The Bible encourages us to "study to show yourselves approved." Just because you happen to be an adult does not mean you cannot continue to learn. In fact, First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland offers various Discipleship Hour Classes for lifelong learners at one of four levels:

  • Introductory level: Most helpful to those who are new to Christianity, or who feel they lack a basic knowledge of the Bible or the tenets of the Christian faith
  • Intermediate level: For those with a basic knowledge of the Bible and experience with Christian principles
  • Advanced level: For those who want to venture deeper into Christian history, theology and biblical interpretation
  • General level: Beneficial for everyone

Classes begin January 8, 2012. 



Let's Talk About Faith

Martin Rolfs Massaglia

Introductory Level. In a small-group environment, Martin and others discuss the sermon from the previous week. Questions pepper the discussion, generating thought-provoking answers and relationships within community. This is a perfect class for those new to FBC, those who are visiting, or long-time members who want to go deeper in the message week-to-week. This class meets in the Parlor so grab a cup of coffee and join them.


Deuteronomy Manuscript Style

Stephanie Allen

Intermediate Level. Meets in Montgomery Room. We continue on with our study of the Torah in Hebrew and in English. The saga of the Israelites struggle to enter the promise land and to maintain their devotion to God parellels our own struggles with our attempts to be on individual journeys towards God. In this class we bring out the contemporary as well as the universal and particular application of the text. A notebook is given in the class for study.


Introductory Bible Study

Sam Park

 Whether you have vast biblical knowledge or very little you will enjoy the layout and discussion of this class. Join Sam and others each week where they discuss God's Word and the application it has on our lives. This is a great class for people newer to the church who would like to have a place to meet people in both services. 


Contemplative Living

Mari Schroeder Jenkins

This class continues the path of contemplative prayer outlined by Thomas Merton in sessions one, two and three. You do not have to have come to the first two sessions, nor do you have to be an "expert" in contemplative living. All you need to do is to be there at 10:15. This class meets in the Library and begins promptly to allow the complete amount of time to move through the curriculum. Prayer is a vital spiritual discipline of a Christian walk and yet it is often the least practiced because often we feel like we don't "get it right". There is no shame in this class.