6-Week Electives Spring 23

by Lisa Hansen | Mar 29, 2023 | Classes

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.

Learn more on the Electives page.

Electives room map

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 God. 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 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

by Lisa Hansen | Mar 1, 2023 | Classes

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

by Lisa Hansen | Jan 5, 2023 | Classes

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.

Learn more on the Electives page.

Electives location map

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

Fall Electives 2022

by Lisa Hansen | Aug 19, 2022 | Classes

Electives

2022 Fall 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, and our calendar year is divided into three sections or trimesters (winter/spring, summer, and fall) with breaks scheduled between. During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page.

Electives Rooms map

6-Week FALL ELECTIVES 1

Sundays, September 4 – October 9, 11:00 AM

Evangelism 101:

Sharing Your Faith with Boldness

Overview: Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” Well, in Scripture, every evangelist uses words, even our Lord! In this class, we will not only learn how to “use words”, but how to use biblically-faithful gospel words in a way that will prepare you to speak. We’ll look into the Scriptures for the theological underpinnings and the practical methods for sharing the good news with a long-time neighbor or a random person at the coffee shop. Come ready to discuss topics ranging from God’s sovereignty to conversation starters (“bridges”) in real-life opportunities. Our prayer is that no matter where you are in sharing your faith, you will leave this class with a new confidence and emboldened attitude to share the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world.

Teachers: Abe Stratton, Jim Knauss

Lamentations:

Sitting with Grief

Overview: Lamentations is probably the most neglected book of the Bible, and it’s not hard to see why. It has a very specific historical context; it is filled with cries of pain; God does not speak; and there doesn’t seem to be much hope in the book. However, God has preserved the laments of his people because he is a deeply caring God. He weeps with us and sits with us in our grief. Lamentations can teach us how and when to use lament as we face hardships in life. Come learn to weep with those who weep, and if you are weeping, come learn how to lament.

Teacher: Mark Centers

Making Disciples:

Joining the King's Mission

Overview: The Bible tells us the story of God’s mission—His redemptive plan to gather a people for himself from every tribe and nation. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make that mission a present reality; it’s happening! But before He returned to heaven, Jesus gave His followers an assignment—to join Him in gathering followers from every nation. In this class we’ll examine what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how joining His mission will shape our lives and relationships.

Teachers: Chris Gerber, Chad Asire

The Trinity:

Knowing and Adoring Our Triune God

Overview: In John 17, Jesus draws a connection between eternal life and knowledge of the one, true God. The good news of the gospel tells us how the three persons of our triune God have worked for our redemption, that we might indeed know the one, true God, worship Him, and enjoy Him forever. Join us for this 6-week elective as we seek both to know and to adore our triune God more deeply.

Teachers: Dan Cruver, Tom Mackintosh

6-Week FALL ELECTIVES 2

Sundays, October 16 – November 20, 11:00 AM

The Heart of God:

Exploring the Very Heart of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Overview: Have you ever felt like we know God superficially? What would it be like to know Him and love Him deeper than ever before? What is in His very Heart and how does He communicate His Heart with ours? What passages of Scripture specifically display the Heart of the Father, the Heart of the Son and the Heart of the Spirit? And how do these powerful truths dispel the fears we hold onto in our hearts? Please join us as we wrestle with these questions together. Our class is designed to be engaging, thought provoking and interactive as we explore deeper into who God is (rather than what God is). God is love and bleeds compassion and empathy in ways we can’t begin to grasp. But the journey will be worth trying. An excellent resource to read ahead of time is Dane Ortlund’s book: Gentle and Lowly.

Teacher: Greg Fox

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:

Lamentations

Overview: You may be thinking, “Wait, how can the words ‘reading for joy’ and ‘lamentations’ go in the same sentence?” Great question! 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 Lamentations, 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 Lamentations 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: Kevin Johnson, Steve Hall

What in the World Is God Doing

(and How is HBC Involved)?

Overview: Join us as we look at overarching questions as well as practical application questions relating to missions. We seek to understand what is (and what is not) missions. We examine some basic Biblical theology of missions. We also look at the real world we live in and consider how timeless Biblical truth is best communicated in a fast-changing world. Finally, we consider the application of all of this to how we advance the gospel through our mission practice at Heritage Bible Church.

Teachers: Mark Vowels, Pete Hansen

Fall Electives 2022 – elementor

by Caleb Greene | Aug 19, 2022 | Classes, Missions

Electives

2022 FALL 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, and our calendar year is divided into three sections or trimesters (winter/spring, summer, and fall) with breaks scheduled between. During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page.

6-Week fall Electives

Sundays, September 4 — October 9, 11:00 AM

Evangelism 101:
Sharing Your Faith with Boldness

Overview: Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.” Well, in Scripture, every evangelist uses words, even our Lord! In this class, we will not only learn how to “use words”, but how to use biblically-faithful gospel words in a way that will prepare you to speak. We’ll look into the Scriptures for the theological underpinnings and the practical methods for sharing the good news with a long-time neighbor or a random person at the coffee shop. Come ready to discuss topics ranging from God’s sovereignty to conversation starters (“bridges”) in real-life opportunities. Our prayer is that no matter where you are in sharing your faith, you will leave this class with a new confidence and emboldened attitude to share the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ with a lost and dying world.

Teachers: Abe Stratton, Jim Knauss

Lamentations:
Sitting with Grief

Overview: Lamentations is probably the most neglected book of the Bible, and it’s not hard to see why. It has a very specific historical context; it is filled with cries of pain; God does not speak; and there doesn’t seem to be much hope in the book. However, God has preserved the laments of his people because he is a deeply caring God. He weeps with us and sits with us in our grief. Lamentations can teach us how and when to use lament as we face hardships in life. Come learn to weep with those who weep, and if you are weeping, come learn how to lament.

Teacher: Mark Centers

Making Disciples:
Joining the King's Mission

Overview: The Bible tells us the story of God’s mission—His redemptive plan to gather a people for himself from every tribe and nation. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make that mission a present reality; it’s happening! But before He returned to heaven, Jesus gave His followers an assignment—to join Him in gathering followers from every nation. In this class we’ll examine what it means to be a follower of Jesus and how joining His mission will shape our lives and relationships.

Teachers: Chris Gerber, Chad Asire

The Trinity:
Knowing and Adoring Our Triune God

Overview: In John 17, Jesus draws a connection between eternal life and knowledge of the one, true God. The good news of the gospel tells us how the three persons of our triune God have worked for our redemption, that we might indeed know the one, true God, worship Him, and enjoy Him forever. Join us for this 6-week elective as we seek both to know and to adore our triune God more deeply.

Teachers: Dan Cruver, Tom Mackintosh

6-Week fall Electives 2

Sundays, October 16 — November 20, 11:00 AM

The Heart of God:
Exploring the Very Heart of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Overview: Have you ever felt like we know God superficially? What would it be like to know Him and love Him deeper than ever before? What is in His very Heart and how does He communicate His Heart with ours? What passages of Scripture specifically display the Heart of the Father, the Heart of the Son and the Heart of the Spirit? And how do these powerful truths dispel the fears we hold onto in our hearts? Please join us as we wrestle with these questions together. Our class is designed to be engaging, thought provoking and interactive as we explore deeper into who God is (rather than what God is). God is love and bleeds compassion and empathy in ways we can't begin to grasp. But the journey will be worth trying. An excellent resource to read ahead of time is Dane Ortlund's book: Gentle and Lowly.

Teacher: Greg Fox

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:
Lamentations

Overview: You may be thinking, “Wait, how can the words ‘reading for joy’ and ‘lamentations’ go in the same sentence?” Great question! 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 Lamentations, 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 Lamentations 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: Kevin Johnson, Steve Hall

What in the World Is God Doing
(and How is HBC Involved)?

Overview: Join us as we look at overarching questions as well as practical application questions relating to missions. We seek to understand what is (and what is not) missions. We examine some basic Biblical theology of missions. We also look at the real world we live in and consider how timeless Biblical truth is best communicated in a fast-changing world. Finally, we consider the application of all of this to how we advance the gospel through our mission practice at Heritage Bible Church.

Teachers: Mark Vowels, Pete Hansen

Summer Electives 2022

by Caleb Greene | May 18, 2022 | Classes, Missions

Electives

2022 Summer 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, and our calendar year is divided into three sections or trimesters (winter/spring, summer, and fall) with breaks scheduled between. During the adult Electives, children, middle school, and high school students meet according to their grades.

Learn more on the Electives page.

Elective Rooms Map

8-Week Summer Electives

Sundays, June 5 — July 31, 11:00 AM

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

Momentum:

Rethinking Global Missions

Overview: Momentum is a video-based class designed to stir up the church to embrace her God-given responsibility in the world. The creators of this series challenge you to rethink God’s mission, the call of the church, and your individual role. Join us for a thought-provoking and life-shaping discussion.

Teacher: Mark Vowels

Psalms:

Prayers of Our Ancestors

Overview: The “Book” of Psalms contains a treasure trove of rich Old Testament theology. In it are the prayers, hymns, and laments of our ancestors to our great God. The Book of Psalms is not a hymn book. It is a five-part story that chronicles the rise and fall of the Davidic dynasty (Books 1-3) while calling the nations to join YHWH (Book 2) and mourning the “failure” of the Davidic covenant (Book 3). But this story does not end in despair. Book 4 takes the reader on a journey back to the roots of authentic biblical Judaism, while anticipating the deliverance of the world by David’s greater Son—marked by the return of the king, the Messiah (Book 5). Come traverse the beautiful landscape of this book this summer.

Teacher: Mark Centers

Reading for Joy:

Luke

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 Luke, 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 Luke 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: Pete Hansen and Dan Rundle