Classes at SDBC
We value applying biblical teachings to every area of our lives. In order to equip you to live a Christ centred life, we offer classes reflecting God's will for different aspects of life.
Connections Class
Sundays // 9AM
Our Sunday morning Connections Class takes place every Sunday at 9AM. Grab a coffee and join us as we tackle some of the key themes from the Apostle Paul's last words in 2 Timothy. Final words from a prisoner facing death carry a lot of weight, even today. Let's discuss 2 Timothy together.
Anxious Generation: Cultural Exegesis of an Anxious Generation And a Biblically Informed Response to an Anxiety Filled World
Mondays @ 7-8PM // October 28th, November 4th, 18th, & 25th
SDBC Chapel
Earlier this year, an American social psychologist named Jonathan Haidt published a book called, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. In his book, Haidt presents research that shows the negative impact of a phone-based childhood, including adverse effects of heavy social media usage during childhood and addiction to video games. He also claims that emphasis on virtual relationships and a lack of real-life relationships are causing this generation to experience a greater level of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety.
The scientific evidence for the benefits of an authentic community and the downsides of phone-based relationships is well documented. However, Haidt’s recommended response to the anxious generation phenomenon caught me off guard. He calls his readers to return to ancient spiritual practices and cites from the bible several times. I should note that Haidt is an atheist, but he recognizes the values of biblical principles. It is interesting to see that a scientific approach to facing the challenges of an anxious generation led to spiritual and biblical exploration. As Christ followers, we should not be surprised that the bible offers an incredibly rich teaching on the topic of anxiety.
The bible teaches, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Does this mean that it is sinful to be anxious? Or does it mean that God doesn’t care about our anxieties and wants us to just get over it? No, the bible teaches us a much more comprehensive perspective on human anxiety; that God cares deeply about our concerns, and desires to help us navigate through our anxieties and find the solid foundation of Jesus Christ on which we could build our lives with peace and confidence in this anxiety filled world.
Our church is hosting a class to study Haidt’s book together and to explore the bible’s teachings on how to live meaningfully in this anxious generation. We invite you to join us for this class and please feel free to invite others who are not a part of our church community to participate as well.
In this class, we will study Jonathan Haidt’s book, explore the biblical teachings on how to respond faithfully to the challenges of our generation, and examine how we can be present, focused, and rested Christ followers in order to offer the world a non-anxious presence—the presence of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
This class will be hosted in the Chapel from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on the following evenings:
October 28 - Download Slides
November 4 - Download Slides
November 18
November 25
Please click the button below to RSVP. This isn't necessary, but will allow us to set up accordingly.
Basic Training for Those Who Are Hurting
November 30th // 9AM-12PM
Room 202
Our Stephen Ministry team is hosting a special class on November 30th (9AM-12PM) to equip us to better serve those who are facing mental health challenges. As Christians, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing his love to those who are hurting. While this calling is true for all believers, many of us don't feel qualified or adequately equipped to care in a meaningful and impactful way.
Dr. Josh Kruse will be coming to SDBC to help equip us in caring for people using his Listen, Guide, and Pray Model. Dr. Josh pastored for nearly a decade at Village Church and is a registered psychologist with a passion for helping people help people. We'll look at ways to listen well to better understand what is going on for the person who is struggling. From there, we'll use our understanding of their circumstances to guide them with and towards resources. Then, we'll learn how to apply the gospel and prayer to their situation to help them connect with God and his love, support, comfort, and guidance.
Whether you are a Stephen's Minister, Care Ministry Team member, community group leader, or someone who informally supports others, you will benefit from Dr. Josh's training as you learn to minister better to those that God brings along your path.
This class is offered for free as the Stephen Ministry team is sponsoring this event, and the class is open to anyone who wishes to participate. Please register for the class using the button below.
