Buck Run Institute
The purpose of the Buck Run Institute is not merely greater knowledge but more mature disciples who are living, serving and learning for the glory of God.
Buck Run Institute
In 2 Peter 3:17-18, we are instructed to guard against error and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growth in the knowledge of God is necessary in order to grow in the love, worship and service of God. For this reason, the need for robust theological education in the church is great. We have invested heavily in our Adult Discipleship ministry by organizing many of our classes into two-year tracks that walk through the whole Bible (Christian Story), the major points of Systematic Theology (Christian Doctrine), and spiritual development and application (Christian Formation).
All Buck Run members have the opportunity to learn and grow through Adult Discipleship. The Buck Run Institute exists to equip those among us who have the desire, opportunity and gifting to take one more step in theological training. Students in this program will engage in the regular Adult Discipleship offerings on Sunday mornings to complete the Christian Story, Christian Doctrine, and Christian formation tracks. Students will also complete a regimen of assigned reading, accompanying assignments, and participate in regular seminars for further engagement and instruction.
Christian Story Institute
The Bible tells the story of all things. From Creation to the New Creation, the scriptures contain a narrative through which the Lord has chosen to reveal himself. Christian growth requires that one understand the major redemptive historical events in salvation history and be able to place him/her self in relation to those events. Who are we? Where have we been? Where are we going? These questions are foundational to understanding life in this world. The study of the Christian story is focused on the contours, themes, and major events as they can be traced throughout the scriptures in order that one might know how the Lord has revealed Himself in this world.
Students in the Christian Story curriculum will grow in their knowledge of the Bible and the drama of redemptive history that it contains. The curriculum includes the study of the Bible as a text, overviews of each book in the Old and New Testaments and an introduction into the practice of biblical theology. The accompanying Institute required readings, assignments and seminars will dive deeper into the study of the bible and the storyline of the kingdom of God.
Christian Doctrine Institute
The American theologian Francis Schaeffer wrote a book on Christian theology in 1972 titled He is There and He is Not Silent. His central argument was that God exists and that he has revealed himself to his creation. If this is indeed true, then this must be the most pressing consideration of human existence. Who is this God and what is he like? Christian theology is primarily focused upon the identity and action of this God. All other theological conclusions flow from God and his self-revelation.
The Christian Doctrine track is focused on the core tenets of the Christian faith, as revealed in Scripture and reflected upon by God’s people for millennia. Its scope includes an introduction to Systematic Theology and the doctrines of God, anthropology, hamartiology, Christology, Pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology and eschatology. The track concludes by studying a brief selection of the historic creeds and confessions of the Christian church as orthodox articulations of the faith. The aim of this theological study is not merely to acquire knowledge, but to know God and experience the fullness of life that is found only in him and his Christ (John 17:3). The accompanying Institute required readings, assignments, and seminars will dive deeper into the discipline of systematic theology and the covered doctrines of Christian theology.
Christian Formation Institute
Jesus calls his people to follow him in all of life. Having received Jesus as Lord, we are to walk in him, growing in practical obedience and maturity (Colossians 2:6-7). A life of discipleship is one of progressively and intentionally seeing everything in the light of Christ. The promise of God is that as we seek him, he is doing the work of transforming us to look like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The Christian Formation track is dedicated to exploring key areas of practical obedience in the daily lives of disciples. These group gatherings are the springboard for further ministry and discipleship as group members invest in each other’s daily lives. In these Adult Discipleship classes we will consider topics like spiritual disciplines, missions, stewardship, apologetics, etc. We will learn for the sake of worship and life change, not just head knowledge. The related Institute required readings, assignments, and seminars will further emphasize the Lordship of Jesus in all of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We would love to talk to you more about being part of the Buck Run Institute. Contact Pastor Ben anytime to learn about this discipleship opportunity.