Sunday School

Elective Program

A Letter From the
Teachers

We believe biblical illiteracy is one of the greatest
plagues in the North American church. To combat this
apathetic culture, we hope to provide opportunities for
attendees at Bethel to grow in their understanding of
Scriptural interpretation and application, thereby
growing in their love for the Lord and for the lost world.

We are adding a series of electives to our Sunday School
program, each course being one quarter in length and
repeating once within the church’s academic year. This
three-year program will be repeated each cycle to a)
include the timeless tools necessary for the Christian life
and b) be modified to tackle contemporary issues facing
Christians and the Church.

Our hope is that as interest grows in these electives, we could expand the program into semester-length
courses within the context of a Bible Institute, an institute designed to take participants even deeper into the
respective subject matters. This future institute would include a Certificate of Completion which we believe
could become a desired designation of achievement sought out by interested churches, Christian schools,
mission agencies, and other ministries.

Our initial targeted audience with the elective program is intentionally small: those who regularly attend Bethel.
Others within the Sarasota community are welcome to attend. If the program gains traction and expands into a
Bible Institute, we anticipate a broader reach into our community and beyond is possible.

Please pray that our meager early efforts would be pleasing to God and grow fruit for His kingdom, fruit of
eternal consequence.

Jeremy Burkholder, Sheldon Campbell, AJ Miller, and Shawn Otto

Who’s teaching each class?

Class Schedule

Teachers

Current Classes

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between Catholics, Protestants, and Anabaptists?
Perhaps you would like to know more about Islam and Hinduism. Or maybe Mormons and Jehovah’s
Witnesses are on the top of your list. This course will introduce you to thirteen distinct religious groups over
a period of thirteen weeks, giving you a glimpse of their origins and core beliefs. This course will help you
better understand what the Bible teaches in comparison to other religious groups, with the purpose of
equipping you with biblical knowledge and evangelization skills for when you meet them

• in the public square.

World Religions and Cults

Class Descriptions

• Are you prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you? Did
  you know that is a command in Scripture? Apologetics comes from the Ancient Greek word apologia, and is
  used to describe the practice of defending the Christian faith. This activity can be traced all the way back to
  the early Christian church, and even the apostle Paul engaged in apologetics. This course will introduce you
  to various apologetic methods Christian have used over the past two thousand years, with the purpose of
  preparing you to effectively defend your faith from a thoroughly biblical perspective.

Apologetics

Is it okay to avoid paying taxes on cash payments? Can you vote Democrat, or must you always vote
Republican? Can you vote at all? What about war, economics, and social media? These are all questions that
Christians have to think about. And in this course we will look at the history of Christian ethics, and how the
church has differed in important subjects over the years. More importantly, this course will examine
presuppositional beliefs and historical contexts that have led to the various differences regarding Christian
ethics over the years. The purpose of this course is to help Christians develop sound biblical principles that
can help them know how to live with a distinctly Christian worldview in a fallen culture.

• This study delves into the relationship between Christianity and the prevailing cultural trends of our time. As
  our society undergoes significant transformations, it becomes increasingly important to examine how
  Christian beliefs and values intersect with and shape the state of our current culture. We will explore key
  themes such as secularism , pluralism, consumerism, individualism, globalization, and social justice from
  both a theological and sociological perspective.

• A lot can happen in 1,955 years. In this course, we will attempt to cover the major events that have shaped
  the Church into what she is today. The early Church fathers, Constantine and Nicea, the Medieval period,
  and the Reformation are just a few events on this roller-coaster ride. You will come away with an
  appreciation of the godly men and women who passed their faith down to the next generation, as well as a
  renewed faith in how God shapes world events for his glory.

• This course is designed to provide an understanding of various end time Bible prophecies, with a particular
  emphasis on the pre-tribulation view. Students will delve into the Scriptures, historical analysis, and
  theological perspectives to gain a solid foundation on topics such as the tribulation, the Antichrist, the
  Rapture, and the Millennium. Through comprehensive discussions and readings, students will develop a
  deeper understanding of the pre-tribulation view and its place within Christian eschatology.

• The study of “Marriage and Family” offers a comprehensive exploration of the principles and teachings
  found within the Bible regarding the sacred institution of marriage and the dynamics of a godly family.
  Through a deeply rooted scriptural lens, this study delves into key topics such as the purpose and
  significance of marriage, the roles and responsibilities of spouses, effective communication and conflict
  resolution, parenting principles, and fostering a spiritually nurturing home environment.

• The arrival of the promised Messiah, Jesus the Son of God, is the axis on which all of History revolves
  around. It changed the whole world! Survey of the New Testament covers the 27 books documenting this
  historic time. We will cover the Gospels, Acts, the Epistles, and Revelation as we look at how all these pieces
  fit together, and how Jesus fulfilled everything promised in the Old Testament.

• From the dawn of Creation to awaiting the coming Messiah, the 39 books of the Old Testament lay the
  foundation for what God would do in His plan of redemption. In Survey of the Old Testament, we will cover
  the 4 categories of scripture found there: The Pentateuch, the books of history, the books of poetry and
  proverbs, and the Prophets. How do they all fit together? Although Man continues to fail and stumble, join us
  as we look at how God has been faithful through the ages.

• Dive into the foundations of the faith! Unravel the interconnected truths of Christian doctrine as we explore
  key theological concepts in a comprehensive and accessible manner. From understanding the nature of God
  and the Trinity to examining the significance of salvation and eschatology, this course provides the solid
  framework for comprehending the systematic coherence of biblical teachings. Join us on a thought-
  provoking journey as we navigate the core tenets of theology, fostering a deeper understanding of your
  faith and its application in the contemporary world.

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between Catholics, Protestants, and Anabaptists?
Perhaps you would like to know more about Islam and Hinduism. Or maybe Mormons and Jehovah’s
Witnesses are on the top of your list. This course will introduce you to thirteen distinct religious groups over
a period of thirteen weeks, giving you a glimpse of their origins and core beliefs. This course will help you
better understand what the Bible teaches in comparison to other religious groups, with the purpose of
equipping you with biblical knowledge and evangelization skills for when you meet them in the

• public square.

• Embark on a transformative exploration of the basic tools and knowledge necessary to minister the Word
  personally. Many will find this training helpful in their individual relationship with Jesus, their own
  relationships, and in their ministry to others. Participants will learn the key elements for personal ministry as
  well as receive introductory teaching on the heart in the sanctification process. Join us as we explore other
  common counseling issues including biblical communication, roles in marriage, anger, and depression.

Counseling

(Basic Biblical Counseling Concepts)

• Join us on a captivating journey through Biblical interpretation in this engaging and interactive course.
  Explore the essential principles of hermeneutics, investigating historical and cultural contexts, literary
  genres, and theological perspectives that shape our understanding of the Scriptures. Equip yourself with the
  tools to navigate complex passages, fostering a deeper connection to the Word of God and empowering you
  to apply its timeless wisdom to the challenges of the present day.