Last weekend, my wife and I had the opportunity to travel to northern West Virginia to attend a friend’s wedding. Over the course of the trip, we visited two colleges and enjoyed the beautiful autumn leaves. With the changing of the seasons (with students returning to class) and a quick walk of the academic halls of Bethany and Shepherd University, I was reminded of the importance the Bible places on developing one’s mind. Jesus included, in his Greatest Commandment, the directive, “Love the Lord your God…with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37) And writing to his young protégé years later, the apostle Paul told Timothy to “study to show yourself approved to God” (2 Tim. 2:15)
Facilitating this call to continually learn and grow in the knowledge of God is one of the church’s important ministries. Grace Hills provides many opportunities to study the Scriptures and learn about God: Sunday school, Bible study, Huddles, the women’s breakfast group, and others. One of the most exciting and engaging opportunities is the slate of classes offered in partnership with the Christian Leadership Network and the John Leland Center for Theological Studies. This coming spring semester (beginning in January), three classes will be offered in our area: New Testament Survey (Dr. Derik Hamby, Randolph Memorial Baptist) at Grace Hills, and Johannine Literature (Rev. Adam Tyler, Grace Hills Baptist) and Christian Education (Leon Cassell, Charlottesville) at Randolph Memorial in Madison Heights.
To open this opportunity to as many of our folks as possible, the Christian Leadership Network is offering a discount for first-time students: an auditing student can take a course for $99, while a for-credit student can take a course for $149. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills as a Sunday school teacher, explore roles you may feel called to take in the church with Christian education, or just learn more about the Bible and your Christian faith. Several of our own members have already taken some classes through this program and heartily encourage you to experience one for yourself. If you have any questions, please let me know.
In Christ,
Adam
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