CLASSES - OVERVIEW
The Brookside Institute is a series of classes designed to build and reinforce foundations of the Christian faith.
Each of our classes has a list of outcomes that will support this larger goal. In addition to the teaching and interaction happening during class time, outside learning exercises are also built into each class that will further contribute to learning for life change.
Below you will find more information on the classes that are part of the Brookside Institute. A more detailed explanation is provided for our “core classes,” and other classes that are part of the Institute are simply listed after that. For the most part, classes can be taken in any sequence, and we understand that most people will choose the classes that interest them most at any given time.
If asked, we’d say that our “core classes” serve as the best introduction to all of our other classes - we generally encourage people to consider starting with these.
With that said, here are the classes that are part of the Brookside Institute:
Each of our classes has a list of outcomes that will support this larger goal. In addition to the teaching and interaction happening during class time, outside learning exercises are also built into each class that will further contribute to learning for life change.
Below you will find more information on the classes that are part of the Brookside Institute. A more detailed explanation is provided for our “core classes,” and other classes that are part of the Institute are simply listed after that. For the most part, classes can be taken in any sequence, and we understand that most people will choose the classes that interest them most at any given time.
If asked, we’d say that our “core classes” serve as the best introduction to all of our other classes - we generally encourage people to consider starting with these.
With that said, here are the classes that are part of the Brookside Institute:
Core Classes
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Bible Basics: An Important Class about God's Word (8 sessions)
Christians often talk about being “rooted” in God’s Word and personal Bible study. Healthy churches preach from God’s Word publicly and groups discuss the Bible in community. But we also know many have important questions about studying God’s Word: Why study the Bible? Where do we begin? How can we get the most out of God’s Word? If you have ever asked these questions – or others – about the Bible, then this class is for you! Want to hear from people who have already taken "Bible Basics"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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Fuel for Faith: An Important Class about Christian Theology (8 sessions)
Everyone "does theology" – we think about God, we struggle with and respond to sin, and we wonder about the future. And just like gasoline propels your car and coal feeds a fire, ultimately our theology is what fuels our faith and action. This class will explore what theology is and discover key Christian beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, how to think about Jesus' return, and much more. Want to hear from people who have already taken "Fuel for Faith"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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Grow: An Important Class about Spiritual Formation (8 sessions)
All of us are in the process of becoming more or less of something. As Christians, what is it that we should be growing into? How can we take steps in the direction we should be headed? This class will help (re)point you in the direction of Christlike growth and provide some tools by which you can travel this road of growth for a lifetime. Want to hear from people who have already taken "Grow"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
All Other Classes
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The Bible Jesus Read: An Introduction to the Old Testament (10 sessions)
The Old Testament makes up seventy five percent of our Bibles. Jesus read it, believed it, and taught it. Understanding the Old Testament helps unlock the meaning of the New Testament. But let's be honest: The Old Testament can be daunting with its strange laws (and lots of 'em), hard-to-pronounce names (lots of those, too), and head-scratching prophecies. Did you know all these things are smaller parts of a larger story the Old Testament - and the Bible - tells, the redemptive story of what God is doing in history? Join us to better understand individual pieces of the Old Testament and the larger message it points us toward. Want to hear from people who have already taken "The Bible Jesus Read"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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The Christ, the Cross, and the Church: An Introduction to the New Testament (10 sessions)
Christians proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and no one else has had the impact on history that Jesus has. But who is Jesus? What did He come to do? How do we carry His message - the gospel - forward into the 21st century? To answer these questions, we must turn to the New Testament. Join us in this survey of the New Testament as we better get to know Jesus, His message, and His mission. By better understanding the New Testament we can more fully apply its continuing significance today. Want to hear from people who have already taken "The Christ, the Cross, and the Church"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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Christianity Amidst the Questions: An Introduction to Christian Apologetics (10 sessions)
Does God really exist? Why is there so much evil and suffering in the world? What’s the relationship between Christianity and science? Responding to questions like these is what the field of “apologetics” is all about. Whether you’re asking these questions yourself, or want to be prepared to interact with people who are asking these kinds of questions, you’re invited to join us for this class as we uncover the richness and reliability of the Christian faith. Want to hear from people who have already taken "Christianity Amidst the Questions"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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History Matters: The Church's Roots from the Apostles to Today (10 sessions)
History matters! After all, we didn’t invent the church; nor is our generation of Christians the first to live as the people of God in the world. By learning about church history, we discover a rich heritage to appreciate and continue. But we also find missteps and stories of corruption we’d do well to avoid. In this class we’ll stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us – appreciating their impact, learning from their mistakes, and continuing Jesus' mission for His church. By doing this we’ll be better equipped to faithfully present and represent the gospel today, and pass the baton to those who follow us. Want to hear from people who have already taken "History Matters"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
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Walking Wisely: An Introduction to Christian Ethics (10 sessions)
What does it look like to live as followers of Jesus in the 21st century? How does biblical truth apply to the complex situations we face today? What does it mean to do (and be) good? What are the motives that should guide our actions? These are important questions, and they lie at the core of the study of Christian ethics. Join us for this class as we lay important foundations for approaching ethical issues and consider specific issues we’re facing today. Want to hear from people who have already taken "Walking Wisely"? Click here to see what they have to say. |
Pending Classes
- Jesus is King: An Important Class about the Gospel (6 sessions) - CLASS PENDING
Electives
In addition to these classes (listed above) that are part of our normal rotation of classes, we'll also offer electives that range outside of what's listed here - or dig more deeply into a "subtopic" introduced in one of these classes. Examples of Institute electives include Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University," weekend seminars on "Leveraging Some Really Worthwhile Online Bible Study Tools," etc.
