The Purpose of Sunday School Communities
The purpose of Briarwood’s Sunday School Community Ministry is to teach consistently the whole counsel of God in the context of our congregational communities; to encourage the fellowship of believers, and to build disciples by equipping Christians to make an impact for Jesus Christ, beginning in the home and church and moving to Birmingham and beyond.
Let us help you find the right Sunday School Community for you! Call us at 205-776-5208 or drop by the Membership Office across from the Church Receptionist.
Interested in Learning More About Briarwood?
Click here to read about Briarwood’s Inquirers Class, or call 205.776.5208.
Sunday School Classes Information
The fall quarter is September 1-November 24, 2024. For class information, read below.
Special Events this Quarter:
National Ministries Conference – Oct. 20-21
Reformation Sunday/EMC Convocation – Oct. 27
COLLEGE / SINGLES / YOUNG COUPLES
College Community
College-age • W-202
“Parables of Jesus” • Join us as we sit at the feet of the Master Storyteller! Teacher: Mark Purser. Team Leaders: Browns, Caroline Carlisle. CP: Mark Purser. SP: BennyParks.
College Community Audio Archive
Graduates & Career
A community for graduates to early 30s • M-202
“The Enemy Within” • This study is about overcoming sin and temptation by the power of the Holy Spirit and through a better understanding of the nature and power of indwelling sin which remains in believers for the remainder of our lives. Teacher: Benny Parks, Christopher Frost. Team Leaders: Gathings, Gewins, & Haynes. CP: Saeyoung Park. SP: Benny Parks.
Branches
A community of singles & couples • A-201
“I Thessalonians: The Gospel and the Church” • Paul wrote this endearing letter to the Believers in Christ to encourage their faith, to strengthen their hope, and to affirm their love of Christ. He proclaims the Gospel of Christ and teaches of His glorious Second Coming. Teacher: Benny Youngblood. Team Leaders: Barrs, Fisher, Galbreath, Kalehoffs, Moore, Prinz, Weaver. CP: Max Bunn. SP: Stephen King.
In One Accord
A community for 40s and up • M-200
“Discover Hope in Times of Suffering” • Integrating Gospel truths into our life narrative can be a profound way to discover solace and hope during challenging times. Seeing our lives as part of a larger divine tapestry can provide a sure foundation for strength and guidance. By reflecting on and applying Biblical truth, we gain insights and encouragement that help us navigate through adversity, finding peace and purpose in the day-to-day and long-term issues of life. Teacher: Roger Butts. Team Leader: Lance Garrison. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Benny Parks.
YOUNG COUPLES & NEW FAMILIES
The Oaks
Engaged and young married couples • M-111
“Gospel Multiplication in the Book of Acts” • We will be following the movement of the Great Commission as it extends from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth (Acts. 1:8). Teacher: Stephen King. Team Leaders: Delks, Hersheys, Moores, Russells. CP & SP: Stephen King.
Legacy
Young married couples with infants to elementary-age children • E-004
“Galatians” • Teachers: Dave Lewis, Steve Adams. Team Leaders: Bardins, Godwins, Heards, Iveys, Travers. CP & SP: Stephen King.
YOUNG FAMILIES
Encounter
Young couples with infants to middle school-age children • E-006
“Remembering” • Teachers: Todd Carlisle, Chase Crawford, Thomas Garner. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Crawfords, Sasses, Welches. CP & SP: Bob McGregor.
Covenant Keepers
Families with infants to middle school-age children • E-008
“Parenting” • The intent of this class is to exalt the high calling and privilege of being a mom and dad, enhance and strengthen your teamwork as a couple, encourage you in the process of parenting, and restore and reinforce your confidence in the Bible as God’s primary textbook for being successful parents. Teachers: Bobby Parks, Alonza Jones, Clay Hamblen. Team Leaders: Josh Calhoun, Cawoods, Abby Leib, McGregors, Moores. CP: Ryan Leib. SP: Benny Youngblood.
Covenant Keepers Audio Archive
THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Family Life
A class for the entire family • W-203
“Gospel of Mark” • Mark had a brilliant plan in writing this book and we will see that plan in action. We will look at what the Jewish people understood by Jesus’ words and actions. This will give us more insight into the meaning of His teaching for today. Our goal will be to look into the face of Jesus and learn more about who He is and what He has done. Teacher: Norris Anderson. Team Leaders: Belyeus, Maces. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.
STUDENT FAMILIES
Growing in Grace
Families with preschool to high school-age children • (E-005)
“Attributes of God”• The fundamental principles that we hold tightly to as we navigate through these challenging times. Walking with a passion to make Christ known, not only by our words but by our lives. Teacher: Glenn Draper. Team Leaders: Bakers, Duffeys, Marshalls, Martins. CP: Eric Reebals. SP: Benny Youngblood.
Heritage Builders
Families with preschool to high school-age children • FH-B
“The Life of David” • We will be studying the Life of David from 2 Samuel. Teacher: Olan Stubbs. Team Leaders: Bartons, Bragans, Duffeys, Joneses, Lotts. CP & SP: Stephen King.
Sojourners
Families with preschool to high school-age children • E-007
“Missional Living” • Missional Living from the Life and Teachings of Jesus. This quarter we will explore how Jesus lived and what He taught. His obedience to the Father resulted in the Kingdom of God transforming those He engaged. The Great Commission is the task given to all disciples of Jesus. Teacher: Bryan Wintersteen. Team Leaders: Blacks, Cains, McCurdys, Morrises, Stewarts, Tidmores. CP & SP: Benny Youngblood.
Growing Together
Families with preschool to high school-age children • G-103
“New Testament Survey” • Grace and Glory Revealed – this quarter long study looks at the historical environment of the New Testament and explains the arrangement and major themes of the books so that a Christian is equipped to understand and apply their meaning. Teacher: Rob Genin. Team Leaders: Blacks, Denards, Ellers, Iveys, Worrells. CP: Rob Looper. SP: Michael Wichlan.
Growing Together Audio Archive
Kingdom Seekers
Families with children in high school and older • E-003
“Face-to-Face Encounters with Jesus” • We will study encounters with Jesus reported in John’s gospel; drawing occasionally on support from other scripture. We will focus on the narrative of each encounter, some nuances, and how each of these may apply to our lives. Teacher: Dave Proctor. Team Leaders: Carters, Chappells, Greenes, Ricky Moore, Steven Peters, Russ Ponder, Steelmans. CP: Rob Genin. SP: Michael Wichlan.
Next Step
Families with children in high school or older • E-010
“Christ in the Old Testament” • We will be studying how Christ is the summation and culmination of the entire Bible. Teacher: Larkin Delk. Team Leaders: Glenn Green, Chuck Powell, Mark Thompson. CP: Benny Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.
Inside Out
Families with children in high school or older • FH-C
“The Attributes of God” • The fact that we recognize that God exists is not enough. It is important that we know who He truly is and what He is like. This quarter we will study the attributes of God to help us better understand who He is. Teachers: Chuck Powell, Jeff Dunn, Stephen Bunn. Team Leaders: David Harris, Mike Mungenast, Tripp Reid, Scott Summers. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.
REAL Matters
Families with children in high school or older • S-201
“From Womb to Tomb” • Developing a Biblical View of Human Life. Life issues often catch us by surprise, whether it’s in a conversation about current issues or in our personal lives. This class is designed to prepare you for some of life’s most important and complex decisions both Biblically and practically. These include abortion, fertility, gender/sexuality, aging, and more. This class examines human life issues from “womb to tomb” – and into eternity. Teachers: Howard Eyrich, Eric Johnston, Ike Reeder, Greg Thompson and others. Team Leaders: Hursts, Keffers, Scotts, Warlicks. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.
Hearts and Homes
Families with children in college or older • A-204
“Colossians” • Join us this semester as we study the book of Colossians. Colossians is often referred to as the “Christocentric” epistle. This semester we will explore what it means that Paul tells us that “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Jesus Christ.” How does studying Christ and His work for our salvation help us live out the faithful and transformative Christian life? We’ll explore this and more this quarter in the book of Colossians. Teacher: Ike Reeder. Team Leaders: Salmons, Sittons, Smedleys, Smithermans. CP: Bobby Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.
Discovery
A class for all ages and stages in life • FH-A
“The Cross of Christ in the 10 Commandments” • This quarter we will be studying the Cross of Christ in the Ten Commandments, focusing on the redemptive nature of the Law. We will explore four principles by which we may know how to enjoy a right relationship with God, as well as six fundamental building blocks by which we might know how to enjoy right relationships with each other. This study will help us better understand how the Ten Commandments are a blessing to us today as they reveal the character of God. Teacher: Jim Alexander. Team Leaders: Donaldsons, Mooneys, Towneses. CP & SP: Jim Alexander.
Mountain View
A class for all ages and stages in life • A-209
“The Culture Wars” • Given the cultural divide in America, coupled by the rising resistance against the Christian faith, it is important to understand how we got here. This culture divide did not happen overnight. Rather, there has been a long trail of ideas and movements that have steadily chipped away at the fundamental principles upon which our nation was founded. Therefore, the class will trace these over the course of the last 300 years or so. Teacher: Paul Cleveland. Team Leaders: Adamses, Blackmons, Goebels, Lindsays. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
ADULT FAMILIES
Abundant Life
Empty nesters and grandparents • G-101
“Knowing God” • For over fifty years, J.I. Packer’s Knowing God has, to quote Elisabeth Elliot, “plainly shown us ordinary folks what it means to know God.” Though it is impossible to cover entirely in one quarter, we will use significant portions of the Christian classic to study what God’s Word reveals about who God is and how we can know Him, “whom to know is life eternal.” Teacher: Mark Travers. Team Leaders: Cartwrights, Mullises, Yanceys. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
Kingdom Builders
Empty nesters and grandparents • FH-D
“The Attributes of God” • The study is an exploration of the attributes of God and how we should respond to them. We will address the questions of Who is God? And What is it to You? Teacher: Larry Childs. Team Leaders: McRaes, Zachows. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
Kingdom Builders Audio Archive
Deeper Life
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • Chapel
“Epistles of John” • Why are the Epistles of John relevant today? Because they provide a clear framework for living out the Gospel. They affirm that Jesus came in the flesh and emphasize faith, love and obedience. 1 John highlights the core of Christian life, 2 John urges steadfastness in truth and love, and 3 John reaffirms key Christian principles. These letters help us live authentically by focusing on simple, foundational truths. Teachers: Chuck Powell, Jeff Dunn, Stephen Bunn. Team Leaders: Marjorie Birdsong, Al Black, Blacks, Craigs, Bill Fox, Joyce Ann Jackson, Rick Lathem, Lee McCarty, Bill Moulton, Pat Nabors, Bill Rudd, Barbara Ryals, Greg Wolchok, Charles Woodall. CP: Chuck Morgan. SP: Jim Alexander.
Homestead
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • FH-E&F
“Hang On, Hope is On the Way” • Together we will explore the Biblical concept of hope by delving into the lives of heroes of the faith such as Abraham, Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, James, Paul and Jesus. Through the Scripture, we will discover what true hope is, where it comes from, and how it differs from the misconceptions often found in popular culture. Join us as we learn how to build a foundation of hope in God’s promises and faithfulness, enabling us to live fruitful and resilient lives. Teacher: Jay Mathews. Team Leaders: Dickinsons, Huffs, Whaleys, CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
Joyful Hearts
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • A-105
“Elisha, a Righteous Prophet” • During a dark period of Israeli history, Elijah, and his successor, Elisha, served as shining lights for the gospel among God’s people. As Elijah’s ministry closed in 2 Kings 2, Elisha emerged as a significant and powerful leader. The impact of his ministry led to revival which influenced Israel for some time. Join us as we study this prominent Old Testament prophet. Teacher: Mark Cushman. Team Leaders: Shaws. CP & SP: Jim Alexander.
WOMEN
Women Impacting the World
Women of all walks and stages of life • A-205
“Rooted, Established and Loved” • Discovering Jesus in Ephesians. We will be looking not so much at what Jesus did and said as much as looking into the heart of Jesus. Teacher: Mike Felton. Team Leaders: Donna Arrington, Tricia Corbett, Vicki Portis, Helen Pruet. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
Faithful Followers
Women of all walks and stages of life • Bride’s Room
“Gospel of John” • William Hendrickson in his 500 page commendatory on the Gospel of John begins with this sentence. “The Gospel according to John is the most amazing book that was ever written.” This book will strengthen your faith and encourage your heart as you learn more about our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ and how HE has sacrificed everything for you and for me. Teacher: Yvonne Welch. Team Leaders: Kathleen Bishop, Carolyn Campbell, Susan McCollum. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Jim Alexander.
Faithful Followers Audio Archive
INTERNATIONAL
International Community
English-speaking internationals • E-218, School Library
“The 10 Commandments” • We will be studying the Ten Commandments. Teacher: Joel Richards. Team Leaders: Kelsos, Ann Lindsey, David Morgan, Neills, Miriam Rueger. CP: Joel Richards. SP: Bryan Wintersteen.
Internationals Community Webpage
International Sunday Services
Japanese Congregation Worship Service: 1:30 p.m., G-101 and Zoom, CP: Kotaro Hamamatsu.
Korean Congregation Worship Service: 11:20 a.m., 2209 Rocky Ridge Rd. CP: Sunghoon Shin
Hispanic Congregation Worship Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m., 5521 Double Oak Lane (Highway 119) and streaming. CP: Bryan Wintersteen.
ABBREVIATIONS USED
CP: Community Pastor
Serves alongside a Shepherding Team to provide shepherding care, class leadership, and biblical training for a Sunday School Community.
SP: Shepherding Pastor
Serves as a Community Pastor in one or more Sunday School Communities. Coordinates the work of other CP’s within his group of Communities.
Building:
A: Administration
C: Children’s Wing
E: Educational Building
FH: Fellowship Hall
G: Gym Wing
Mtn. View: Mountain View Building
M: Ministry Wing
N: Nursery Wing
S: School Wing
W: Worship Center