On Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., there are 15 Bible Study classes available for adults of all ages. Highland does not have age-graded classes for adults, so adults are encouraged to visit any and all of these classes to find the best fit for their learning style and comfort level. Classes use either Smith and Helwys Formations literature or a lectionary based curriculum called Feasting on the Word. There are also a few classes that are topical. Childcare, children’s Bible study, and youth Bible study are provided during these meeting times.
At Highland, we believe learning together is an important part of Christian growth. That is why we set aside an hour every Sunday for the entire church to grow through Bible study. We have classes for senior adults, for new members, and for persons interested in social justice. In short, there are classes for almost everyone!
Below you will find our Bible study schedule, some basic facts about each class, and each class’s approach to the material. It is impossible to capture the flavor of a class in a single paragraph, but perhaps this information will help you to find a place to begin exploring.
And that is exactly what we hope you will do: explore. Learning about God is an exciting journey. Our goal at Highland is to be co-learners with you as we all journey together. Look around, find a class that fits where you are right now in your journey, and jump on board. Become part of this thinking, feeling, healing community of faith.
2019-2020 Adult Bible Study Classes
Bible Study 1 (9:30 – 10:30 a.m.)
Smith and Helwys Formation Curriculum *
Feasting on the Word **
Other Resources ***
Catch-All Class **
Fireside Room. Teacher: Bojangles Blanchard. This class offers a safe space to wrestle with theology and Christian doctrine in light of our human experience and current events. This intergenerational group values the inclusion of all voices, giving great care to welcome those who the church has too often marginalized and works through the weekly lectionary texts to integrate the Gospel into their real joys, pains, and struggles.
Challengers Class ***
Lower Level, Room 8. Teacher: Steve Brown. Alive with curiosity, this class is a community of learners who appreciate contextual biblical study. Steve’s biblical expertise inspires all to wonder together about how the history of God’s people informs our faith. Members bring their own expertise to the conversation to journey together through ancient texts as modern readers.
Disciples Class **
Lower Level, Room 9. Teacher: Roy Fuller. This class is a community of learners who appreciate theological reflection. The teacher seeks to unite the academic world of religious studies with the daily life of The Disciples. Intellectual exploration and biblical discussion exist within this community of learners. Members bring their different backgrounds to explore lectionary text and walk away with new perspectives on our sacred text.
Generations Class *
Lower Level, Rooms 11-12. Teacher: Chip Miller. Leader: David Wells. This multigenerational class, ages 50’s-70’s +, gathers to continue growing toward spiritual maturity while offering continued care for one another. Scriptural reflection and discussion includes life application.
Goodtime Gospel Hour Class ***
Room 122. Teacher: Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons. This class is for young adults who want to engage culture, politics, and theology. Topics vary but some favorites are Lady Gaga and Liberation Theology. The teacher sums up his approach to Bible study with the words of Pope Francis: “Far from being timid, morose, acerbic or melancholy, or putting on a dreary face, the saints are joyful and full of good humor.”
Nomads Class *
Lower Level, Room 1-2. Teachers: Robert Davis, Doris Hornbuckle. Diverse in age and life experience, this class nurtures a strong sense of belonging through studying scripture, sharing laughter, and shedding tears. The teachers create safe space for asking questions, exploring spirituality, and healing souls. Trust is a core value for them as they ensure that all feel comfortable bringing their real lives into their sacred space.
Parenting for Progress Class ***
Room 103. Teachers: Hollan Holm, Kate Dittmeier Holm. This class offers community and conversation for parents and others passionate about social justice issues. Compelled by injustices such as red-lining and gun violence, the teachers help the class seek the intersection of academic analysis, proactive engagement, theological discussion, and the daily grind of parenting. Gatherings outside class for fellowship and local engagement are allowing this group to foster a supportive, intentional, and meaningful community.
SALT Class **
Lower Level, Room 7. Teacher: Ron Smith. Sharing the challenges and joys of parenting school-age students and caring for aging parents, this class offers nourishment, encouragement, and companionship for one another. The teacher serves as a guide as the group seeks a faith deeper than the simple answers that no longer satisfy. Healing comes as this class stands in the tension of life’s challenges, our country’s conflicts, and the comfort of long-lasting relationships formed by faith.
Seekers Class *
Lower Level, Room 10. Teachers: Tracy Holladay, Patty Martin Nichols, Denee Walsh. This class thrives with a diversity of teaching styles as the teachers share their own knowledge and experience to invite fresh exploration and in-depth conversation. Knit together through biblical study, this class offers a welcoming environment while caring for one another through life’s twists and turns.
Transformers Class **
Lower Level, Rooms 5-6. Teachers: Nathan Marrs, Dan O’Neil. This class provides a safe and thought-provoking time of Bible study with friends. The teacher guides the class in its search for a deeper understanding of progressive faith through biblical study, theological reflection, and discussion of current events. As parents of school-age and preschool age children, this class serves as an important community of support, encouragement, and accountability for one another to endure challenges, family changes, and the countless questions that emerge in today’s world.
Vineyard Class *
Lower Level, Room 3. Teachers: Vaugn Bell, Ginny Sims. Highland’s only women’s class offers a retreat for self-renewal and group support for those who are caregivers and community volunteers. This class is able to share their own life’s events, pray for one another, and then read the morning’s passage from scripture. The teachers lead this class, drawing forth members’ perspectives, life experience, and personal areas of growth.
Bible Study 2, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Friendship Class *
Room 103. Teacher: Marilyn Sanders. Every Sunday, the faithful members of this class gather together to find new and fresh meaning within text they have read their whole life long. The teacher guides their time, managing to inspire this class of life-long Christians with new biblical insights.
Messengers Class **
Youth Commons, 2nd floor. Teachers: Debbie Hoover, Jen Woosley Saylor. Gathered together on a communal search or more profound biblical insights, this class expands upon the lectionary text they hear in worship and wonder how faith might still be new. This class recognizes the way shared fellowship outside of class deepens their ability to walk their faith journey side by side.
Prodigals Class **
Youth Commons, 2nd floor. Teachers: Mary Burks, Bob Cunningham, Walter McWhorter. Sharing “God-moments” and telling stories allows this class to nurture a sense of spiritual communion. 9:30 worship inspires a deeper spirituality and invites further reflection on the morning’s lectionary text. The teachers bring intentionality, curiosity, and tenderness to the class that allows members to breathe new life into ancient texts.
Simple Community Class ***
Youth Commons, 2nd floor. Teachers: Justin Boldt, Jill Ligon Davis. This class is a dynamic class whose form and content change with the season, the lectionary text, and the passions of the group. There is often opportunity for self-reflection, small group discussion, engagement through the arts and meditation, and fellowship. The teachers help create this communal space, but teaching is shared in a rotational model, drawing forth a multitude of perspectives on scripture, theology, and spirituality.
Click here to see the Bible study Guide that includes a map indicating the location of each class. For information about Bible study for children, youth, or young adults, see each ministry area’s page.
If you are interested in learning more about adult Bible study, contact Carol Harston.