In the life and words of Jesus, we find strength, direction, and invitation. It’s astounding — almost unbelievable — that the God of the universe, the Creator of all things, wants to be in relationship with me. Our SoulShift program was created to explore that invitation, so we can dig deep into Jesus’ teachings and learn new ways to live.

It’s so easy to get caught in the daily grind and never find quality time to nurture our souls. Jesus came to show us a better way. This program will:

  • Grow your knowledge of the Christian faith.
  • Equip you to take charge of your own spiritual development.
  • Help you establish a spiritual rhythm in life that will keep you on track.
  • Introduce you to wonderful friendships with others who share your spiritual values.

Discipleship 101 and 102 courses are offered every quarter at LifeJourney Church. We encourage everyone to take Discipleship 101 and 102 as soon as they feel ready. It serves as our pathway to membership.

Foundation Courses

Discipleship 101: Developing a Close Relationship with God
(No prerequisites. Eight weeks.)

This course is for all who want to deepen their faith and their understanding of the demands of following Jesus. Content of this class includes:

  • reflecting on our spiritual journey to date
  • examining the concepts of salvation and discipleship
  • learning and practicing communicating with God
  • praying together.
  • The concepts listed above correspond to the “Q” and “D” Building Blocks.
Discipleship 102: Thriving in Christian Community
(Prerequisite: Discipleship 101. Eight weeks.)

This course explores what it means to be part of a church. Concepts covered include:

  • the body concept
  • spiritual gifts and service
  • appropriate expectations of a church
  • conflict at church
  • the purpose of worship
  • building friendship networks
  • The concepts listed above correspond to the S, W, G, C, and ? Building Blocks

Elective Courses

Discovering Jesus
(No prerequisites. Eight weeks.)

Do you want to know more about Jesus? Have you ever wondered why we choose to follow this Jewish teacher who lived 2,000 years ago? Would it be helpful to walk through a brief, systematic review of his life and ministry? This class is for the new and not-so-new seeker of knowledge. Learn about Jesus’ life; his embrace of diversity and compassion; his fulfillment of prophecy; his global and eternal impact on the world. This course will feature video clips from various films to illustrate key events in Jesus’ life and ministry.

Understanding the Bible Better
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

Is the Bible inspired? Does the Bible have to be inerrant to be relevant? Understanding the Bible Better covers these questions along with many others. This course is a “big picture” look at the Bible, discussing topics such as

  • how Jesus used Scripture
  • how the Bible came to exist in its current form
  • the pros and cons of different translations
  • Bible study aids
  • helps to interpreting Scripture
  • the role of the Holy Spirit in both the Bible’s creation and its interpretation
Theology
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

Do you know why you believe what you believe? Could you systematically explain and defend your beliefs? This course that will walk you step-by-step through the basic doctrines of the Christian faith–allowing you to grow your own personal understanding of each area.

Every Christian should take a course like this at least once in life. Tough questions will be asked. Open dialogue will be encouraged. We won’t pull any punches. And when we are finished, you will know a whole lot more about what you do or don’t believe about:

  • CreationThe origin of evil
  • Satan
  • Angels and demons
  • Heaven and hell
  • Jesus
  • Salvation
  • The Bible
  • End-times prophecies
  • Lifestyle Evangelism
Lifestyle Evangelism
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

When someone says, “You should be a witness for Jesus,” what is your gut response? Fear? Anxiety? Most of us conjure up the image of obnoxious people who force others to have unwanted conversations. In this course, we’ll learn a radically different approach to witnessing called “lifestyle evangelism”—a very effective, holistic approach that places emphasis on being an example of Jesus, without being weird. We’ll also explore key issues like

  • Why should we care about sharing the Gospel?
  • What should we believe about heaven, hell, and eternal life?
  • Is Jesus the only way?
  • What is our message?
  • And when all pretense is stripped away, what is it that will motivate others to want to become Christians?
Unwrapping God's Gifts
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Eight weeks.)

If you have ever taken a spiritual gifts inventory and come away still wondering where you fit in, this class can help answer your questions. Even if you know what your gifts are, but want to explore them on a deeper level, this class is for you. Unwrapping God’s Gifts takes a deeper look at the various spiritual gifts—what they are, how they differ from natural gifts and abilities, and different beliefs about how they work in our lives today. We will look at natural gifts such as personality, intelligences, and interests, and we will also examine the role of values and passions in finding our specific place of service. Join us in unwrapping the gifts God has given us so we can use them for God’s glory, our fulfillment, and the health of the Church.

What Would Jesus Buy?
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

Did you know that Jesus talks about money more than any subject other than salvation? He did so because money—and how we handle it—is at the heart of life. This class systematically reviews what Jesus, in particular, and the Bible, in general, says about money—earning it, saving it, spending it, sharing it. We’re going to go deep! Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that this course could be dangerous and upsetting! Do not take this course unless you are brave of heart, and really serious about living the teachings of Christ.

Sexual Ethics for Christians
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

How does God expect us to conduct ourselves sexually? This course will cover questions such as

  • Must sex await a marriage-type commitment?
  • Is living together OK or does God expect us to make marriage-type commitments?
  • Is monogamy required?
  • What are acceptable reasons for ending a relationship?
  • Are there any limits to the types of sexual activities permissible between spouses?
  • What about S&M, sex toys, or pornography?
Homosexuality and the Bible, Part 1
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102. Ten weeks.)

The first part of a two-part course, Part 1 has students rigorously study Bible passages that affirm gay people. Students are required to take the information they learn and practice explaining it to other students and outside persons brought into the class.

Homosexuality and the Bible, Part 2
(Prerequisites: Discipleship 101; Discipleship 102; Homosexuality and the Bible, Part 1. Ten weeks.)

The second part of a two-part course, Part 2 has students rigorously study passages traditionally used against gay people. Students are required to take the information they learn and practice explaining it to other students and outside persons brought into the class. When you finish this course, you’ll be able to confidently discuss the Bible with anyone skeptical that God accepts gay people.

Have questions about LifeJourney’s Adult Education programs, please contact us.