SPIRITUAL FORMATION 2017 (Spring Courses)
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Is this your first time taking a Spiritual Formation class? If yes, please enroll in Bible Basics for February OR May.
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February
(Course is CLOSED) Born to Rebel: Expanding My Humanity and Broadening My Generosity, Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr., Facilitator (Thursdays, 2/2, 2/3 & 2/16, 7-9 p.m.) We are in an age that is tragically marked by shallowness, selfishness, and greed. For those of us who are followers of the teachings of Jesus in such an age, we are called to deepen and expand our humanity by being generous and giving in our service to others. We are called to do justice by protecting those who are vulnerable and become a voice for those who are often marginalized and overlooked in our society. In this course we will explore, through readings and discussion, what it looks like to love beyond the limits of our prejudices, live lives of compassion, and reimagine a world shaped by authenticity and love.
Spiritual Resistance in the Shadow of Dictatorship, Jonathan Soto, Facilitator (Mondays, 2/6 & 2/13, 2/27 - 3/20, 7-9 p.m.) Like flowers blooming in the dark, theologian Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s spiritual insights blossomed as he faced death for resisting a man who rose from demagogue to dictator through an election where he failed to secure the majority of a nation’s votes. Bonhoeffer’s Letters and Papers from Prison lights the path of spiritual resistance against a dictator thriving on systematic oppression through government-sanctioned propaganda and violence. Bonhoeffer’s analysis of spiritual resistance and power centers on the marginalized of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany, and it gives us a spiritual footing to stop a country’s descent onto nationalism’s slippery slope into fascism. This six-week course will explore the personal and communal dimensions of spiritual resistance against systematic oppression created by governments.
(Course is CLOSED) Bible Basics, Pastor Kyndra Frazier and Min. Elijah McDavid, Facilitators (Wednesdays, 2/1 – 2/22, 7-9 p.m.) This foundational Spiritual Formation course introduces participants to the creation of the Bible, its components, and authorship. The facilitators will explore the societal context in which the Bible was created and the political climate that birthed the Bible. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation that engages questions about the Bible and more. This course is a prerequisite for most of the Spiritual Formation courses at FCBC.
March
World of New Testament, Karim Hutson, Facilitator (Wednesdays, 3/1 – 4/12, 7-9 p.m.) This six-week course will explore the historical, cultural, political and social contexts that informed the development of the New Testament. The course will survey and tie together various 1st century events, archeological findings and biblical passages to provide a deeper understanding of how the ministry of Jesus developed during and after his death. This course is encouraged for those who want to dig deeper into materials that provide further context into the New Testament books. Substantial reading materials will be provided during the week and the classes will follow a seminar format with some lecture. This course is capped at 12 participants. It is required that students who have successfully completed Bible Basics, an Introduction the Apostle Paul, or a course on Romans enroll in this course. To enroll in this course, please email spiritualformation@fcbcnyc.org a written response of a minimum of 100 and maximum of 150 words explaining your wishes for enrolling in this course and what you hope to gain from participation.
March
The Politics of Jesus, Deacon Charles Powell, Facilitator (Thursdays, 3/9 – 3/30, 7-9 p.m.) There is no better time than now for the FCBC family to discover/rediscover the politics and social justice teachings of the Revolutionary from Galilee. This course will draw from historical and present day sources to recast the prevailing images and view of the “meek and mild” Jesus to that of the political revolutionary who employed brilliant strategies to challenge the status quo and unjust social policies of his lifetime. Participants will examine how Jesus, as our guide, provides a prophetic blueprint and model for disciples – doers - who are intentionally and strategically engaged in defying the policies and politics of those who ignore the suffering and needs of God’s people. The facilitator will be using Obery Hendrick’s text, The Politics of Jesus, as the text for this course.
April
The Four Agreements, Pastor LaKeesha Walrond, Facilitator (Course is CLOSED)(Mondays, 4/3, 4/24, & 5/1; Thursdays, 4/13 & 4/20, 7 - 9 p.m.) There is a distinct difference between what we have been told and what we have been taught. Most of us live our lives based primarily on what we have been told. In his book, The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz encourages readers to challenge what we have been told, and examine closely what we have agreed to believe. As he moves us to unlearn and relearn, he gives four agreements that will help each of us experience personal freedom. Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. When we reject agreements that limit our possibilities and embrace these agreements that expand our borders, we live a life a personal freedom. Let’s engage that life together. The facilitator will be using Ruiz’ text, The Four Agreements, as the text for this course.
Affirming the Gift of Truth, Pastor Kyndra Frazier, Facilitator (Thursdays, 4/6 & 4/27; Monday, 4/10; Wednesday, 4/26, 7 - 9 p.m.) This course is designed to discover the complimentary relationship between metaphysics and scripture. Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that looks beyond surface meanings and seeks to attend to abstract concepts such as being, knowing, cause, and identity. In being attentive to this relationship, participants will be awakened to their power to transform their living through their thoughts, words, and beliefs. Participants in this course will have the opportunity to struggle through traditional understandings of scripture, and begin strengthening their personal theological understandings and discourse. The facilitator will be using H. Emilie Cady’s text, The Complete Works of H. Emilie Cady, as the literary resource for this course.
May
Into the Lion’s Den with Daniel, Min. Aretha Flucker, Facilitator (Mondays, 5/8 – 5/22 & 5/31, 7-9 p.m.) Life situations and circumstances can often propel us into spaces of fear, hopelessness, despair, and pain. When the odds are stacked against us, these situations can appear to be impossible to overcome. This course explores the story of the biblical sage Daniel, his journey of exile in Babylon, and his fierce resiliency. Daniel’s story is one of the fearless resistance of one individual who challenges the way we perceive and respond to seemingly hopeless situations in which we have little or no control. Daniel teaches us that even when we enter life’s lions’ dens, it is possible to come out victorious and powerful. All reading materials for this course will be provided.
Bible Basics, Pastor Willa Rose Johnson and Min. Yolanda Richard, Facilitators (Thursdays, 5/4 – 5/25, 7 - 9 p.m.) This foundational Spiritual Formation course introduces participants to the creation of the Bible, its components, and authorship. The facilitators will explore the societal context in which the Bible was created and the political climate that birthed the Bible. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation that engages questions about the Bible and more. This course is a prerequisite for most of the Spiritual Formation courses at FCBC.
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