Classes & Independent Studies

Deepen your knowledge and understanding of God’s word by connecting with others through one of our many classes. For additional information about Classes & Independent Studies at St. Andrew, please contact Adult Ministries.

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classes

80% Learning/20% Relationships

Typical Class Size: 30+

Classes at St. Andrew focus on studying the Bible. These lecture-style gatherings are often presented in series, but are designed for you to come-and-go to each meeting as you are able.

independent studies

100% Personal Growth

Independent Bible Studies studies offer the opportunity for personal reflection and faith development through book recommendations, podcasts and other resources.

 

Classes

Sunday Morning Bible Study Classes

9:30 a.m. | The Root with Rev. Lauren Gerlach, Piro Hall, A Spring and Fall Semester Verse by Verse Bible Study Class, Learn more
11:00 a.m. | Something Else Class with Scott Engle, Smith Worship Center and Facebook

men's Tuesday morning Bible Study

Led by Rev. Arthur Jones and Rev. Jimmy Decker, Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m., Live on Zoom

Scott Engle's Bible Study Classes

Mondays, Facebook, 3:00 p.m.| Gospel of Mark, Click Here for Link
Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m., Piro Hall and Facebook| Journey through 1 Samuel, Click Here for Link

Independent Studies

leading people podcast

Can you move from being a Center of Influence to a Christian of Influence? One of the most challenging obstacles in our professional lives is incorporating our faith into our daily leadership. Through this impactful new ministry, you can hear candid conversations with different leaders who use their faith and their values in the development of themselves and others. You will learn about tools these leaders used in their personal journey to discover God's calling in their work. All of Season 1 Available Now. Season 2 Premiers September 21 with new episodes dropping each Wednesday.

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Book Study | Talking to Strangers

Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Outliers, offers a powerful examination of our interactions with strangers — and why they often go wrong.” Through his book, Gladwell offers insight into how we can come to know others more fully, and in the places where we can’t fully know them, how to engage with this accordingly in a humble and endearing way. By discussing sensitive topics such as Sandra Bland, the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State, and the Stanford sexual assault case with Brock Turner, Gladwell offers us insight into how we react and interact with strangers, and the consequences that can occur as a result of those actions. When coupled with our faith, we can see new lessons about how each of us was created by God uniquely, and how we are called to love and be loved by strangers. In this 5-week book series, explore both Gladwell’s work alongside scripture through discussion questions to learn more about the love that exists in a world that often does not encourage us to see each other the way God sees us.

Reflection Guide Week 1

Reflection Guide Week 2

Reflection Guide Week 3

Reflection Guide Week 4

Reflection Guide Week 5

Book Study | Be the Bridge

In an era where we seem to be increasingly divided along racial lines, many are hesitant to step into the gap, fearful of saying or doing the wrong thing. At times the silence, particularly within the church, seems deafening.

But change begins with an honest conversation among a group of Christians willing to give a voice to unspoken hurts, hidden fears, and mounting tensions. These ongoing dialogues have formed the foundation of a global movement called Be the Bridge—a nonprofit organization whose goal is to equip the church to have a distinctive and transformative response to racism and racial division.

As part of a continuing conversation on racial tensions and reconciliations, we encourage both individuals and groups to engage in this book by Latasha Morris. This book is for those groups wanting to dig a little deeper into the historical complexities of race in America, and how we can use the biblical principles of lamentation, confession, and forgiveness to build the framework for restoration and earnest Christian relationship with one another.

Book includes small group discussion questions.

Scott Engle Podcast | The Last Seven Words of Christ

Over this seven-week series, listen to Scott Engle teach on each of Christ’s last seven words. Submit questions for Scott to answer in upcoming podcasts. Visit Scott's Podcast Page or select weekly podcasts below.  Podcasts may also be found on Apple Podcasts (search for Scott Engle Bible Studies) and on Android using the Podbean player.

First Meditation
The first word, the word of forgiveness
Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Second Meditation
The second word, the word of salvation
Luke 23:43: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Third Meditation
The third word, the word of relationship
John 19:26–27: “Woman, here is your son. [Says to disciple] Here is your mother.”

Fourth Meditation
The fourth word, the word of abandonment
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Fifth Meditation
The fifth word, the word of distress
John 19:28: “I am thirsty.”

Sixth Meditation
The sixth word, the word of triumph
John 19:30: “It is finished.”

Seventh Meditation
The seventh word, the word of reunion
Luke 23:46: “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Going Backstage

In Going Backstage, we explore our Methodist theology, history, traditions, and unique ways we study the Bible.

Curriculum:

Week One: How do Methodists read Scripture?

Group Discussion  |  Download PDF
Workbook  |  Download PDF
Podcast  |  Link

Week Two: What is our Methodist Heritage?

Group Discussion  |  Download PDF
Workbook  |  Download PDF
Podcast  |  Link

 

Week Three: What is our Methodist Theology?

Group Discussion  |  Download PDF
Workbook  |  Download PDF
Podcast  |  Link

Week Four: How do Methodists Worship?

Group Discussion  |  Download PDF
Workbook  |  Download PDF
Podcast  |  Link

Week Five: How do we Live a Methodist Life?

Group Discussion  |  Download PDF
Podcast  |  Link

Explore | Printed and Online Resources

St. Andrew Resource Library via Librarika

St. Andrew offers books, leader guides, and DVDs available for check out. You can view our catalog and make reservations from the convenience of your own home using our online tool, Librarika. To check out materials for personal use or group study, submit an online request, and a member of the Adult Ministries team will contact you. Click here to go to Librarika.

How to Register
  1. Register for a new account at https://librarika.com/users/register.
  2. Receive verification email and verify the email address.
  3. Go to https://librarika.com/ and log in using your new account.
  4. Click on the drop-down menu next to the person icon, upper right. Select My Libraries from the drop-down choices.
  5. Click on Request Member Access button.
  6. Enter full URL of the library: https://SASmallGroupResourceLibrary.librarika.com and submit the request.
  7. You will be joined to the library instantly and can begin perusing materials immediately.
How to Use
  1. Once in the St. Andrew Resource Library, click on Catalog Search on the top navigation bar to peruse our catalog.
  2. You can type in the name of the book in the Search field (set it to search on Title) and it will show you all the resources (book, leader guide, DVD, etc.) that we have available.
  3. Click on the title of each item, scroll down, and click on the green “Request” button and enter in Start Date and the anticipated Return Date. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has access to the St. Andrew Resource Library?
Members at St. Andrew and all Small Group members at St. Andrew have access to the St. Andrew Resource Library.

Do I need a login to use the St. Andrew Resource Library via Librarika?
Yes, we ask that you create your own individual login. This will allow us to better serve the St. Andrew community by knowing where the materials are being used.

Can I still come to the church to review the materials in person?
Absolutely! The Adult Ministries Office, Room 240, is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30-5:00. It is not open on Friday-Sunday. For times when the office is closed, we hope you will find the online tool, Librarika, to be a convenient option.

What if I’m only able to pick up the materials after office hours?
We will work with you to find a place in the church during building hours to leave the materials for you to pick up.

When I make a reservation, what happens next?
The Adult Ministries team at St. Andrew will receive the request and notify you when the materials are ready for you to pick up. We will make every effort to make the materials available to you as soon as possible, usually within a day or two.

How long can I keep the materials?
Because the needs of the member or the group may vary, materials can be issued for whatever amount of time is needed. We simply ask that you provide us with an estimated date of return.

Will I be able to see when my materials are due?
Yes! When you log in to your account, Librarika allows you to track all of the materials that have been issued to you and when they are due. You will also receive email reminders to help you stay current.

What happens if I’d like to reserve an item that is already checked out?
A member of the Adult Ministries team will contact you to let you know the expected date of return of the materials you are requesting. At that time, you may wish to keep your reservation or make another selection from our Adult Ministries Library. If the study appears to be in high demand, we may consider adding additional copies to the St. Andrew Resource Library.

What if there’s a specific study that I’d like to use, but it does not appear in the St. Andrew Resource Library?
We would be happy to purchase new materials for you or reimburse you for the cost of materials you would like added to the St. Andrew Resource Library. Resources commonly used by St. Andrew include Cokesbury, Amazon, Mardel, and LifeWay. We simply ask that you contact our staff first before purchasing any new materials.

Who do I call if I’m having trouble or have questions?
Beckye Brown, 214-291-8075, [email protected]
Connie Robertson, 214-291-8004, [email protected]

BibleProject Online Resources

Explore videos designed to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.