“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
As a teaching church, we believe in engaging the Bible through dialogic inquiry and active learning. This means that we delve deep into the Scriptures, seeking to understand the Bible as fully as possible, and ask questions of the text and ourselves along the way. We consider historical context, biblical languages, translations, biblical writers, traditional and contemporary interpretations, as well as our own faith journeys. All of these things influence how we understand the Bible and apply its teachings to our lives.
Our Bible study classes focus on what we believe based upon the Scriptures. Whether we are studying the character of Jesus, Christian doctrines, like grace and justification, or a book of the Bible from beginning to end, our primary aim is to understand more fully what the Bible teaches.
While Sunday school classes are also concerned with biblical knowledge, they tend to focus more on practice—how our living is shaped by what we believe. Whether we are doing a book study on prayer, learning about healing in the Bible, engaging gender and sexuality from biblical perspectives, or exploring the link between personality and purpose, our primary aim is to consider how our living aligns with what we believe.
BIBLE STUDIES
11:30a.m. Sermon Preview (Wednesdays in Room N205)
When the pastor is preaching, have you ever wished that you could ask a question or wanted to hear a particular point again? If so, then the 11a.m. Sermon Preview is for you! This hour-long biblical study provides an overview of Sunday’s sermon before it is preached. The Pastor walks the class through the selected text, encourages dialogue, and highlights key sermonic points.
Noon Bible Study (Wednesdays in Room N205)
A favorite of members who cannot attend the evening class or prefer not to drive at night, this Bible study provides a focused examination of the Scriptures in a smaller setting. As with the 11a.m. Sermon Preview, the Pastor raises and elicits questions, while also leading the class to a fuller understanding of the biblical text.
7p.m. Bible Study (Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall) | Prayer beforehand at 6:30p.m.
Our evening class offers the same dialogic, interactive approach to biblical study as the other classes, but in a large group format. At 6:30p.m., we gather for corporate prayer. Thereafter, we study the Scriptures; inquire and respond without judgment or fear; and support each other as we seek a deeper understanding of God’s word.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Each quarter we offer a new set of classes. The children use a standard curriculum, which our dedicated, talented, loving teachers bring to life through engaging pedagogy and activities. Our gifted ministerial team develops exciting, original curricula for the adult classes, as well as selects timely Christian books for study.
1st Qtr 2018 (January – March)
9:30am -10:30am
The Armor of God
Ladies! Join us as we kick off 2018 discerning how to equip ourselves with the Armor of God. Learn how the enemy always fails when he meets a woman dressed for the occasion. We will explore strategies and develop action plans to help deepen our walk with God and lead victorious lives.
Marriage That Matters
Married couples, let’s continue our conversations! We will continue to strengthen our marriages under God through fun, challenging, and enlightening discussions that force us to depend on the Lord as the two truly become one!
Purpose Driven Life
Calling all Men of PMBC! Let’s gather to discover our God-ordained purpose from a Man’s perspective. Working together we are seeking to become better Husbands, better Fathers, and ultimately better Men of God.
Traditional Class: Ruth & Esther
Join us for a deep dive into two classic texts of the Old Testament. Each of these women in the Bible, Ruth & Esther, experienced a “New Year” in different ways. Studying their stories will help us connect with how God is moving in our lives in our New Year.
Senior Saints: Growing Older in God’s Family
How do our seasoned saints engage the call to pass down the knowledge of God and ministry to the generations that come after them? In what ways can God’s family ensure this knowledge is shared and maintained. Connecting with this class will offer practical tips not only for God’s family but for your own family as well!
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Youth Sunday School Classes:
o High School – Joshua Generation
o Middle School – The J Factor
o Upper Elementary – B.S.I
o Lower Elementary – Great Expectations
o Pre-School – Little Wonders
Sunday School takes place every Sunday at 9:15a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP: New Members Course
In this four-week course designed especially for new members, Pastor Williams lays the foundation for Christian discipleship. Taught during the Sunday school hour, this is also a time for the Pastor to get to know new members. While studying topics like repentance and faith, regeneration, baptism and communion, and tithes and offerings, new members can ask questions without fear of judgment; listen to other people’s stories; share their own faith perspectives; and learn what the Bible teaches about Christian discipleship. Pastor Williams also takes new members on a tour of the church facility.