The Institute at Idlewild. Fall A Semester
8/19/2026 6:30 PM
Idlewild is hosting five classes for the Fall A Semester which runs from August 19th to September 23rd. Classes are from 6:30-7:45 PM on Wednesday nights in the adult education wing. Childcare is available. No fee required.
We need registrations up for the following five classes:
Living as a Church 1.
A church is called to display the gospel not only through its message but also through its life together. This class explores the biblical vision of a Christ-centered community that reflects God's love, holiness, unity, and truth both inside and before a watching world. Students will examine how things like meaningful relationships, faithful church membership, hospitality, discipleship, forgiveness, service, and accountability strengthen the local church and advance the Great Commission. Rooted in Scripture and a Baptist understanding of the church, this course equips believers to cultivate a compelling Christian community that glorifies Christ, encourages one another, and bears faithful witness to the world.
Hermeneutics.
Whether you’re opening the Bible for the very first time or have been studying God's Word for many years, this class is designed to help you grow in confidence and joy as you read, understand, and apply the Scriptures. Our desire is not simply to gain more knowledge but to know the God who has revealed Himself through His Word and to live faithfully in light of His truth. Throughout this course, we’ll learn the foundational principles of sound biblical interpretation, discovering how to read each passage in its historical, literary, and theological context. We’ll explore practical tools that will help us avoid common misunderstandings and handle God's Word carefully, faithfully, and accurately. As Baptists, we believe that the Bible is the only inspired, inerrant, and sufficient word of God, making it our only infallible authority for faith and practice. Learning to interpret Scripture well is essential for every believer, not just pastors and teachers. Together, we’ll seek to become more faithful students of God's word who are eager to hear, believe, obey, and share its life-giving message with others for the glory of God.
World Missions.
What is the mission of the church? Why is missionary task important? Who in the church should participate in the mission of the church? How does the Bible teach us to do missions? We’ll answer these questions, while challenging every participant to deepen their commitment to live their lives on mission together. Join us as we discover God's heart for the nations and His calling for every believer to make disciples of all peoples. This world missions class will deepen your understanding of the Great Commission, inspire greater prayer and gospel engagement, and encourage you to faithfully participate in God's global mission for His glory.
Theology 2.
Systematic Theology helps us know what we believe, why we believe it, and how those beliefs shape our lives. This class will explore more of some of the great doctrines of Scripture—God’s Word, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of the church, and the hope to come—grounding your faith in truth, strengthening your worship, and equipping you to live with clarity and conviction. Rather than studying biblical topics in isolation, we will see how the whole counsel of God fits together into a unified and beautiful picture of His redemptive plan. As we examine more of the foundational doctrines of the Faith, you will gain a deeper appreciation for God's character, his saving work through Christ, and his ongoing work in the lives of his people. Whether you are new to theology or have studied it for years, this class will help you think biblically, discern truth from error, and confidently articulate the Faith once for all delivered to the saints. Our prayer is that these truths will not simply inform your mind but transform your heart, leading to greater obedience, deeper love for our triune God, and a more faithful witness in the world.
Family Disciple Making.
God has given families the unique privilege and responsibility of making disciples. Long before the church established organized ministries, God commanded His people to diligently teach His Word in their homes, passing faith from one generation to the next. This class will equip parents, grandparents, and anyone who influences the next generation to embrace their biblical role as disciple-makers within the home. Together, we will examine what Scripture teaches about spiritual leadership, family worship, intentional conversations about the Gospel, and creating a Christ-centered home where the Faith is both taught and lived. Whether you are raising young children, navigating the teenage years, investing in grandchildren, preparing for marriage, or simply desiring to encourage families within our church, this class offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement. Our goal is to help you faithfully pass on the Gospel, establish a lasting spiritual legacy, and see future generations grow to know, love, worship, and follow Jesus Christ for the glory of God.
Register
We need registrations up for the following five classes:
Living as a Church 1.
A church is called to display the gospel not only through its message but also through its life together. This class explores the biblical vision of a Christ-centered community that reflects God's love, holiness, unity, and truth both inside and before a watching world. Students will examine how things like meaningful relationships, faithful church membership, hospitality, discipleship, forgiveness, service, and accountability strengthen the local church and advance the Great Commission. Rooted in Scripture and a Baptist understanding of the church, this course equips believers to cultivate a compelling Christian community that glorifies Christ, encourages one another, and bears faithful witness to the world.
Hermeneutics.
Whether you’re opening the Bible for the very first time or have been studying God's Word for many years, this class is designed to help you grow in confidence and joy as you read, understand, and apply the Scriptures. Our desire is not simply to gain more knowledge but to know the God who has revealed Himself through His Word and to live faithfully in light of His truth. Throughout this course, we’ll learn the foundational principles of sound biblical interpretation, discovering how to read each passage in its historical, literary, and theological context. We’ll explore practical tools that will help us avoid common misunderstandings and handle God's Word carefully, faithfully, and accurately. As Baptists, we believe that the Bible is the only inspired, inerrant, and sufficient word of God, making it our only infallible authority for faith and practice. Learning to interpret Scripture well is essential for every believer, not just pastors and teachers. Together, we’ll seek to become more faithful students of God's word who are eager to hear, believe, obey, and share its life-giving message with others for the glory of God.
World Missions.
What is the mission of the church? Why is missionary task important? Who in the church should participate in the mission of the church? How does the Bible teach us to do missions? We’ll answer these questions, while challenging every participant to deepen their commitment to live their lives on mission together. Join us as we discover God's heart for the nations and His calling for every believer to make disciples of all peoples. This world missions class will deepen your understanding of the Great Commission, inspire greater prayer and gospel engagement, and encourage you to faithfully participate in God's global mission for His glory.
Theology 2.
Systematic Theology helps us know what we believe, why we believe it, and how those beliefs shape our lives. This class will explore more of some of the great doctrines of Scripture—God’s Word, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, the nature of the church, and the hope to come—grounding your faith in truth, strengthening your worship, and equipping you to live with clarity and conviction. Rather than studying biblical topics in isolation, we will see how the whole counsel of God fits together into a unified and beautiful picture of His redemptive plan. As we examine more of the foundational doctrines of the Faith, you will gain a deeper appreciation for God's character, his saving work through Christ, and his ongoing work in the lives of his people. Whether you are new to theology or have studied it for years, this class will help you think biblically, discern truth from error, and confidently articulate the Faith once for all delivered to the saints. Our prayer is that these truths will not simply inform your mind but transform your heart, leading to greater obedience, deeper love for our triune God, and a more faithful witness in the world.
Family Disciple Making.
God has given families the unique privilege and responsibility of making disciples. Long before the church established organized ministries, God commanded His people to diligently teach His Word in their homes, passing faith from one generation to the next. This class will equip parents, grandparents, and anyone who influences the next generation to embrace their biblical role as disciple-makers within the home. Together, we will examine what Scripture teaches about spiritual leadership, family worship, intentional conversations about the Gospel, and creating a Christ-centered home where the Faith is both taught and lived. Whether you are raising young children, navigating the teenage years, investing in grandchildren, preparing for marriage, or simply desiring to encourage families within our church, this class offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement. Our goal is to help you faithfully pass on the Gospel, establish a lasting spiritual legacy, and see future generations grow to know, love, worship, and follow Jesus Christ for the glory of God.