Sunday Mornings (9:30 AM – 10:30AM)
Our Equipping Classes are designed to offer an adult education and discipleship program that combines a relaxed adult Sunday school class with a Bible college education. Our classes, held every Sunday morning from 9:30 to 10:40 am, are offered on a quarterly basis each year (fall, winter, spring, and summer). Through a sequential study of key Christian truths, our classes help our congregation grasp the scope of Christian doctrine and deepen our devotion Christ.
At Hope Bible Church, we firmly believe that God’s Word is authoritative and sufficient for every aspect of life. Consequently, we seek to teach the whole counsel of God and apply its principles to our lives. We do this in order to help our congregation “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
Our learning objectives are to grasp the truth of God’s Word so that we can grow in our faith and minister more effectively to others. This program enables us to equip the body of Christ to do the work of the ministry, and to glorify Him by being His witness to the world.
Summer 2026 Semester Classes
The Book of James
Teacher: Pastor Rob Thomson
Description: The book of James is not a doctrinal treatise but an intensely practical manual for Christian living. Yet that does not lessen its value, since holy living and sound doctrine must not be separated. James urges believers to demonstrate their faith through actions. The book of James addresses trials, wisdom, and the power of prayer, highlighting the importance of controlling one’s tongue and caring for the needy. James calls for genuine faith, warning against favoritism and encouraging perseverance, humility, and righteousness. The book of James has been compared with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly the book of Proverbs, because of its direct, pithy statements on wise living. But James was also profoundly influenced by the Sermon on the Mount; in fact, this epistle may be viewed as a practical commentary on our Lord’s sermon. Come join us in studying how genuine Christian faith—living faith—shows itself in the spiritual fruit of a transformed life.
How We Got the Bible
Teachers: Larry Irvine
Description: You have a most wondrous book—through history it is the most read, most translated, and most quoted book by far. It is God’s word. The prophets and apostles wrote it down, but the message is from God. However, we don’t have the original autographs, but copies of copies and among these we see differences. Even in your Bible the translator has marginal notes indicating that some verses might not be original. But how do they know? And how can we be confident that the Bible we have today is the word of God without loss or change? We start with the principle of inspiration—what the Bible tells us about its source and the role of the prophet. Next, we examine canonization—how God’s people recognized the divine message. Then we trace the transmission of the biblical text through the many centuries up to the present. We conclude with a study of the principles of what constitutes a good translation into your particular language.
Fundamentals of the Faith, Part 2
Teacher: Pastor Michael Jarvis
Description: This course is the gateway to all of our other Equipping Classes as it establishes you in the essentials of Christian doctrine, devotion, and discipleship. The course material is equally beneficial to you whether you are a first-time student or a seasoned saint looking to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Join us as we continue to cover the fundamentals of the Christian faith!
Land of the Bible
Teacher: Pastor Alan Plumley and Pastor Gabe Powell
Description: Explore the connection between biblical history, the land of the Bible, and biblical interpretation. The more we understand about how the land and culture of Israel influenced history, the better we’ll be able to understand the Bible. This class will feature videos, maps, and discussions to enhance your understanding. It’s the next best thing to being there!
Biblical Missions: Principles & Practices
Teacher: Stephen Wreesman, et al.
Description: Have you wondered why God considers missions important? Have you considered what role He calls you to play in missions? This class will look at what God says throughout His Word about His mission to save people in all the world. God gives us principles to ground our church’s philosophy of missions and to help you understand your responsibility in this mission. Come learn what the Bible teaches about this important subject and to be equipped through practical workshops including evangelism, preparing a testimony, and becoming an effective sending church. This class will benefit all members and is especially recommended for those who hope to participate in a Short-Term Ministries (STM) trip.
Equipping Classes are recorded and available to review, share, and listen to on Sermon Audio: