Adult Discipleship
THE GOAL OF DISCIPLESHIP
Has anyone ever asked you, “What are your goals?” Perhaps you stumble for a moment while you try to come up with a response only to realize you haven’t thought about goals set so long ago.
As followers of Jesus, our main goal in life should be to build a lifestyle of discipleship. It isn’t money, time, or knowledge that keeps us from reaching our discipleship goal. It is a matter of our heart. Do we have the passion and drive required for becoming truly Christlike?
Disciples of Christ are people determined to be a blessing to others; people who are never satisfied to simply accept and enjoy God’s blessings. Disciples of Christ are known for their culture of love, commitment and service rather than events, information and programs. Are you moving in the right direction to reach your goal of discipleship?
Zion’s adult discipleship opportunities are here to help you as you progress and grow in spiritual maturity to Christ-likeness. This process is interactive and done best in community. Others provide us with a level of objectivity, accountability, creativity and encouragement we cannot find alone.
Get involved in Bible study, Christian living classes, small groups, leadership development or parenting classes. Research finds that typical disciples devote an average of four to six hours per week, beyond Sunday worship, to discipleship efforts. Within the pages of the fall/winter 2010 catalog you will find discipleship opportunities to help you reach your goal.
The fall/winter 2010 catalog includes descriptions and details about the classes, Bible studies, small groups and the new Wednesday evening worship service, more. Dates, time, location, facilitator, and cost (if any) are indicated. Scholarships are available to help meet curriculum expense. After checking out what’s available, contact Pastor Tina Rasmussen if you have any questions. I look forward to walking with you on your discipleship journey.
SUNDAY MORNING DISCIPLESHIP:
BIBLE STUDY
Crossways Bible Study: The Prophets of the Old Testament and Development of Early Judaism: Join us as we examine the words and prophetic messages of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah, Hosea and others as they speak for the Lord during a time of unrest, corruption and immoral living. Because of Israel’s failure to listen to the warnings of the prophets, God sent His people into exile, a time of despair and dependence on God. Following the return from exile, Judaism as it is known today, began to develop. We will learn about the messianic expectations of the early Jews and how Jesus did not fit their ideas of a messiah.
Feel free to join us even if you did not participate in last year’s study. Crossways International presents detailed explanation of Israel’s history that sounds much like the world we live in today. If you miss a Sunday, join us on Wednesday evening for another look at the prophets and their amazing message.
Dates: 9/5 - 12/19/10
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Location: Room 162, Lower Level
Cost: $28 (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Pastor Tina Rasmussen
Genesis: God’s Glory/Presence and the Beginnings: The study of Genesis, though surely not neglected, will chart some new and different approaches to the book. The study will attempt to offer a developing picture of God’s Glory/Presence in the early beginnings of humans, and with the idea of Glory/Presence in Genesis and what that means for Christians in the 21st century. Throughout the study of the book there will be various stopping points along the way in which time will be given to ponder together some of the insightful and rich ways the Hebrew Bible has chosen to communicate to the modern man/woman who is saddled with modern cultural and social theories of how modern day people should think and live. Discussion by members of the class is strongly encouraged. The major source for this study will be the Bible, but a textbook will also be utilized. The text, authored by Rev. Hosch, is entitled, God’s Glory/Presence and the Beginnings.
Dates: 9/5 - 12/19/10
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Location: Room 170, Lower Level
Cost: $20 (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Rev. Harold Hosch
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Becoming a Contagious Christian: Based on the book, Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels, this course with materials developed by Mark Mittelberg and Lee Strobel will help you find your own personal style of evangelism that naturally fits you. In this course, you will learn: • Your personal evangelism style • How to direct conversations to matters of faith • How to tell your own story of coming to faith • How to use easy to remember gospel illustrations • And much more! Communicating our faith in Christ should be one of the most natural things we do. This course will help you learn how to share your faith in a natural way and help you to become a “Contagious Christian”.
Dates: 9/5 - 10/17/10
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Location: Room 172, Lower Level
Cost: $12 for participant's guide, Becoming a Contagious Christian. (Optional - Participants may also want to purchase the book, Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels. (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Bob Norris
Just Walk Across the Room: Based on the book, Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels, this personal evangelism course will help you learn how you can have a life changing impact on the person just a few steps away from you. This class will explore the following topics in a discussion and exercise-based format: • The single greatest gift we can give is to introduce others to the God who created them and loves them. • How to become engaged in the lives of those around you • Sharing your personal story and God’s story • Grander vision living to partner with God in His mission to find the lost and restore what is broken The stakes are high. The implications are eternal. And you may be only a conversation away from having an eternal impact on someone’s life – if you just walk across the room.
Dates: 10/24 - 12/5/10
Time: 9:15 – 10:15 am
Location: Room 172, Lower Level
Cost: $12 for participant's guide, Just Walk Across the Room. (Optional - Participants may also want to purchase the book, Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Bob Norris
WEDNESDAY EVENING DISCIPLESHIP:
WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAYS (WOW)
more – Midweek Worship Service: Ever left church wanting more? Ever got to the middle of the week and wanted more worship? Ever not been able to attend church on Sunday and wanted more choices? The good news is that for you, there’s more. • more Jesus. • more worship. • more teaching. • more opportunities to attend church.
more is the new Wednesday night church service at Zion. It’s just like Sunday morning except more. There’s always more to the story, and on Wednesday nights we’ll look the theme from Sunday and go deeper or approach it from a different angle. We’ll give you more. If you can’t make it to church on Sundays, now you can go on Wednesday nights. Come and enjoy a home cooked meal at Zion at 5:45 pm. Wednesdays are the new Sundays.
Dates: Wednesdays, 9/8 - 12/15/10
Time: 6:35 - 7:35 pm
Location: Fellowship Hall
Cost: $0
Facilitators: Pastor John Kline & Staff
BIBLE STUDY
Crossways Bible Study: The Prophets of the Old Testament and Development of Early Judaism: Join us as we examine the words and prophetic messages of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos, Micah, Hosea and others as they speak for the Lord during a time of unrest, corruption and immoral living. Because of Israel’s failure to listen to the warnings of the prophets, God sent His people into exile, a time of despair and dependence on God. Following the return from exile, Judaism as it is known today, began to develop. We will learn about the messianic expectations of the early Jews and how Jesus did not fit their ideas of a messiah.
Feel free to join us even if you did not participate in last year’s study. Crossways International presents detailed explanation of Israel’s history that sounds much like the world we live in today. If you miss a Sunday, join us on Wednesday evening for another look at the prophets and their amazing message.
Dates: 9/8 - 12/15/10
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Location: Room 166, Lower Level
Cost: $28 (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Pastor Tina Rasmussen
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Growing Kids God’s Way: Are you at your wits end some days? Does it seem like the most frequent question in your home is “How many times do I have to tell you?!” Are you at a loss over how to deal with certain issues like whining, tantrums, and unkind speech? Are you and your spouse at odds about what is the right thing to do in different situations? Do you enjoy your children, but just want some new insights and encouragement? Would you like some ideas on how to plant God’s word into the heart of your child?
Growing Kids God’s Way is a video-based series, with time for discussion and problem solving. In you have children age 2 to preteens (and even teens); you are invited to this inspiring class.
Dates: 9/8 - 12/15/10
Time: 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Location: Room 162, Lower Level
Cost: $40 (scholarships available)
Facilitators: Thomas & Mandy Berkley
WOMEN'S DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Beth Moore Bible Study: A Heart Like His – Seeking the Heart of God Through a Study of David: This study explores the pastures, caves, and palace of one of the most well known figures in history. David will make us laugh and cry, delight and disappoint us. He will make us want to be just like him at times and nothing like him at others.
Beth Moore invites us to join her on an exciting and intimate journey to know King David, focusing on his years as God’s chosen king of Israel. David’s life clearly demonstrates that God is always able to reach us, correct us, and reclaim our worship. If you’ve ever experienced doubts, temptations, losses, personal inconsistencies, or if you’ve anguished over family problems, then this study is for you.
Dates: Saturdays, 9/11 - 11/20/10
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 am
Location: Room 170, Lower Level
Cost: $23 (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Cindy Jones
AND/OR
Dates: Mondays, 9/13 - 11/22/10
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Fellowship Hall
Cost: $23 (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Barb Mydland
R and R: R&R meets every Wednesday morning and is open to all women. Studies are ongoing – as one study finishes, a new one is chosen by the group during a trip to the Wellspring Coffee Shop and Bookstore. The format includes a time for fellowship (and of course, treats) and then a study the group chooses.
Dates: Wednesday mornings ongoing throughout the year
Time: 10:00 am - Noon
Location: Zion Library, Upper Level
Cost: Varies (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Cindy Jones
Thursday Morning Women’s Bible Study: The Tale of Two Women: Ruth and Esther are two well known women found in the Old Testament and played a significant role in Israel’s history when women were not seen or heard. Why does Scripture include these two stories and what do the lives led by Ruth and Esther have in common with us today? These are only a few of the questions we will explore as we meet Ruth and Esther with a new perspective and appreciation.
Dates: Thursday mornings, 9/9 - 12/9/10
Time: 9:15 - 11:00 am
Location: Room TBA, Lower Level
Cost: $0
Facilitator: Pastor Tina Rasmussen
ZION COMMUNITY LIFE
New Member Class: Interested in learning more about the Zion community? Want to know what we believe and teach as followers of Christ? Zion’s new member classes are scheduled twice a year beginning in October of 2010. The four week class helps those interested in membership become familiar with who we are as a church. Select one of the quarterly sessions that fits your schedule.
Dates: Sundays, 10/10 - 10/31/10, or Sundays, 3/27 - 4/17/11
Time: 9:15 - 10:15 am
Location: Room 166, Lower Level
Cost: $0
Facilitators: Zion Staff
Baptism Class: If you are interested in being baptized or having a child baptized, you are invited to attend one of the quarterly classes that explain what baptism is and how you and your children can be baptized.
Dates: Sundays, 9/19/10, 1/16/11, 3/27/11, or 6/19/11
Time: 9:15 - 10:15 am
Location: Room 166, Lower Level
Cost: $0
Facilitator: Intern Pastor Brent Osborne
First Communion Class: These three session classes are designed especially for children in grades 1-6 and parents who want to know what Communion is all about. Each session includes a large group teaching time followed by a small group discussion and interaction time. Parents are asked to attend with their children. The “First” or “Early” Communion classes teach what we believe about Communion. If your child has been asking about taking Communion, this is the class you have been waiting for.
Dates: Tuesdays, 3/29, 4/5, & 4/12/11
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Sanctuary
Cost: $0
Facilitator: Pastor John Kline
Pre-Marriage Seminar: Saving Your Marriage Before it Starts: Zion’s pre-marriage counseling program explores a variety of topics that include communication, money, confrontation, making up, and much more. A quiet time together is offered so that you as a couple may discuss the issues dealt with in class. This class is for you if you have ever wondered – Is the person I’m dating the person I should marry? Is fighting good for a marriage? How do I avoid making the same mistakes in my marriage that I see others making?
Dates: Tuesdays, 2/1, 2/8, & 2/15/11
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Chapel
Cost: $50 per couple; includes curriculum (scholarships available)
Facilitator: Pastor John Kline
DISCIPLESHIP/LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Building and Leading Ministry Teams Seminar: Jesus never did ministry by himself, but always included a team of individuals pulling together for the sake of the mission. Jesus served as a leader to a group of individuals, teaching and encouraging others to carry out the mission after him. No one individual should carry the weight and responsibility of ministry leadership.
This seminar will include and focus on the purpose and formation of teams to accomplish ministry. We will examine and practice the most effective way to formulate a vision and mission for the team you lead or may lead in the future. Participants will receive a copy of the book, Doing Church as a Team, written by Wayne Cordeiro.
Date: Tuesday, 11/9/10
Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Location: Room 170, Lower Level
Cost: $0
Facilitator: Pastor Tina Rasmussen
DISCIPLESHIP/CARE
ChristLife – Phase 1: If Christ has set us free, why are so many Christians still in bondage? How can it be that people quote scripture about how God loves and forgives them, but they still feel guilt over something that they did years ago? Or still unloved? Or maybe just don’t feel like they are good enough? The Christ Life solution is a discipleship experience focused on helping participants move past head knowledge into an incredible love relationship with God.
This life transforming process takes place in three phases: • Phase 1 helps you identify what your current thinking patterns are and where they came from, allowing you to break away from them and bond to the life God has planned for you. • Phase 2 helps you learn to get past the hopelessness of not feeling “good enough” and get off the treadmill of performance. • Phase 3 gives you practical tools that will allow you to take the power of God beyond “head knowledge,” and into reality of your everyday life.
Dates: Sundays, 9/26 - 12/19/10
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Room 172, Lower Level
Cost: $50; includes curriculum for each particpant (scholarships available)
Facilitators: Grace Kline & Craig Bartelt
GriefShare at Meredith Drive Reformed Church: This weekly seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of some one close features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics. Each GriefShare Session includes a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery. Small group discussion follows to help process information presented.
Dates: Thursdays, 9/9 - 11/25/10
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Meredith Drive Campus, 5128 Meredith Drive, Des Moines
Cost: $12 (scholarships available)
Facilitators: Roger & Kathleen Elsberry (515-210-1946)
DISCIPLESHIP/SMALL GROUPS
How to Start a Small Group: So you would like to be in a small group and find yourself asking, “How do I connect?” This two-hour seminar will help you form a small group with others interested in doing life together. You will also be introduced to possible study guides and suggested serving opportunities
Date: Monday, 10/11/10
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Room 170, Lower Level
Cost: $0
Facilitator: Pastor Tina Rasmussen
Suggested Small Group Studies:
Hope Lives: This challenging six-week study examines how we as followers of Christ are to think about and respond to those in need. The study takes you on a journey that will reveal to you the special ways in which God has created you to be his messenger of hope, love, healing and service to those in need. Scripture will take you on a closer look and understanding of poverty and the power of prayer. This journey is a journey toward Christ, a journey compelled and enabled by God’s grace.
The study includes a DVD for group viewing, leader’s guide and individual journals for each participant. Check out www.group.com and hit the small groups tab for information and ordering for your small group.
The Good and Beautiful God: Many of the ideas we have about God and how he works are true, but many are false. Using the book, The Good and Beautiful God, Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows by James Bryan Smith, this study leads you to put the ideas you have about God and how he works in your life to the test.
This book includes a small group discussion guide as well as individual questions at the end of each chapter to help process the information. Easy and enjoyable to read and understand, the book includes nine chapters to help you mature spiritually. The ISBN number of the book is 978-0-8308-3531-7 and may be purchased at local bookstores or on www.amazon.com.
The Parent You Want to Be: When it comes to parenting, who you are is more important than what you do. Your child internalizes your traits more than anyone else’s on the planet. Drs. Les and Leslie Parrott have written a parenting book like no other and provides readers and group participants with a proven plan for cultivating the traits you most want your child to have.
The group study includes a six week DVD presentation to accompany Parrott’s book, The Parent You Want Your Child to Be. A leader's guide and participants' guides are used. Zion has the DVD’s and leader's guide for your use. Participants would need to purchase the book and workbook, Parenting, The Early Years: 10 Biblical Traits Your Kids Will Remember You For. For more information and to order the workbooks, visit www.zondervan.com.
Please feel free to contact Pastor Tina Rasmussen, Pastor - Adult Discipleship, by e-mail or by calling the Church at 515-270-8142. Fees, if applicable, will be collected the first day of class. Checks should be made out to Zion Lutheran Church. Scholarships are available.