Gilroy’s First Baptist Church invites South County residents to
attend two important classes beginning this month. Both of them
will be held at the church, 8455 Wren Ave., on Sunday evenings
beginning Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m., and free childcare will be
provided.
Gilroy’s First Baptist Church invites South County residents to attend two important classes beginning this month. Both of them will be held at the church, 8455 Wren Ave., on Sunday evenings beginning Jan. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m., and free childcare will be provided. The material presented will become a valuable resource for living the Christian life.
The Truth Project, created by the Focus on the Family ministry, will be taught in a series of 12 sessions by Haran and Joy Schoming, trained members of the congregation who have experience teaching courses in the past.
This curriculum was developed in response to surprising research showing that “only 9 percent of Christians have a biblical world view,” belief in such basic tenets of Christianity as the existence of God, the truth of the Bible and Jesus Christ as redeemer of mankind. The implication of this finding is that “today’s believers live very similarly to nonbelievers, losing their bearings, beginning to wonder what life’s purpose is.”
The course utilizes a DVD curriculum for small groups taught by Dr. Del Hackett, a seminary professor and former director of technical planning for the National Security Council. Each lesson discusses “the relevance and importance of living the Christian world view in daily life.” There will be only a small fee for materials used during class.
Among the topics discussed are:
– Veritology: defining the truth
– Ethics: distinguishing right from wrong
– Anthropology: the nature of humans
– Theology: the nature of God
– Science: intelligent design versus Darwin’s theory of evolution.
On the same evening at the same time, a parenting class, Growing Kids God’s Way, will hold its first session. Hosted by Josef and Jana Fuljer, a young couple who are parents of a 3-year-old daughter. They have taught this class previously and have seen the positive effects on participants’ families of the principles being studied.
The curriculum used has been developed by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo, founders of Growing Families International. Their values-based parenting philosophy has been adopted by more than 10,000 churches.
Topics covered during the course include:
– How to help children internalize values and virtues
– How to fix problems causing insecurity in children
– How to build family identity and loyalty
– What true biblical discipline is
– How to achieve “first-time obedience”
– Practical ways to help children master their own self-control.
Each session includes viewing a DVD presentation, small group discussion with questions and answers, reading assignments and a chance to share relevant experiences with other parents. The charge to participate is $18 for a resource book.
This certainly is a difficult time for raising children: economic recession, rising unemployment, gangs, substance abuse, government program cut-backs. Parents with children of all ages, parents-to-be and grandparents may all benefit from the wise instruction given during this course as will as the support offered by the group.
To learn more about either course or to register in advance of the first class, please call (408) 847-6000.
