The purpose of the Ministry of Education is to guide in the learning, understanding, and living of our faith by providing educational opportunities for people of all ages.
We encourage adults and children to attend both worship and Sunday School.
The 9:30 a.m. school is for ages 2 through adults, from September through May.
Adult education is an important ministry at Good Shepherd which offers a variety of classes, seminars and other experiences covering many topics.
Vacation Bible School serves as a role model for nuturing our own members and sharing the faith with non-members.
Nursery School provides early childhood training for young children to begin the transition from home to school.
Holy Communion Training provides instruction on the meaning and practices (ritual) of Holy Communion at the end of the 4th grade school year.
Confirmation is a two year program for 7th and 8th graders. The program has four parts: Sunday School, weekend retreats, monthly meetings, and parental instruction at home.
New Member Classes are held throughout the year and explore the teachings of the Lutheran Church; and the norms, values, culture, and philosophy of Good Shepherd. A person must attend all classes prior to joining the congregation.
Literature and Our Faith meets monthly to discuss books of all kinds.
Various Bible Study Groups meet in the mornings and evenings during the week. Topics include: books of the Bible, biblical teachings, a particular book that has biblical themes, or lessons for the coming Sunday.
Retreats and special classes in a retreat format are held over the weekend for adults.
Course Studies (length from 8 to 32 sessions)
A Course Study is one where participants develop a deep relationship centered on mutual accountability to accomplish specific learning goals. A course study often includes: a covanental commitment, growth in prayer life together, homework, and leaders that have committed themselves to course length.
Kerygma Old Testament is a 15 week basic course led by lay leaders. It is offered twice each year; Sep-Jan and Jan-May.
Kerygma New Testament is a 15 week basic course that is the follow-on course for Kerygma Old Testament. It is offered twice each year; Sep-Jan and Jan-May.
Kerygma In-Depth Course is a 32 week course led by Pastor Jess Abbott. In-Depth studies 10 key themes in the Bible. Each theme make us of both Testament, so this is not a chronological journey through the Bible. It is offered once each year Sep-May.
Pastor Pat's Wednesday Study meets at 7:30 p.m. The group selects studies a diversity of biblical subjects and issues pertinent to Christian living. The group meets Sep-May in the church library.
Modular Studies (length from 4 to 7 sessions)
A Modular Study is one that seeks to focus the participants learning on a particular issue (Advent, War and Peace), theological issue, or book of the Bible. The duration of the course is short enough to fit progressive learning into the schedules of those with busy lives.
Kerygma Introduction to the Bible is a 7 week study offered several times each year on Sunday mornings. The purpose of the study is get participants familiar with the basic structure and books contained in the Bible.
Pastor Led Studies are offered throughout the year by each of the three pastors. They focus on issues such as; marriage enrichment, Lenten discipleship, and studies of particular book in the Bible.
Interest Studies (length from 1 to 3 sessions)
An Interest Study is a one-time learning event that seeks to "bring people up to date" on a particular issue for society or the congregation. These are sometimes repeated to reach a larger audience.
Sunday Morning Adult Forums are offered at various times throughout the year and focus on particular issues of interest to the congregation. Examples of forums offered are: The Bible and Archaeology, Military Ministry, Intelligent Design, Nutrition and Faith, End of Life Issues.
The Library makes Christian resources available for further development of our faith.