We want education to equip us in our faith however new or seasoned we are, so we might grow in maturity and “to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) Part of that involves making sure we’re not just reading the parts of the Bible with which we’re comfortable. This also means learning from those who have gone before us, such as stories of the Church since the New Testament and how the faith has been passed down, and learning about what discipleship looks like in practice! So you’ll find classes in Basic Bible Study on books of the Old and New Testaments that we haven’t taught before, topics that engage with church history and theology, apologetic sessions that deal with current issues Christians disagree about and some food for thought on discipleship. The series of electives are three-to four-week smaller, themed classes that focus on a specific subject. The five themes are Faith and Culture, Basics of Faith, Mission and Outreach, Parenting and Marriage.

Basic Bible Study and Electives

Most Sundays
10:15 a.m.

And Then the World Changed: The Story of the Church Post New Testament
With the Rev. Dr. Suse McBay and the Rev. Chad Martin
Sundays, May 12 and 19
Bagby Parish Hall
We read the New Testament a lot in church, but what happened next? What did the church face as it expanded into the rest of the world? Why does it matter? Where did the Apostles’ Creed come from – and why does it say Jesus descended to hell? This class will explore the challenges the early church faced, how they overcame them and what their legacy is for us today.

ELECTIVE – Get in God’s Program: Our Role in God’s Mission
With the Rev. Jonathan Adams
Sundays, May 5, 12 and 19
Payne Education Center, Room 210/212
Mission work is not just for those willing to live overseas! God wants to reach everyone with the Gospel and every Christian has a role to play. Do you know what yours is? Come for a class that will help you think about God’s mission in this world and what that means for all of us – including those who don’t even have a passport.

The Alpha Course
Bagby Parish Hall
Sometimes we miss the basics, the fundamentals. The simple things that explain why we believe what we believe and what it means to follow Jesus. We get caught up in the weeds. So this summer, we’re going back to the start by teaching from the Alpha Course. This course was started as a non-threatening introduction to the Christian faith. It began in England in 1990 by an Anglican priest named Nicky Gumbel and now churches all over the world now run it to help people have space to ask questions about faith and explore the basics. Each talk looks at a different question around faith (Who is Jesus? How do I resist evil? Does God heal today?). Join us with different members of the Clergy as they lead us through these fundamental questions of faith.
*Will not meet July 7

June 16 – Why Did Jesus Die?
June 23 – Why and How Do I Pray?
June 30 – Who Is the Holy Spirit?
July 14 – Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
July 21 – How Does God Guide Us?
July 28 – What About the Church?
August 4 – How Can I Resist Evil? Does God Heal Today?
August 11 – How Can I Have Faith?
August 18 – How and Why Should I Tell Others?

Seekers (60s and up)

Sundays
10:15 – 11 a.m.
Activity Center, Aerobics Room
Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. Nick Dyke and the Rev. Robert Wareing
Seekers is a great place for couples and singles to meet and study the Gospel and other readings, and then branch off into Church history, liturgy, sacraments and other related areas. We just have fun learning! Please come and join our group.

St. Martin’s 20s & 30s

Wednesdays
Clergy Liaisons: The Rev. R-J Heijmen
St. Martin’s 20s & 30s meet on Wednesdays throughout the year at various locations. You are always welcome to join one of the other Sunday morning peer groups. Click here for more information.

Covenant Groups

Have you found yourself desiring a closer relationship with other parishioners while  deepening your personal spiritual life? Join one of our Covenant Groups, small groups of  10 – 12 people who meet bi-weekly from September to May in parishioners’ homes. Meeting for approximately two hours on a designated weeknight, each group discusses the week’s Bible study as they forge new friendships in a pleasant and welcoming setting.  Making a choice from a selection of study guides suggested by St. Martin’s Clergy, each  group will study and discuss their particular choice for the entire year. For more information and to participate, contact Kathy Johnson at 713-985-3834 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.