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.
Interested in Learning More About Briarwood?
Click here to read about the Pastor’s Inquirers/Membership Class, or call 205.776.5208.
Sunday School Classes Information
The spring quarter is March 5 – May 26, 2023. For class information, read below.
COLLEGE / SINGLES
“God Shines Forth” • Room: A-201
College-age • How being filled with Christ overflows in mission. We will be looking at the vision, mission, methodology and fruit of sharing the Gospel. Teacher: Mark Purser. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Leibs. CP: Max Bunn. SP: Benny Parks.
“The Anatomy of the Soul” • W-202
A biblical theology of emotions with practical guidance on untangling emotions as instructed in the Psalms. Teacher: Chad Escue. Team Leaders: Barr, Galbreath, Fisher, Kalehoffs, Moore, Murphy, Peed, Prinz, Weaver. CP & SP: Stephen King.
“The Doctrine of Scripture” • M-202
We confess that God’s Word is inspired, infallible and inerrant, but what do we mean by this, do we really believe it, and what difference does it make? This spring, we will explore the very foundation of our Christian faith, with an eye especially on the question of what the Bible says about itself. Teacher: Saeyoung Park. Team Leaders: Gathings, Gewins, & Haynes. CP: Saeyoung Park. SP: Benny Parks.
“The Corinthians” • M-210
In 1-2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul reveals how the Gospel theology of Christ addresses the practical concerns and issues in the church and calls us to greater sanctification and community. Teacher: Don Furuto. Team Leader: Lance Garrison. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Benny Parks.
YOUNG COUPLES AND NEW FAMILIES
“Truths We Hold Tightly To” • M-111
Engaged and newly married couples • Truths we hold tightly to from God’s living and active Word. Teacher: Glenn Draper. Team Leaders: Bragans, Clarks, Delks, Moores, Russells, Travers. CP & SP: Stephen King.
“The Metanarratives of Scripture” • E-004
Young married couples starting families • Have you ever wondered how 66 books written across thousands of years form a complete and coherent story of God’s plan for His creation? This quarter we will study the two main metanarratives of Scripture: the metanarrative of salvation through the overarching storyline of Creation, Fall, and Redemption and the relational metanarrative of Covenant Theology. Join us as we tie together God’s story and find why, as R.C. Sproul says, “Reformed Theology is covenant theology.” Teacher: Ike Reeder. Team Leaders: Bardins, Durbins, Godwins, Hodges, Ogdens. CP & SP: Stephen King.
YOUNG FAMILIES
“Types, Figures and Allegories of Christ” • E-006
We will be looking through various sections of the Old Testament to see how Christ’s beauty and glory was prefigured. Teacher: Larkin Delk. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Crawfords, Sasses, Welches. CP: Olan Stubbs. SP: Stephen King.
“The Enemy Within” • E-008
Families with infants to elementary-age children • This is a study 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. Teachers: Benny Parks & Christopher Frost. Team Leaders: Dixons, Jeffs, Moores (Bryant), Pettys. CP: Ryan Leib. SP: Ray Tucker.
“In the Wilderness” • E-005
Families with infants to middle school-age children • The book of Numbers contains some of the wildest stories in the Bible – from fiery snakes to talking donkeys. But, more than just oddities, these incredible stories point to Jesus and remind us that God is with His people, even in the wilderness. Teacher: Joel Richards. Team Leaders: Marshalls, Martins, Thompsons. CP: Eric Reebals. SP: Ray Tucker.
“David’s Prayer Life”• E-007
Families with infants to middle school-age children • We will look at Psalms in the context of when David wrote them so we can better know how to honestly and humbly engage God in life-changing prayer. Teacher: Olan Stubbs. Team Leaders: Blacks, Cains, Crowes, McCurdys, Morrises, Pruitts, Stewarts, Thompsons. CP & SP: Benny Youngblood.
THE ENTIRE FAMILY
“The 13: A Study on the Apostles of Christ” • W-203
A class for the entire family • Join us as we look at the Apostles who are the “foundation of the Household of God” (Ephesians 2:19-20). We will endeavor to explore how these ordinary men became extraordinary men who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to change the world for Christ. Teacher: Ray Tucker. Team Leaders: Belyeus, Maces. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.
Family Matters / R.E.A.L. Life
“I & II Peter”• S-201
A class for the entire family • Teacher: Norris Anderson. Team Leaders: Hursts, Warlicks. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.
STUDENT FAMILIES
“Philippians: A Life Patterned After Christ” • FH-B
Families with infants to middle school-age children • In his prison epistle to the church at Philippi, Paul paints a portrait of the life of Christ for both the early church and us. We are called to “have the mind (or attitude) of Christ.” This means we are to look to Christ as the pattern for our daily living out the Christian life. Teacher: Michael Wichlan. Team Leaders: Abernathys, Bartons, Bentleys, Bragans, Joneses, Laniers, Lotts. CP & SP: Ray Tucker.
“The Minor Prophets”• E-003
Families with preschool to high school-age children • This quarter we will focus on unpacking the less studied books of the minor prophets, with a special emphasis on the specific background and message of each prophet and how their messages apply to today. Teacher: Rob Genin. Team Leaders: Greenes, Russ Ponder. CP: Rob Genin. SP: Michael Wichlan.
“Philippians: A Theology of Joy” • G-103
Families with preschool to high school-age children • Teacher: Rob Looper. Team Leaders: Blacks, Clays, Ellers, Iveys, Patrick Jackson. CP: Rob Looper. SP: Michael Wichlan.
“Happiness, Holiness and the Hope of Heaven” • E-010
Families with children in high school or older • The Bible tells us that it is “good and pleasant” when we dwell together in a Christian community (Ps. 133:1). Join us this quarter as we study a selection of the “one another” commands in the Bible. Learn how living these principles will breath new life into us as individuals, as families and as communities within our church. Teacher: Bobby Parks. Team Leaders: Dodges. CP: Benny Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.
“One Another: Life Together in Christian Community” • FH-C
Families with children in high school or older • The Bible tells us that it is “good and pleasant” when we dwell together in a Christian community (Ps. 133:1). Join us this quarter as we study a selection of the “one another” commands in the Bible. Learn how living these principles will breath new life into us as individuals, as families and as communities within our church. Teachers: JD Bragan, Todd Carlisle, Thomas Garner. Team Leaders: Harrises, Mungenasts, Reids, Summers. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.
“Hebrews” • M-200
Families with children in high school or older • The book of Hebrews was written to encourage first-century Christians to keep their faith in Jesus while under great persecution. Hebrews reminds them that Jesus is crowned with glory and honor as their great Prophet, Priest and King. Join us as we consider the greatness of our Savior and seek to love Him and serve Him. Teacher: Eric Reebals. Team Leaders: Chappells, Duffees, McCrorys, Snoddys, Steelmans. CP & SP: Michael Wichlan.
“James” • A-204
Families with children in high school or older • We will study the book of James to seek the wisdom from the Lord with a desire to grow in being “doers” of The Word and not simply “hearers.” Teacher: Bruce Stallings. Team Leaders: Salmons, Sittons, Smedleys, Smithermans. CP: Bobby Parks. SP: Michael Wichlan.
“Encounters With the Master” • A-209
A class for all ages and stages in life • A series of lessons about people who interacted with Jesus during his earthly ministry. Teacher: Larry Childs. Team Leaders: Adamses, Blackmons, Goebels, Lindsays, Ross, Trettel, Woods. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
“The Sermon on the Mount” • FH-A
A class for all ages and stages in life • The Sermon on the Mount: The Gold Standard for Christian Living. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount was given to His disciples and is still applicable to us today. This sermon “may justly be called the key to the whole Bible, opening the sum of the Old and New Testaments.” When it is taken to heart and applied to daily living, Jesus’ words will transform the way we live as we follow Him each day. Teacher: Jim Alexander. Team Leaders: Donaldsons, Towneses. CP: Jim Alexander. SP: Benny Youngblood.
ADULT FAMILIES
“Selected Parables” • G-101
Empty nesters and grandparents • The Parables of Jesus are some of the most profound, entertaining and mysterious passages in Scripture. Join with the Abundant Life Class this spring as we explore the gospel through them. Teacher: Mark Cushman. Team Leaders: Cartwrights, Mullises, Reddicks, Yanceys. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
“Job”• Chapel
Empty nesters and grandparents • Likely, the oldest and perhaps the most unsettling book of the Bible, the Book of Job takes on the subject of a believer’s suffering like no other Old or New Testament scripture. It raises questions about the reality of evil and suffering and provides answers about how the believer should and should not respond, and how we can come alongside others as they endure adversity and anguish. It reveals how God confronts our questions and provides comfort as he alone can give. Teacher: Mark Travers. Team Leaders: Marjorie Birdsong, Al Black, Judy Black, Emily Blount, Roy Costner, Bill Fox, Joyce Ann Jackson, Lee McCarty, Alene Morgan, Bill Moulton, Pat Nabors, Bill Rudd, Barbara Ryals, Ed Stakes, Greg Wolchok, Woodalls. CP: Chuck Morgan. SP: Dave Matthews.
“Let Us Walk in the Light: Isaiah 1-12” • FH-E&F
Empty-nesters through great-grandparents • Life brings dark times, many of which cannot be avoided. Isaiah’s life and message help us find God’s light for serving Him, serving others, and growing in Christian maturity regardless of the difficulties we face. Teacher: Paul House. Team Leaders: Dickinsons, Huffs, Morgans, Whaleys, Whitts. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
“Luke: The Gospel of Joy” • A-105
Empty-nesters through great-grandparents • We will study Luke and use various scriptures in the Gospel that highlight the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, resulting in the disciples returning to Jerusalem “with great joy” (Luke 24:32). A quote that summarizes the lesson is “The early Christians did not say with despair, “Look what the world has come to.” Rather, they said with delight, “Look what has come to the world.” (Rev. E. Stanley Jone). Teacher: David Wells. Team Leaders: Hulls, Mujumdars, Shaws. CP & SP: Dave Matthews.
“Selected Psalms” • FH-D
Empty-nesters and grandparents • The book of Psalms expresses worship. Throughout its many pages, Psalms encourages its readers to praise God for who He is and what He has done. The Psalms illuminate the greatness of our God, affirm His faithfulness to us in times of trouble and remind us of the absolute centrality of His Word. This quarter will allow us to peak into God’s majestic nature and apply the principles of God’s Word to our worship of the Triune God. Teacher: Walter Leveille. Team Leaders: McRaes, Zachows. SP & CP: Dave Lewis.
WOMEN
“Psalms” • A-205
Women of all walks and stages of life • Calvin called this book “An Anatomy of all parts of the Soul” for there is not an emotion of which anyone can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror. Or rather, the Holy Spirit has here drawn to the life all the griefs, fears, doubts, hopes, cares, perplexities, and in short, all the distracting emotions with which the minds of men are wont to be agitated. The book of Psalms will encourage us in our times of sorrow and refresh us in our seasons of joy. We will look at twelve different Psalms and see how each one points us to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Teacher: Yvonne Welch. Team Leaders: Donna Arrington, Tricia Corbett, Vicki Portis. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
“Colossians”• Bride’s Room
Women of all walks and stages of life • We will study Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae. In our study of Colossians, we will focus on the supremacy of Christ in both our salvation and our sanctification. We will encounter the heresies of ancient Colossae and recognize these same heresies seeking to gain a foothold in our own lives. Through the study of Colossians, we will continually be pointed towards the centrality of Christ as our Savior and Lord. Teacher: Kristie Harrick. Team Leaders: Kathleen Bishop, Carolyn Campbell, Susan McCollum. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Dave Matthews.
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
“Knowing God” 9:30–10:30 a.m. • E-218, School Library
English-speaking internationals • True peace is to have peace with God. Join us as we read through stories of the Bible. We will learn about God’s character, as well as take an honest look at our human nature – all while discovering how to have peace and relationship with God and others. Teacher: Taylor Barnes. Team Leaders: Taylor Barnes, Entrekins, Kelsos, Ann Lindsey, David Morgan, Neills, Miriam Rueger. CP: Taylor Barnes. SP: Bryan Wintersteen.
Sundays, 1:30 p.m., G-101 & Zoom
Pastor Kotaro Hamamatsu 205.776.5412
Sundays at 11:20 a.m., 2209 Rocky Ridge Rd. CP: Sunghoon Shin
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
5521 Double Oak Lane (off Highway 119), and Streaming
CP: Joel Acevedo
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