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 summer quarter is June 1 – August 31. For class information, read below.
Special Events this Quarter:
VBS – June 2-6
Christianity in America – June 29
COLLEGE / SINGLES / YOUNG COUPLES
College Community
(W-202) “Living in the Trinity”
College-age • Teacher: Stephen Merwin. Team Leaders: Browns, Caroline Carlisle. CP: Mark Purser. SP: Benny Parks.
College Community Audio Archive
Graduates & Career
(M-202) “Mark’s Gospel”
A community for graduates to early 30s • We will be looking at the Gospel of Mark, written by Mark, the restored deserter. Mark wants us to see nothing but the Son and our response should be what so many experienced. They were amazed and glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” Teacher: Glenn Draper. Team Leaders: Gathings, Gewins, Haynes. CP: Saeyoung Park. SP: Benny Parks.
Branches
(A-201) “Faith, Work & Economics”
A community of singles & couples • We will explore how our Christian faith should shape our view of work and apply that to how we should understand economics. Teacher: Paul Cleveland. Team Leaders: Barr, Galbreath, Kalehoff, Weaver. CP: Max Bunn. SP: Stephen King.
In One Accord
(M-200) “Distinguishing the Truth of Christianity”
A community for 40s and up • Topics covered will be Religious Pluralism, Deity of Christ and the Doctrine of the Trinty, The Health and Wealth Gospels of the Word-Faith Movement, how America Became Pagan, Progressive Christianity, Contemplative Mysticism, Socialism and the WOKE Culture. Come and discern how to be salt and light in the darkness of today’s world. Teacher: Clete Hux. Team Leader: Lance Garrison. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Benny Parks.
YOUNG COUPLES & NEW FAMILIES
The Oaks
(M-111) “Systematic Theology”
Engaged and young married couples • Systematic theology and its practical implications. Teacher: Larkin Delk. Team Leaders: Bushes, Delks, Hersheys, Moores, Russells. CP & SP: Stephen King.
Legacy
(E-004) “The Attributes of God”
Young married couples with infants to elementary-age children • 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. Team Leaders: Bardins, Godwins, Heards, Iveys, Travers. CP & SP: Stephen King.
YOUNG FAMILIES
Encounter
(E-006) “The Attributes of God”
Young couples with infants to middle school-age children • We will be studying some of the attributes of God. Teachers: Various. Team Leaders: Carlisles, Crawfords, McGregors, Sasses, Welches. CP & SP: Bob McGregor.
Covenant Keepers
(E-008) “From Womb to Tomb”
Families with infants to high school-age children • 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: Cawoods, Leibs, Moores. CP: Ryan Leib. SP: Bob McGregor.
Covenant Keepers Audio Archive
THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Family Life
(W-203) “Missional Living”
A class for the entire family • 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: Belyeus, Maces. SP & CP: Mark Cushman.
STUDENT FAMILIES
Growing in Grace
(E-005) “Mark”
Families with preschool to high school-age children • We will be studying the book of Mark with a special focus on the Kingship of Jesus. Teacher: Jay Shaw. Team Leaders: Bakers, Duffeys, Marshalls, Martins. CP: Eric Reebals. SP: Benny Youngblood.
Heritage Builders
(FH-B) “Called to Peace”
Families with preschool to high school-age children • Called to Peace: Biblical Conflict Resolution in Christian Marriage & Family. When two sinners – even redeemed sinners – marry, relationship conflict is inevitable. But God has provided the power of His Spirit and the process of His Word to address and resolve marital and family conflict, and to reconcile and restore broken relationships for His glory. This course will present the critical biblical instruction on the topic and provide opportunities to develop relevant problem-solving skills. Teacher: Mark Travers. Team Leaders: Bartons, Bragans, Duffeys, Joneses, Lotts. CP & SP: Stephen King.
Heritage Builders Audio Archive
Sojourners
(E-007/009) “Johannine Literature”
Families with preschool to college-age children • Embark on a profound exploration of faith and fellowship by delving into the Johannine writings in the Bible – the Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. These books offer a unique and intimate perspective on Jesus Christ and the life He calls us to live. Teacher: Ike Reeder. Team Leaders: Blacks, Brunsons, Cains, Crowes, Greenes, Morrises, Stevens, Tidmores. CP & SP: Benny Youngblood.
Growing Together
(G-103) “The Power of God”
Families with preschool to college-age children • The Power of God: The Gospel at Work in Us and Through Us. The Gospel reveals the supernatural, biblical, and historical truth about who Jesus Christ is, what He did, and what He continues to do today in the lives of those He saves. In this study we will examine the many facets of the Gospel’s power in salvation, looking at the Gospel as rescue, reconciliation, transformation, a divine love story, as the ground of worship and as the way of life. Teacher: Rob Looper. Team Leaders: Blacks, Neil Clay, Denards, Ellers, Iveys, Chung How Kau, Worrells. SP: Bobby Parks. CP: Rob Looper.
Growing Together Audio Archive
Kingdom Seekers
(E-003) “Paul’s Prison Epistles”
Families with children in high school and older • Join us for a study of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. These letters are filled with encouragement, rich theology, and practical wisdom. Discover themes of identity in Christ, joy in trials, Christ’s supremacy, unity in the Church and the power of forgiveness for everyday life. Teacher: Johnny Presley. Team Leaders: Carters, Chappells, Greenes, Ricky Moore, Steven Peters, Russ Ponder, Steelmans. CP: Rob Genin. SP: Mark Cushman.
Next Step
(E-010) “Life of David”
Families with children in high school or older • We will be studying the life of David from I Chronicles and Psalms. Teacher: Olan Stubbs. Team Leaders: Glenn Green, Chuck Powell, Mark Thompson. SP: Bobby Parks. CP: Greg Norfleet.
Inside Out
(FH-C) “12 Ordinary Men”
Families with children in high school or older • The propagation of the Gospel and the founding of the church hinged entirely on twelve men whose most outstanding characteristic was their ordinariness. In their collective weakness, they experienced God’s strength made perfect. Teacher: Jim Carlson. Team Leaders: David Harris, Mike Mungenast, Tripp Reid, Scott Summers. SP & CP: Bobby Parks.
REAL Matters
(S-201) “The Way Things Really Are”
Families with children in high school or older • Reformed systematic theology is the orderly distillation of the truths taught in the Bible. There also exists a coherent and well-developed biblical worldview that squares with Scripture. We will synthesize these two into a “majority report” of historical orthodox protestant Christianity. From truth and revelation springs the correct view of everything. Don’t let yourself be fooled by the world. Teacher: Ken Friday. Team Leaders: Hursts, Marvin Keffer, Scotts, Warlicks. SP & CP: Bobby Parks.
Hearts and Homes
(A-204) “Elisha, a Righteous Prophet”
Families with children in college or older • During a dark period of Israeli history, Elijah served as a shining light for the gospel among God’s people. As Elijah’s ministry closed in 2 Kings 2, the prophet, 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 successor to Elijah. Teacher: Mark Cushman. Team Leaders: Salmons, Sittons, Smedleys, Smithermans. SP & CP: Bobby Parks.
Discovery
(FH-A) “Timeless Truths from God’s Word”
A class for all ages and stages in life • Teachers: Various. Team Leaders: Dobnikars, Donaldsons, Mooneys, Towneses. CP & SP: Jim Alexander.
Mountain View
(A-209) “The Gospel of Mark”
A class for all ages and stages in life • We will be looking at the evangelistic, apologetic, analogical and educational methods of Jesus. Teachers: Howard Eyrich & Brett Powell. Team Leaders: Adamses, Blackmons, Goebels, Hedricks, Lindsays, Merrells, Rosses. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
ADULT FAMILIES
Abundant Life
(G-101) “Timeless Truths from God’s Word”
Empty nesters and grandparents • Teachers: Tom Rivers, Dave Lewis & Tim Townes. Team Leaders: Cartwrights, Coopers, Mullises, Sanders. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
Kingdom Builders
(FH-D) “I Thessalonians: the Gospel and the Church”
Empty nesters and grandparents • 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: McRaes, Zachows. SP & CP: Mark Cushman.
Kingdom Builders Audio Archive
Deeper Life
(Chapel) “Holy Spirit, Holiness and Worship”
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • A systematic study of the Holy Spirit and His work in worship. Our theme Scripture verses will be John 16:5-15; Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 12:10, 14, from which we will launch a systematic perusal over what the Scriptures teach regarding the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit and how He illuminates the Word in our hearts for a life of holiness and worship. Teacher: John Haines. Team Leaders: Al Black, Blacks, Blounts, Craigs, Bill Fox, Joyce Ann Jackson, Bill Kendall, Rick Lathem, Lee McCarty, Bill Moulton, Bill Rudd, Barbara Ryals, Willises, Greg Wolchok, Charles Woodall. CP: Chuck Morgan. SP: Jim Alexander.
Homestead
(FH-E&F) “Timeless Truths from God’s Word”
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • Including a brief overview of Acts. Teacher: Various. Team Leaders: Bill Armistead, Doug Dickinson, Huffs, Whaleys, CP & SP: Mark Cushman.
Joyful Hearts
(A-105) “Dawning Grace”
Empty nesters through great-grandparents • Dawning Grace: A Survey of the Old Testament. This class is designed to give a broad overview of the Old Testament, helping people understand the big picture of the story of redemption from creation to the time of silence (post Malachi). Those who complete this class will have a basic understanding of every book in the Old Testament and be better prepared to give an answer for the hope we share in Jesus. Teacher: Rob Genin. Team Leaders: Shaws. CP & SP: Jim Alexander.
WOMEN
Women Impacting the World
(A-205) “The Enemy Within”
Women of all walks and stages of life • 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. Teachers: Benny Parks & Christopher Frost. Team Leaders: Donna Arrington, Tricia Corbett, Vicki Portis, Helen Pruet. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.
INTERNATIONAL
International Community
(E-218, School Library) “Timeless Truths From God’s Word”
English-speaking internationals • Teacher: TBA. Team Leaders: Kelsos, Ann Lindsey, Stephen Merwin, David Morgan, Neills, Miriam Rueger. SP & CP: Bryan Wintersteen.
Internationals Community Webpage
International Sunday Services
Japanese Congregation Worship Service: 1:30 p.m., Mtn. View 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. SP: 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