ADULT EDUCATION

Valley Free is committed to developing a church community that is consistently growing in the life that comes from knowing Jesus and His truth. The pathway to that growth starts with knowing Jesus, growing in Him and then becoming equipped to serve as He leads and calls us.

Here at Valley, the pathway to growing in Jesus has several components and is open to everyone, no matter where you might be in your walk with Christ. The pathway begins with Alpha, a program designed to be an introduction to Christianity, the Bible and the life of Jesus. The Discovery series is a small group study that is designed to give a solid foundation in the Bible for those who are walking with Jesus. The Leadership Institute offers training courses that are designed to take us deeper into God’s Word and also to equip followers of Jesus for their ministry calling. The pathway also offers biblical and practical instruction during our Sunday Morning Studies hour on Sunday morning.

Finally, we offer seminars and events that supplement our on-going equipping focus. These will include seminars on gifting and spiritual gifts, forgiveness, Discovering Your Place at Valley, etc.

There is a place for you. There is a place to hear of Jesus. There is a place to grow in your knowledge of His truth. There is a place for you to hear His calling and acquire the tools needed to follow His leading. Come and join us as together we grow in His truth and discover His abundant life!

Summer 2008 Sunday Morning Studies
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God"…Galatians 2:20

Lots of voices.  Too many voices.  It seems that everyone has an idea how we should live our life in Christ.  How can we sort through the opinions and the cultural rules to hear the true voice of the Spirit?  How can we base our salvation, life and identity on God’s grace?  What does it mean to truly live in Christ and His freedom and redemption?

Join us for summer Sunday Morning Studies as we address these critical issues from the book of Galatians.

Contact sms@valleyfree.org for more information.

Leadership Institute
The Valley Free Leadership Institute is designed to equip and encourage those who seek to grow, not only in their faith, but also in developing their ministry leadership abilities. Course offerings are chosen with the intention of helping Believers grow in their knowledge of God’s Word and also to provide in-depth preparation for ministry leaders. The goal of the Institute is to establish believers in the gospel, prepare servants for the ministry here at Valley and to send equipped ambassadors into the world for the sake of Christ.

Leadership Institute courses include:
• The Church (CCBT) A study on the nature and identity of the Church in God’s plan.
• The Word (CCBT) A survey of Bible doctrine. This is practical theology designed for establishing believers and leaders in the gospel.
• The Mission (CCBT)
A study on the mission of the Church in God’s plan.
• The Leader (CCBT)
A study on the role, character and calling of leaders in God’s Church.
• The Pauline Epistles (BILD)
An overview Paul’s letters to the churches. An insightful view of the Gospel and how the first church was established in it.
• Acts (BILD)
A survey of the book of Acts with an eye toward understanding the expansion of the gospel in the early years of the church.
• Applied Leadership
A course designed to look at practical issues of leadership in church ministry.
Additional courses and seminars will be developed in order to meet the goal of establishing disciples and leaders.

Who can participate in the course?
The Leadership Institute courses are designed for those who have a demonstrated ability in ministry, the study of God’s Word, discipleship and evangelism. The course is not for new believers or for those who have not yet been grounded in the basics of the faith. (Valley encourages all of its members to participate in the Discovery Series as a foundational discipleship program.)
What are the course requirements?
Classes are held weekly. Participation in class discussions is crucial to the success of the study and to a comprehensive understanding of the material. As a result, students are urged to not miss more than three classes in a semester.
Preparation for the class sessions usually involves 2-3 hours of homework each week. Students are asked to do reading, respond to discussion questions and, at times, to prepare projects related to the study.

What is the cost of the course?
With each course offering, Valley asks each participant to cover the expense of materials. The expense varies according to the course being offered. At the same time, we feel so strongly about the importance of these courses that we do not want anyone to be excluded due to finances. Assistance is available as needed.

What can I personally expect to gain from the course?
You can expect to see Scripture revealed in ways you’ve never seen before. You can expect to gain greater understanding of the church and your role in it. You can expect to learn from others in the class. You can expect to see your faith and passion for Christ grow.

How’s that for promises?! Bold indeed, but that is what we can expect when we set out to dive deeper into God’s Word with others. God will be there.
How do I enroll for the course or learn more about the Institute?
Please contact Pastor Mike Sindelar for questions concerning upcoming courses or to register for the Leadership Institute contact leadershipinstitute@valleyfree.org.