The word disciple literally means "learner," one who dedicates themselves to learning the way of another. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we should be lifelong learners of who he is, what the Bible teaches concerning him, and what it means to follow him. Adult Sunday morning classes at First Free are designed to do this by offering classes that both pass on the faith and equip people for ministry and Christian living.
All are welcome to attend any class listed below, but if you're new to First Free we recommend you start with A Closer Look! Learn more>>>
Fall Semester Block One
Block One classes meet August 11 through October 13. No registration is required.
9:00 Classes
1 Thessalonians: Living Awake in a Dark Place
Room A2 | Leaders: Clayton Laird, Christian Raab, Andrew Coltrain
The world we live in is a dark place, but because of Christ the Christian walks in the light. Therefore, Paul reminds this early church (and us) that for the believer this is no time to sleep, rather as we await Christ's return, it is a time to encourage one another to live lives that honor God. Join us as we seek to encourage one another through interactive sharing, prayer and study together.
Adults with Special Needs: Our Response to God
Room A1 | Leader: Evanelle Olinger
This is a class designed to meet the needs of adults with special needs. During this block the class will focus on how we respond to God by living a righteous and holy life. Also included will be activities to support the lessons and to help build relationships among the students. We welcome anyone eighteen years or older with special needs. To help us prepare adequately to meet the needs of all students, please contact Evanelle before attending the class.
Evangelical Convictions
Room A5 | Leader: Various
In this class we will study ten essential Christian doctrines as taught in Scripture and communicated in the EFCA Statement of Faith. By studying what the Bible teaches about God, itself, the human condition, the person and work of Christ, as well as several other topics, we hope to increase our love for God and his gospel.
Kingdom Living
Room A6 | Leaders: Dave Netherton, Dana Ferrell, Ken Chouinard
As believers we are called to live in God’s kingdom here on earth. What does that look like? We will discuss how to think and live biblically in our homes, workplaces, church relationships, community, and in dealing with current events. The class will be highly interactive and is open to people of all ages and life stages.
The Power of Biblical Peacemaking
Room B3 | Leader: Matt Brown
Explore transformative conflict resolution through biblical teachings using The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande. The goals of this class are to understand how our own selfish sinful nature can shift from self-justification to focusing on God's power and goodness, gaining insights into handling conflict and reconciliation. This class is being offered in honor of Pastor Ron May, whose passion for reconciliation profoundly shaped many lives.
Reading Scripture Together: The Prophets
Room B4 | Leaders: Cary Lavender, Paul Lindstrom, Pat Moyer
This class continues a chronological reading through the Old Testament prophets. Through the rest of 2024 we will be studying the prophecies of Isaiah, Hosea, Nahum, and Zephaniah, as well as the early prophecies of Jeremiah. Using a “Read Through the Bible” format, we will individually read, and then, when we meet on Sunday morning as a group, we will discuss the chapters read that week.
10:45 Classes
Guidance for Godly Living: A Study of 1 Timothy
Room A6 | Leader: Various
Join us for an enriching class as we dive into the book of 1 Timothy. Together, we will explore Paul's heartfelt guidance to Timothy, uncovering timeless truths about leadership, faith, and the role of the church. Through engaging discussions and thoughtful reflections, we will learn how to apply these biblical principles to our daily lives. This study promises to deepen your understanding of Scripture and strengthen your spiritual walk with Christ.
Nehemiah
Room B3 | Leaders: Steve Nave and Wes Penner
The book of Nehemiah shows us the kind of significant impact one individual can have on a nation. It records the reconstruction of the wall of Jerusalem, Judah’s capital city. Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the Jews withstood opposition and came together to accomplish their goal. Nehemiah led by example, giving up a respected position in a palace for hard labor in a politically insignificant district. He partnered with Ezra, who also appears in this book, to solidify the political and spiritual foundations of the people. Nehemiah’s humility before God provided an example for the people. He did not claim glory for himself, but used his position to bring back order, stability, and a proper focus on God.
Fall Semester Block Two
Block Two classes meet October 20 through December 15. No registration is required.
9:00 Classes
12 Historic Doctrines to Change Your Everyday Life
Room A2 | Leaders: Clayton Laird, Christian Raab, Andrew Coltrain
Join us for a two-part series as we follow the basic themes of Paul David Tripp’s book Do You Believe?: 12 Historic Doctrines to Change Your Everyday Life. Many would say that biblical illiteracy is one of the main problems in the church today. And yet just knowing more about the Bible isn’t enough. The Word of God must transform our lives to become more like our Savior Jesus. We will unpack the glorious truths of the Christian faith and see how they confront, relate to, and change our lives today.
Adults with Special Needs: Our Response to God
Room A1 | Leader: Evanelle Olinger
This is a class designed to meet the needs of adults with special needs. During this block the class will focus on how we respond to God by living a righteous and holy life. Also included will be activities to support the lessons and to help build relationships among the students. We welcome anyone eighteen years or older with special needs. To help us prepare adequately to meet the needs of all students, please contact Evanelle before attending the class.
Holy Sexuality and the Gospel
Room A5 | Leader: Various
How does the gospel affect your sexuality? How does the gospel affect how we address sexual problems in our families, in the church, or even in the culture? This class will focus on building a biblical foundation for understanding human sexuality and applying that biblical wisdom to current issues in church and culture. We will especially emphasize discipling kids in this important area, but anyone is welcome whether you have kids yourself or not.
Kingdom Living
Room A6 | Leaders: Dave Netherton, Dana Ferrell, Ken Chouinard
As believers we are called to live in God’s kingdom here on earth. What does that look like? We will discuss how to think and live biblically in our homes, workplaces, church relationships, community, and in dealing with current events. The class will be highly interactive and is open to people of all ages and life stages.
The Power of Biblical Peacemaking
Room B3 | Leader: Matt Brown
Continue exploring transformative conflict resolution through biblical teachings using The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande. The goals of this class are to understand how our own selfish sinful nature can shift from self-justification to focusing on God's power and goodness, gaining insights into handling conflict and reconciliation. This class is being offered in honor of Pastor Ron May, whose passion for reconciliation profoundly shaped many lives.
Reading Scripture Together: The Prophets
Room B4 | Leaders: Cary Lavender, Paul Lindstrom, Pat Moyer
This class continues a chronological reading through the Old Testament prophets. Through the rest of 2024 we will be studying the prophecies of Isaiah, Hosea, Nahum, and Zephaniah, as well as the early prophecies of Jeremiah. Using a “Read Through the Bible” format, we will individually read, and then, when we meet on Sunday morning as a group, we will discuss the chapters read that week.
10:45 Classes
Faithful to the End: Insights from 2 Timothy
Room A6 | Leader: Various
Join us as we journey through the book of 2 Timothy. This study will delve into Paul's final epistle, offering timeless lessons on faith, perseverance, and mentorship. Each week, we’ll explore the rich themes of courage, sound teaching, and enduring hardship, all while encouraging one another in our walk with Christ. Whether you’re new to Bible study or a seasoned student, this class will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith.
Matthew
Room B3 | Leaders: Steve Nave and Wes Penner
Please join us as we study the first part of Matthew’s gospel, written to show that Jesus was and is indeed the King, Israel’s long-awaited Messiah. Matthew provides Old Testament testimony regarding the birth of Jesus, Bethlehem as the location of Jesus’s birth, the flight to Egypt, Herod’s slaughter of the infants, and the beginning of Jesus’s ministry. In a world where many in the Jewish community had claimed the role of Messiah for themselves, Matthew’s commitment to grounding the life of Jesus in the Old Testament raised Jesus above the multitude of these false messiahs. The apostle paints a portrait of our Lord that highlights his uniqueness among all others to ever walk this earth.
If you have any questions about our adult classes, please feel free to contact Pastor Stephen.