth of every follower of Christ. This class explores the biblical foundations for church membership along with the specifics of being a member at Heritage. We will walk through our Confession of Faith, Membership Covenant, and other key aspects of life at Heritage. Anyone interested in learning more about Heritage or pursuing membership is invited to join us. Attendance is required to become a member at Heritage.

Teachers: Travis Fleshman, Steve Hall, Kevin Johnson

Week 1: Why Join a Church?
Week 2: Heritage’s History and Mission
Week 3: What Do We Believe?
Week 4: What is a Membership Covenant?
Week 5: What is Life Like at Heritage?
Week 6: Q&A

Messianic Hope:

The Son of God in the Old Testament

Overview: After his resurrection, Jesus said to his disciples, “everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44). The Old Testament points to the person and work of our Savior, but that’s not always easy to see. Join us as we survey the Old Testament, looking for the promised Messiah, and may the Lord cause our hearts to burn just like the experience of the disciples on the Emmaus Road as Jesus opened the Word to them.

Teacher: Mark Centers

Week 1: Messianic Hope in the Torah
Week 2: Messianic Hope and the Angel of God
Week 3: Messianic Hope in the Former Prophets
Week 4: Messianic Hope in the Latter Prophets
Week 5: Messianic Hope in the Psalms
Week 6: Messianic Hope in the Writings

Reading for Joy:

Psalms

Overview: The song book of the Old Testament encompasses nearly every thought and emotion in the Christian life. But much more than just a book we can relate to, Psalms recalls the history of God’s faithfulness to his covenant people and lifts our eyes to the promised Messiah and his eternal reign. Join us for this discussion-focused elective as we study the Psalms together and behold the majesty of our God. Participants will learn how to read different types of Psalms, skills for studying passages within the whole context of the Bible, and how to read the Bible one-on-one with another person.

Teachers: John Gardner, Chris Gerber

Week 1: Introduction to COMA Method; Psalm 1
Week 2: The Doctrine of Scripture; Psalm 22
Week 3: Look Down: Close Context; Psalm 57
Week 4: Look Back: Continuing Context; Psalm 79
Week 5: Look Around: Complete Context; Psalm 88
Week 6: Reading the Bible One to One; Psalm 97

6-Week Electives: October 15 – November 19

3-Week Electives: September 17 – October 1 2023

3-Week Electives

September 17 - October 1

About Electives

The purpose of our electives is to engage and equip the people of our church with the Word for the roles God has given them. The classes survey a variety of doctrines or topics, helping us to grow in our walk with Jesus and in our relationships with each other. We’re eager to dive into these studies with you.

During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page

Electives Map

3-WEEK ELECTIVES

Sundays, September 17 – October 1, 11:00 AM

Knowing God:

The Doctrine of the Trinity

Overview: We believe in one Triune God, eternally existing in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—co-equal in power and glory, who has revealed Himself in the works of creation, providence, miracles, and especially in the inspired Scriptures. Our church confession proclaims that truth, and the universal church has likewise confessed and fought to guard this precious truth. In this class we’ll see how this revelation changes how we read Scripture, confess truths about God, worship, pray, and look to our eternal future. Join us as we grow in our knowledge and worship of our Triune God. 

Teacher: Tom Mackintosh

Week 1: Reading the Trinity in Scripture
Week 2: Confessing the Trinity in History
Week 3: Worshipping the Trinity

Mortification:

Killing Sin Every Day

Overview: The Scriptures promise us that if we “put to death the deeds of the body” we will “live (Romans 8:13).” But what does it mean to put the deeds of our bodies to death and what kind of “living” is God’s word talking about? So important are the answers to these questions that the great Puritan John Owen, in his classic treatise The Mortification of Sin, said, “The vigor, and power, and comfort of our spiritual life depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh.” Join us as we expand upon John Owen’s urgency by looking to God’s Word to understand His plan and power for killing sin.

Teacher: Jim Knauss

Week 1: What does it mean to mortify sin?
Week 2: Why do we need to mortify sin?
Week 3: How do we mortify sin?

Reading for Joy:

2 Peter

Overview: A few years after penning his first letter, the Apostle Peter once again wrote to his fellow believers. False prophets, clever teaching, and a weary impatience seem to have stirred up trouble. So Peter points them toward the glory of Christ, the trustworthiness of God’s Word, and the faithfulness of God to encourage their steadfastness and growth. Join us as we study 2 Peter together in this discussion-focused elective. Participants will learn the major themes of the letter and new skills for studying passages within the whole context of the Bible.

Teacher: Dan Rundle

Week 1: Introduction to 2 Peter and COMA Method; 2 Peter 1
Week 2: The Doctrine of Scripture; 2 Peter 2
Week 3: How to Read the Bible; 2 Peter 3

The Sign of Baptism

Overview: Our Lord Jesus commanded disciples to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism is a beautiful, public profession of one’s faith in the Gospel and their inclusion in the Church. It’s also the way the church publicly identifies the disciples she makes in obedience to Jesus. If you have believed in Jesus and need to be baptized—or if you just want to learn more about what we believe about baptism—this baptism class is for you. In this class we will answer three questions: What is baptism? Who should be baptized? How do we practice baptism at Heritage? You’ll be given helpful resources and spend time with a Heritage pastor to learn about baptism and next steps for getting baptized at Heritage. Contact Pastor Trent with any questions.

Teacher: Trent Hunter

Week 1: What is baptism?
Week 2:
Who should be baptized?
Week 3:
How do we practice baptism at Heritage?

6-Week Electives: October 15 – November 19

6-Week Electives: July 23—August 27

6-Week Electives

July 23-August 27

About Electives

The purpose of our electives is to engage and equip the people of our church with the Word for the roles God has given them. The classes survey a variety of doctrines or topics, helping us to grow in our walk with Jesus and in our relationships with each other. We’re eager to dive into these studies with you.

During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

6-WEEK ELECTIVES

Sundays, July 23 – August 27, 11:00 AM

The Gospel and Arguments for God

Overview: Introducing a friend or neighbor to the good news of Jesus Christ often includes conversations around the existence of God. A typical roadblock toward faith is the question, “Does God actually exist?” Unfortunately, in those situations of defending our Christian faith, or apologetics, we often focus on winning the argument while the gospel takes a back seat. In this class, participants will learn to use apologetics as a tool to help them better explain the hope of the gospel and the glory of Jesus Christ. We’ll explore the classical arguments for God’s existence each week by defining an argument, considering typical refutations, and explaining how the argument reveals the wonders of the gospel. Come grow your confidence and knowledge in approaching your lost neighbors with God’s truth.  

Teacher: Jim Knauss

Week 1: Introduction to Basic Logic
Week 2:
Ontological Argument: The Necessity of God
Week 3:
Cosmological Argument: The Uncaused Cause
Week 4:
Teleological Argument: The Great Designer
Week 5:
Moral Argument: The Foundation of Morality
Week 6:
Q&A

The Hope of the Messiah in the Book of Daniel

Did Jesus Have to be Perfect?

Overview: Several centuries before the coming of the Messiah, God’s people found themselves once again in exile, this time in Babylon. But as with every moment of history, God was in complete control. The book of Daniel captures a portion of that history with some of the Scripture’s most memorable events and strangest dreams. From the lion’s den to the fiery furnace and four beasts coming out of the sea, every bit of the 12 chapters displays the power of our sovereign God over the nations of the world. This class will explore the text and themes of Daniel by working through the book a couple chapters at a time, looking for promises to be fulfilled when the Son of Man would finally come. Join us as we look closely at the hope of the Messiah and his unrivaled kingdom as exiles awaiting his return. 

Teacher: Mark Centers

Week 1: Daniel 1-2: The End at the Beginning
Week 2: Daniel 3-4: No Other Gods Before Me
Week 3: Daniel 5-6: Humbling of Two Kings
Week 4: Daniel 7-8: Visions Beyond Babylon
Week 5: The 70 Weeks
Week 6: Visions of the End

Reading for Joy:

Colossians

Overview: As the saints in Colossae faced the threat of false teaching and a distorted gospel, Paul wrote to them concerning the one thing that would help them hold fast to the truth—the supremacy of Christ over all things. Written while on house arrest in Rome, Paul called them to keep their focus on Christ, the one who redeemed them and united them to himself. Join us as we study the Colossian letter together and behold the preeminence of Christ in this discussion-focused elective. Participants will learn the major themes of the letter, new skills for studying passages within the whole context of the Bible, and how to read the Bible one-on-one with another person.

Teachers: Harry Clement and Kevin Johnson

Week 1: Introduction to Colossians & COMA Method; Colossians 1:1-14
Week 2: The Doctrine of Scripture; Colossians 1:15-23
Week 3: Look Down: Close Context; Colossians 1:24-2:5
Week 4: Look Back: Continuing Context; Colossians 2:6-23
Week 5: Look Ahead: Complete Context; Colossians 3:1-17
Week 6: Reading the Bible One to One; Colossians 3:18-4:18

Ready to Restore:

Marriage Relationships

Overview: Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that marriage, in a mysterious but real way, pictures the hope and truth of the gospel. Marriage and the gospel are wed together. Our relationship with God is what makes our relationship with each other not only possible, but progressively growing and strong. So the gospel picture your marriage paints grows in beauty over time as the gospel changes you. In this course we will explore biblical tools to help marriage relationships grow and change for the glory of God.

Teachers: Travis Fleshman and Brad Hilgeman

Week 1: The Gospel: The Hope for Mankind and Marriage
Week 2: Relationship from God’s Perspective
Week 3: Marriage Basics
Week 4: Marriage Goals and the Christian Life
Week 5: Communication Comes First
Week 6: Conflict Resolution

Shepherding a Child's Heart

Esther

Overview: Parenting is a wonderful, God-given task that’s full of joy and heartbreak, clarity and confusion, fun and exhaustion. But what is our goal in parenting? As Christians our goal is to parent our children according to God’s Word and in a manner that clearly proclaims to our kids their need for the gospel and the hope found in Jesus Christ. We’re aiming far beyond external obedience. In the book Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Tedd Tripp teaches us how to lead our kids to understand themselves in light of God’s rule and his Word. Join us for this 6-week, discussion-oriented class with assigned weekly reading as we consider together how to best lead our kids toward the good news of Jesus Christ.

Purchase the book: Available online at Amazon, Christian Book, Westminster Bookstore and others

Teachers: Sandy McCormick and Pete Hansen

Reading prior to each week’s class
Week 1:
Intro & Chapter 1: The Heart
Week 2: Chapters 2 & 3: Development
Week 3: Chapter 4: Who’s in Charge?
Week 4: Chapters 5-7: Goals for Parenting
Week 5: Chapters 8-10: Communication
Week 6: Chapters 11-13: Discipline and Sin

6-Week Electives Spring 23

6-Week Electives Spring 23

6-Week Electives

April 16 - May 28

About Electives

The purpose of our electives is to engage and equip the people of our church with the Word for the roles God has given them. The classes survey a variety of doctrines or topics, helping us to grow in our walk with Jesus and in our relationships with each other. We’re eager to dive into these studies with you.

During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

6-WEEK ELECTIVES

Sundays, April 16 – May 28, 11:00 AM

Evangelism and World Religions:

Speaking the Gospel to Other Faiths, Part 2

Overview: This is a continuation of the class from earlier this year. The first six weeks is not required in order to take Part 2. Anyone is welcome to join! We live in a religiously diverse culture. A Muslim works in your office. Your uncle is Jewish. A Buddhist just moved next door. We no longer need to travel across oceans to meet those with different religious views. If you’ve been wondering how to approach your Hindu neighbor with the gospel, then join us. We’ll look at six different world religions. You’ll learn some distinctives of these religions and some strategies for approaching people in those religions with the gospel of Christ. We hope you join us as we equip ourselves to speak the good news about Jesus to those who need Him.  

Teacher: Jim Knauss

Membership Matters

Did Jesus Have to be Perfect?

Overview: Membership in a local church is vital for the growth of every follower of Christ. This class explores the biblical foundations for church membership along with the specifics of being a member at Heritage. We will walk through our Confession of Faith, Membership Covenant, and other key aspects of life at Heritage. Anyone interested in learning more about Heritage or pursuing membership is invited to join us. Attendance is required to become a member at Heritage.

Teachers: Various Elders

Planning and Investing for Eternity

Why Getting People Saved Isn’t Enough

Overview: Jesus told one man to sell everything he owned. The disciples left everything to follow Jesus. Obediently following Christ means we submit every part of our life to Christ, including our budget now and our future financial plans. How do we steward our resources today for God’s glory? How does a Christian think about retirement differently than the world might? Join us as we explore biblical wisdom and practical considerations for budgeting, financial planning, investing, retirement, and estate planning.

Teachers: Greg Fox and Sandy McCormick

Class Slides: Financial Freedom

Reading for Joy:

Esther

Overview: A young Jewish girl became queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction, but God is never once mentioned by name in the book of Esther. What then does this story teach us about our God, and how does it point us toward Christ? Join us as we study the book of Esther and glimpse the beauty, majesty, power, and mercy of GodThis class is designed to equip each of us to read the Bible with another person, whether believer or non-believer. In fact, a goal for class participants is that you do outside of class what we do in class—invite another person to read Esther with you just like we’re doing. Join us in this discussion-filled group effort to peer into the Scriptures so that we may find lasting joy.

Teacher: Chris Gerber

Ready to Restore:

The One Another of Biblical Counseling, Part 2

Overview: This is a continuation of the class from earlier this year. The first six weeks is a prerequisite to Part 2. Participants will continue to learn the basics of counseling and how to “one another” within the church family. Explore, discover, and gain confidence in being competent to counsel.

Teachers: Travis Fleshman and Brad Hilgeman

Shepherding Group Leader Training:

How We Care for Each Other at Heritage

Overview: Why do we have small groups? What should happen in a small group? Why do we call them Shepherding Groups? Who gets to lead one? How is that done? In this class we’ll explore the biblical basis for small groups and our reasons for emphasizing them at Heritage. We’ll also look at details like what happens when you meet and how you lead a group discussion. From the big picture to the nuts and bolts, this class is designed to equip people to lead small groups in our church. The class is a requirement for those who will be new SG leaders; it is highly recommended for current SG leaders; and it is open to anyone in our church who is curious.

Teacher: Kevin Johnson and Jason Read

Torah and You:

A Christian’s Relationship to the Law

Overview: Paul told Timothy that all of Scripture is inspired and profitable—including the Law of Moses. Yet we often avoid that part of the Bible because of its ancient context and the challenge to rightly understand God’s purposes. However, the Law is a foundation for the rest of Scripture and it reveals the kind and tender heart of God. Most importantly, it helps us understand the necessity and purpose of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Join us as we dive deep into the Torah and learn to love God more through his Word.  

Teacher: Mark Centers

3-Week Electives

3-Week Electives

3-Week Electives

March 19-April 2

About Electives

The purpose of our electives is to engage and equip the people of our church with the Word for the roles God has given them. This year we’re adding something new. Between the 6-week electives we’re offering a shorter block of 3-week classes. Like our longer electives, these classes will survey a variety of doctrines or topics, just in briefer format. Additionally, you can expect to hear these questions addressed no matter which study you choose: What should you know about this? Why is this significant? How should this change your life? We’re eager to dive into these studies with you Sundays, March 19-April 2, at 11:00 a.m.

During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page.

Electives map

3-WEEK ELECTIVES

Sundays, March 19 – April 2, 11:00 AM

BIBLE

The Canon:

How We Got the Bibles We Hold

Overview: The Bible is truly a unique book. Fully inspired by God and written by men. We have 66 books, which were written over a period of 1,600 years with roughly 40 authors. So how exactly did God preserve His word through the centuries? Join us for this short class as we look into the canon of Scripture.  

Teacher: Mark Centers

THEOLOGY

Sinlessness of Christ:

Did Jesus Have to be Perfect?

Overview: One of the basic doctrines of Biblical orthodoxy throughout church history has been the belief in the sinlessness of Christ. Our church Confession of Faith affirms that “we believe that Christ suffered all the weaknesses of man without sin.” In this elective we will answer the question—did Jesus have to be perfect? Join us as we consider what the Bible teaches about the sinlessness of Jesus and why his perfection matters for our salvation, our sanctification, and our future glorification.

Teacher: Chad Asire

GOSPEL ADVANCE

Church Planting:

Why Getting People Saved Isn’t Enough

Overview: Jesus said that he would build his church. Building the Church through local churches is his imperative during this age. We are commissioned to participate through evangelism and discipleship. Sometimes we perceive missionary activity as just giving people the gospel. But the work of the gospel is about the establishment of local churches through both evangelism and discipleship. This elective will emphasize that all biblical missionary work must eventuate in churches being planted so that the gospel can continue to spread throughout the world.

Teacher: Mark Vowels

CHRISTIAN LIFE

Mortification:

Killing Sin Every Day

Overview: The Scriptures promise us that if we “put to death the deeds of the body” we will “live (Romans 8:13).” But what does it mean to put the deeds of our bodies to death and what kind of “living” is God’s word talking about? So important are the answers to these questions that the great Puritan John Owen, in his classic treatise The Mortification of Sin, said, “The vigor, and power, and comfort of our spiritual life depends on the mortification of the deeds of the flesh.” We welcome you to join us in this short elective course where we will expand upon John Owen’s urgency as we look at what it means to mortify the deeds of our flesh, why it is so important, and how it should impact our own lives and the lives around us. We look forward to working through the Scriptures with you!

Teacher: Jim Knauss

Winter Electives 2023

Winter Electives 2023

Electives

2023 Winter Classes

About Electives

As we seek to grow together, our church family pursues instruction and relationships. Sunday mornings at 11:00, Electives are the primary time for instruction. After the morning service, we gather in a variety of classes to learn practical ways we can grow in our walk with Jesus and in our relationships with each other. Electives run for varying periods of time throughout the year. During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

6-Week WINTER ELECTIVES

Sundays, January 22 – February 26, 11:00 AM

Evangelism and World Religions:

Speaking the Gospel to Other Faiths (Part 1)

Overview: We live in a religiously diverse culture. The Muslim works in our office; the Jew is our uncle; the Buddhist just moved next door. We no longer have to travel across oceans to meet those with different religious views. If you’ve been wondering how to approach your Hindu neighbor with the gospel, then join us. In both the winter and spring elective cycles, we’ll look at 6 different world religions. You’ll learn some distinctives of these religions and some strategies for approaching people in those religions with the gospel of Christ. We hope you join us as we equip ourselves to speak the good news about Jesus to those who need Him.

Teacher: Jim Knauss, Abe Stratton

God, Money, and Generosity

Overview: The Scriptures teach that God is a giving God; He has poured immeasurable riches on us through His Son. He has also entrusted many things to us, but isn’t it easy to use these gifts only for our own pleasure? Could it be that we are missing out on the very purposes God has planned for those resources? We ask questions like, “How much should I give?” instead of “How much do I need to keep?”. Join us in this discussion group as we look at the Bible’s teaching on generosity and stewardship. The way you view “your” resources may never be the same.

Teachers: Steve Hall, Allen Vailliencourt

Love Indeed:

Reassurance for the Doubting and Suspicious

Overview: If you’ve ever doubted the Father’s love for you, or if you desire to know how to encourage those who wrestle with such doubts, or even if you simply want to deepen your own experience of the Father’s love, please join us. This elective is based on the forthcoming book by the same title.

Teacher: Dan Cruver

Membership Matters

Overview: An orientation class that is essential for any Member who has not yet participated in the class or anyone wanting to become a Member of the Heritage Bible Church family. We believe that local church membership is vital for the growth of every follower of Jesus, and we will walk through the biblical foundation for membership, our Confession of Faith and Membership Covenant, as well as key aspects of body life at Heritage.

Teachers: Various Elders

Reading for Joy:

Galatians

Overview: How could David describe God’s Word as his delight (Ps. 119:174)? How could he say that the Scriptures were sweeter than honey and more precious than gold (Ps. 19:10)? Because in them he had glimpsed the beauty, majesty, power, and mercy of God himself. That’s the reason we’re going to read the Word, specifically Galatians, together. This class is designed to equip each of us to read the Bible with another person, whether believer or non-believer. In fact, a goal for class participants is that you do outside of class what we do in class—invite another person to read Galatians with you just like we’re doing. Join us in this discussion-filled group effort to peer into the Scriptures so that we may find lasting joy.

Teachers: Dan Rundle, Chris Gerber

Ready to Restore:

The One Another of Biblical Counseling (Part 1)

Overview: Learn the basics of counseling and how to “one another” within the church family. Explore, discover, and gain confidence in being competent to counsel

Teachers: Brad Hilgeman, Travis Fleshman