Spice Up Learning With Adult Elective Events

ADULT STUDY

Rabbi Jesus, the Master Teacher
We are accustomed to speaking of Jesus as Savior and Lord, but what about Rabbi? The image of Jesus as a teacher in the Jewish tradition is one that is less explored… yet the Scriptures refer to Jesus as rabbi or teacher 56 times! This book study helps adults discover the ways in which Jesus is our master teacher or rabbi.

A free teaching guide is available to assist the leader of this study. The guide is perfect for small group settings, and offers a set of exercises that connect with the theme of each chapter. Eight sessions are provided, although it is perfectly acceptable to select only 4 or 5 for an elective study. Alternately, the leader may wish to combine two themes per session, choosing an exercise or two from each.

Sessions include:
Introduction - Call Me Teacher and Lord
1. Jesus as First-Century Rabbi
2. Jesus as Charismatic Teacher
3. Jesus as Subversive Sage
4. Jesus as Transforming Teacher
5. Jesus as Lover of Questions
6. Jesus as Risen Rabbi
7. The Teacher is Here and Is Calling for You
8. They Had Been with Jesus

Resources available:
Book: Rabbi Jesus: Learning from the Master Teacher, by Stephen D. Jones
8 Sessions of Teaching Materials

Download the free study guide

To obtain the book, Rabbi Jesus, click here, or call 800-747-3016.
Group discounts available.

ADULT STUDY

Baptism: We've Got It Right and Wrong
Most churches have strong traditions about how baptism is practiced. Even though the expressions of baptism may differ, each church tends to believe that their approach is more biblical. However, when was the last time your church studied and discussed baptism?

Many churches are confronted with their views of baptism when new members join who have been baptized in a church of another denomination. Should they be baptized again? What makes a baptism valid? The time is ripe for churches to again study and make intentional choices about this significant observance.

The study will explore five questions:
• Why should Baptists rethink baptism?
• What does the Bible say about baptism?
• What does church history say about baptism?
• How can we bring renewed vitality to baptism?
• Should we rebaptize Christians from other denominations?

Resources available:
The book, Baptism, We’ve Got it Right and Wrong: What Baptists Must Keep, What We Must Change, and Why, by John R. Tyler. Study questions are included at the end of each chapter. Group discounts available.

Tips:
• Begin the study by inviting a few members to briefly share the story of their baptism. Select persons who grew up Baptist, and also some who were baptized in other types of churches, and later became Baptist.

• Baptism can evoke strong opinions and emotions. If you approach the study as a conversation, and welcome all viewpoints, the study can be a helpful way for various perspectives to be heard and honored. By keeping the focus on learning from the scriptures and from church history, the study can be illuminating rather than controversial.

• Try to approach the study as a dialogue or forum about baptism, and avoid any sense that your discussion is seeking to make a decision for your church. Hopefully, the discussion will help inform your church’s choices, but such choices should work through the established channels for decision-making in your congregation.

• Select a leader for the study who is already well-respected in your congregation. Enlist a leader who will be able to teach while comfortably hearing, and making space for, a wide variety of viewpoints.

• Churches must develop mechanisms for discussing important issues, even if those issues bring strong convictions. After all, strong convictions reveal interest and commitment. What better setting can be found for learning and growth?

To obtain the book, Baptism: We've Got It Right and Wrong (with built-in study questions), click here, or call 800-747-3016.