Adult Discipleship Classes
At Buck Run, we believe theological education belongs in the local church. We are tasked with passing on the “faith once for all delivered to the saints,” (Jude 1:3). To this end, Buck Run offers Adult Discipleship Classes that provide in-depth teaching on a variety of topics related to our faith using three Core Commitments: Christian Story, Christian Doctrine, and Christian Formation.
Adult Discipleship Classes
Join Us Sundays at 10:00 AM
We run several classes simultaneously each Sunday morning, each organized around one of our three Core Commitments: Christian Story, Christian Doctrine, or Christian Formation. Through our tracks and intentional planning, we strive to build a strong foundation of discipleship through our class offerings.
Need help choosing a class? Get in touch, and our staff will be happy to help.
Christian Story
The Bible tells the story of all things. From creation to the New Heaven and New Earth, the scriptures tell a story. 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. 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.
Christian Doctrine
Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have read the Word and formulated doctrinal statements. As we study Christian doctrine, we will focus on the major doctrinal points of the faith. Christian growth requires that one be able to understand and articulate these foundational doctrines.
Christian Formation
With the help of the Holy Spirit, Christian story and doctrine work together to form believers into whole, mature Christians. Christian formation is all about understanding how we might be shaped and formed to look more like Christ. The study of Christian formation includes everything from personal and corporate spiritual disciplines to living life on mission. The goal of theological education is never simply head-knowledge, but life change.
Tracks
For each of our Core Commitments, we offer a set plan of classes that systematically covers that topic over the course of two years. The tracks are a tool to help guide us into well-rounded discipleship. You are free to follow along with a specific track or join classes under different commitments in each cycle.
Choosing a Class
Our Adult Discipleship Classes are usually offered in 6-week cycles. To join a class, simply pick a class you want to attend. If you are following along with a track, those classes will be clearly marked in their descriptions and signage. When choosing an individual class or track, consider what area you need to grow in as a disciple of Jesus in this season.
For example, are you struggling to understand the flow of the Bible? Join a Christian Story class where you’ll learn about the Bible as one big story focused on God. Are you confused about the Bible’s teaching on sin? Jump into a Christian Doctrine class exploring core beliefs. Do you need to grow in practical holiness? Check out a Christian Story class encouraging daily discipleship.
Current Classes
PRACTICAL APOLOGETICS
Leader: Art Nitz
Location: Room 100
Core Commitment: Christian Formation
Defending the Christian faith and worldview are essential for engaging our culture. Christian apologetics is a multi-dimensional enterprise that strengthens the faith and confidence of believers and challenges unbelievers to reconsider their worldview and rejection of the gospel message. Topics will include a Biblical rationale for apologetics with special emphasis on how the Creation-Evolution controversy can be leveraged to bolster confidence in the authority of God’s Word and be a means to present the truth of the gospel to unbelievers.
HABITS OF GRACE
Leader: Zach Nelson
Location: Room 101
Core Commitment: Christian Formation
Our habits are a reflection of the things we value. You may go on a 5-mile run on cold mornings because you are a marathon runner or take off work a couple of days in November and put on some camo because you are a hunter. You may carry a backpack full of diapers to every occasion while humming some random kids’ song because you are a parent. Our habits shape our identity, and in Christ, our identity is secure. In Habits of Grace, we will dive into how we can enjoy our savior, Jesus, through spiritual disciplines. Namely, the habits of hearing his voice (The Word), having his ear (Prayer), and belonging to his body (Fellowship). Let’s grow in our love for Christ by using the means he has given us to know him!
NEW TESTAMENT OVERVIEW: 2 PETER-REVELATION
Leader: Paul Wilkes
Location: Room 102
Core Commitment: Christian Story (Track)
This class concludes our overview study of the New Testament. These books will shape our living and thinking by turning our eyes to Jesus in the context of several topics: 2 Peter highlights how God graciously fuels our endurance, 1-3 John explains the essential connection between truth and love, Jude encourages us to contend for the faith, and Revelation calls us to hope in Jesus’ victory over all evil and his future return. We will survey each of these letters and also consider their individual contributions to our system of theology. These surveys will equip us to recognize major themes and for further personal study of each book.
EAST OF EDEN: THE DOCTRINE OF SIN
Leader: Brian Honett
Location: Room 103
Core Commitment: Christian Doctrine (Track)
Beginning in Genesis 3, the Bible reveals that the central problem of our existence is our rebellion against God. Sin is both something we inherit and willfully engage in, defying our Creator and his rightful rule over us. This class will overview the biblical doctrine of sin. It is necessary for us to appropriately diagnose our ailment if we are going to understand and accept the healing that Jesus brings.
BY THE WATER: THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Leader: Frank Benton
Location: Sanctuary
Core Commitment: Christian Story
Gather “by the water” (the section of sanctuary seats nearest the baptistry) to participate in a thematic study of The Sermon on the Mount. It has been called the greatest sermon ever preached. Jesus proclaims the ethic of the Kingdom of God that has burst onto the scene because of his own coming into the world. More than a collection of moral instruction, he issues a radical call of discipleship for those who would follow him. Bring your Bible and come ready to hear and apply God’s Word in the Sermon on the Mount.
Class Archive
If you miss a week, you can watch a recording of that class below, in the Buck Run App, or on YouTube. Class handouts can also be accessed through each class's video link.