Discipleship

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word…Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path…All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.

Psalm 119:16, 105, 160 (NIV); John 17:17 (NLT)

Because the Scriptures are foundational to our lives as Christians, we offer many avenues for us to learn and ingest the Scriptures so that we may live every day in the truth and power of God’s Word. We offer teaching and training for all ages, from young children to senior citizens. We would love for you to take advantage of the opportunity to learn with us and to use your gifts to help others learn. If you would like more information about these discipleship opportunities, please send an email with your questions; if you are interested in teaching or assisting in one of these ministries, please send an email indicating your interest.

Sunday School (9:40 am, September – June)

In addition to the age-appropriate classes for children and unique classes for youth, we offer a variety of learning opportunities during the Sunday School hour for college students and residents. The format, subject, and style of the classes vary but the end result is discipleship that leads us to be more like Christ. These adult classes will resume in September:

  • Kaleidoscope—presents a “kaleidoscope” of topics including Bible study, missions, current events, spiritual journeys, and fellowship. Kaleidoscope meets in the Community Room on the first floor of the Christian Education building.
  • Devotional Classics—this book study/discussion-style class meets in Room 9 on the lower level of the sanctuary. The class recently finished a study of Leonard Sweet’s book, Jesus Manifesto. The study for Fall 2011 is yet to be determined.
  • When Mothers Pray—this class meets in Room 7 on the lower level of the sanctuary. The class is geared to mothers of teenagers and young adults.
  • Too Busy Not to Pray—this discussion-style class has just finished a study of this classic by Bill Hybels. The text for the fall of 2011 will be announced shortly.
  • The Sermons of Jesus—Paul Young teaches this class that meets in the Youth Room on the lower level of the church sanctuary. The class curriculum focuses on a book of the Bible or a series of biblical passages. The text for the fall is being determined.
  • Jesus Among Other gods—this class meets in Room 105 on the first floor of the Christian Education building. A DVD presentation by apologist Ravi Zacharias shapes the framework for the discussion. Materials for the fall semester are in process.

Small Groups

The concept of small groups is as old as Moses leading the Israelites, Jesus and His disciples, and the gatherings of the early church. Small groups were central to John Wesley’s design of the Methodist movement and particularly the great spiritual awakening first in England and then in America. Small groups are important to our church because they are an important foundation to facilitate spiritual growth. They provide:

  • an opportunity to pursue God in the company of friends
  • a journey of faith with a handful of others who will accept you for who you are
  • relationships that fuel and ignite life change through fellowship, Bible study, relevant discussion, and life sharing

Small groups meet on a semester basis to allow easy start and finish points. Semesters also allow you the opportunity to explore and join different groups throughout the year. This fall each of our groups will be studying Ephesians as part of a church-wide emphasis. More info will be coming in August.

Details for Fall Small Groups

Bible Studies

In addition to our small groups, the Houghton Wesleyan Church offers a variety of Bible study opportunities, typically divided into groups for women and men. The groups typically combine study of scripture with prayer and life-sharing.

During the summer a men’s group meets every Thursday morning (8:00 – 9:00 a.m.) in Room 105 at the church. In September, another men’s Bible study will meet on Mondays at noon in Room 105.

Women’s Bible study groups meet September – May. Specific information about the groups will be posted in August.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Schedule

Church Library

The Church Library, located on the 1st floor of the Christian Education Building, contains over 10,000 items.  The library has a section of books, videos, audiocassette books and music tapes for children.  Sections are also devoted to youth and adults.  The goals and objectives of the church library staff are to make available quality literature in various forms, which will appeal to all ages and promote Christian growth through the renewing of our minds.