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.

College Community
(W-202) “Marks of a Laborer”

College-age • Jesus tells us that the harvest is plentiful, and the laborers are few. But, what does it mean to be a laborer? How do I labor for God’s Kingdom? Why should I labor for God’s Kingdom? With these questions in mind, we will be diving into the biblical framework of what it means to be a laborer and how to become one! Teachers: Tyler Clark & Trent Taylor. Team Leaders: Browns, Caroline Carlisle, Russells. CP: Mark Purser. SP: Benny Parks.

Graduates & Career
(M-202) “The Church of Christ”

A community for graduates to early 30s • Join us this quarter as we examine the Doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology). From its essence, its marks, its gifts, to its government, as Ed Clowney writes, “the Church too, is part of God’s revelation. If it is to stand against the gates of hell, it must know its own divine charter, its bond to Christ, and the ‘Holy Spiritual’ power of its calling.” Teacher: Saeyoung Park. Team Leaders: Gathings, Gewins, Moores. CP: Saeyoung Park. SP: Benny Parks.

Branches
(A-201) “Equipped to Stand – The Armor of God”

A community of singles & couples • A quarter focused on equipping saints to fully utilize all of the pieces of armor God provides. Teachers: Austin Barr, Max Bunn, Jonathan Kalehoff, Richard Kalehoff, Jon Austin Moore. Team Leaders: Barr, Galbreath, Kalehoff, Weaver. CP: Max Bunn. SP: Benny Youngblood.

In One Accord
(M-200) “The Power of God”

A community for 40s and up • 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 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 our 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 Leader: Lance Garrison. CP: Chris Thompson. SP: Benny Parks.

The Oaks
(M-111) “Grace and Glory Revealed”

Engaged and young married couples • Grace and Glory revealed: A New Testament Survey. This quarter long study looks at the historical environment of the New Testament and explains the arrangement and major themes of the books so that a Christian is equipped to understand and apply their meaning. Teacher: Rob Genin. Team Leaders: Bushes, Crawford, Delks, Hersheys, Moores, Russells. CP & SP: Aaron Webb.

Legacy
(E-004) “The Life of Christ”

Young married couples with infants to elementary-age children • We will be studying timeless truths found in God’s Word this fall. Teachers: Todd Carlisle, Chase Crawford, Thomas Garner. Team Leaders: Bardins, Godwins, Heards, Iveys, Travers. CP & SP: Aaron Webb.

Encounter
(E-006) “Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life”

Young couples with infants to middle school-age children • This 10-week study is designed to introduce students to the biblical understanding of spiritual disciplines, exploring them not as a means to earn salvation or favor, but as God-ordained practices for the purpose of pursuing godliness. We will begin by defining spiritual disciplines and distinguishing them from modern spiritual formation movements that often rely on mystical and extra-biblical practices. The course will then be divided into two main sections: Personal Disciplines and Corporate Disciplines. Each discipline will be examined through the lens of Scripture, identifying both abstention and engagement as key components of a life dedicated to growing in Christlikeness. Teacher: Ike Reeder. Team Leaders: Carlisles, McGregors, Sasses, Welches. CP & SP: Bob McGregor.

Covenant Keepers
(E-008) “Christ in the Old Testament”

Families with infants to high school-age children • After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus where he explained why the Messiah had to suffer and die before entering into glory. How did he explain this? Luke tells us, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). What does it mean that “in all the Scriptures” (which in this case means the Old Testament) there are “things concerning himself?” How are there things in all the Old Testament that speak about Christ? Join us this quarter as we highlight various examples of how we can indeed see Christ in the Old Testament. Teachers: JD Bragan & Charlton Hollon. Team Leaders: Cawoods, Leibs. CP: Ryan Leib. SP: Bob McGregor.

Family Life
(W-203) “The Cross of Christ in the Ten Commandments”

A class for the entire family • This quarter we will be focusing on the redemptive nature of the Law. We will explore four principles by which we may know how to enjoy a right relationship with God, as well as six fundamental building blocks by which we might know how to enjoy right relationships with each other. This study will help us better understand how the Ten Commandments are a blessing to us today as they reveal the character of God. Teacher: Jim Alexander. Team Leaders: Belyeus, Maces. CP & SP: Bobby Parks.

Growing in Grace
(E-005) “Beautiful Truth in Isaiah”

Families with preschool to high school-age children • The very name Isaiah means “The Lord Saves” and this extraordinary prophet uses beautiful literary techniques to present the clear differences between the Covenant-keeping God of Israel and the empty promises of idolatry. This book proclaims God’s grace over human failure and offers real hope for change and revival. Teacher: Jay Mathews. Team Leaders: Bakers, Marshalls, Martins, McClurkins. CP: Eric Reebals. SP: Benny Youngblood.

Heritage Builders
(FH-B) “Distinguishing the Truth of Christianity”

Families with preschool to high school-age children • Topics covered will be Religious Pluralism, Deity of Christ and the Doctrine of the Trinity, 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 Leaders: Bartons, Bragans, Duffeys, Joneses, Lotts.CP: Jay Shaw. SP: Bob McGregor.

Sojourners
(E-007/009) “Psalms to God, Strength for our Soul”

Families with preschool to college-age children • The Psalms teaches us to worship God with a deeper knowledge of His majesty, an understanding of His great promises, and guides us to honestly express the challenges in our faith. We pray that through this study God will empower us to trust His sovereign rule, cultivate a Biblical perspective in our lives, and instill an unwavering hope in the Lord. Each week we will read and reflect on a Psalm seeking God’s wisdom to discern His truth and praying for strength to walk by faith throughout our lives. Teacher: Benny Youngblood. Team Leaders: Blacks, Brunsons, Cains, Crowes, Greenes, Morrises, Tidmores. CP & SP: Benny Youngblood.

Growing Together
(G-103) “Caring for One Another”

Families with preschool to college-age children • The care of souls is what the church is about. By His Word and Spirit, Jesus comforts and counsels us in our troubles, so that we may comfort and counsel others in their troubles. Indeed, the most wonderful community imaginable is a church in which each of us is learning to care for one another by offering his true words wrapped in his loving ways (Eph. 4:11-16). This series will draw from Scripture the essential skills for fulfilling this mission; even better; it will help you put these skills into practice within your everyday relationships. Teacher: Greg Norfleet. Team Leaders: Blacks, Neil Clay, Denards, Ellers, Iveys, Chung-How Kau, Worrells. CP: Rob Looper. SP: Bobby Parks.

Kingdom Seekers
(E-003) “Ruth and Jonah”

Families with children in high school and older • Join us to study the books of Ruth and Jonah, two classically similar but different narratives in the Old Testament which point to the redemptive work of Christ. Teacher: Mark Cushman. Team Leaders: Carters, Chappells, Greenes, Ricky Moore, Steven Peters, Russ Ponder, Steelmans. CP: Rob Genin. SP: Bobby Parks.

Next Step
(E-010) “Old Testament Themes and the Pentateuch”

Families with children in high school or older • This quarter we will begin by looking at some themes of the Old Testament (the covenant, the land, etc.) to equip us to be better Bible readers. Then, we will conclude the quarter by working through the Pentateuch with these themes in mind. Teacher: Bob McGregor. Team Leaders: Glenn Green, Chuck Powell, Mark Thompson. CP: Greg Norfleet. SP: Bobby Parks.

Inside Out
(FH-C) “Missional Living”

Families with children in high school or older • 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: David Harris, Mike Mungenast, Tripp Reid, Scott Summers. CP & SP: Bobby Parks.

REAL Matters
(S-201) “Isaiah and Jesus”

Families with children in high school or older • We will study thirteen lessons on select chapters that give Messianic prophecies to the nation of Israel. Each lesson format will be divided into: The OT History, The Prophecy by Isaiah, and the Fulfillment in Jesus. Where applicable, we will address the question, “How do these texts speak to the second advent as we wait for His return?” Teacher: Dave Johnson. Team Leaders: Hursts, Marvin Keffer, Scotts, Warlicks. CP & SP: Bobby Parks.

Hearts and Homes
(A-204) “David’s Prayer Life”

A community for 50’s and up, both couples & singles • 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: Salmons, Sittons, Smedleys, Smithermans. CP: Bobby Parks. SP: Wright Draper.

Discovery
(FH-A) “The Book of Isaiah Pt. II”

A class for all ages and stages in life • “Isaiah-The Lord Saves!” God’s remarkable plan of judgement and redemption is seen in this book which presents a most remarkable, exalted, and profound view of the “Holy One of Israel.” We will be studying Chs. 40-66. Teachers: Benny Parks, Christopher Frost. Team Leaders: Dobnikars, Donaldsons, Mooneys, Towneses. CP: Jim Alexander. SP: Wright Draper.

Mountain View
(A-209) “Q & A: Studies in the Book of Job”

A class for all ages and stages in life • 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: Adamses, Blackmons, Goebels, Hedricks, Lindsays, Merrells, Rosses. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

Abundant Life
(G-101) “Thirty Days to Understanding the Bible”

Empty nesters and grandparents • Teacher: Rick Neel. Team Leaders: Coopers, Mullises, Sanders. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

Kingdom Builders
(FH-D) “Prayer and Ruth”

Empty nesters and grandparents • Teacher: Jim Carlson. Team Leaders: McRaes, Zachows. CP & SP: Wright Draper.

Deeper Life
(Chapel) “Teaching from Mark’s Gospel”

Empty nesters through great-grandparents • Mark had a brilliant plan in writing his gospel. We will learn what the Jewish people understood by Jesus’ words and actions, giving us an insight into His teaching for today, illustrated with photographs, diagrams and paintings to show actual places and events. Our goal is to look into the face of Jesus to learn more about who He is, and what He has done and is doing for us. Teacher: Norris Anderson. 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: Wright Draper.

Homestead
(FH-E&F) “Ruth”

Empty nesters through great-grandparents • This quarter we will be taking a deep dive into the beautiful little book of Ruth, verse by verse, tracing the important biblical themes of God’s covenantal love and His redemption. We’ll see how God’s good providences are normally worked out through the mundane vs. the miraculous and how faithful men and women are usually the agents God uses in His dealings with humans. Ruth also has important things to say about community, lament, and biblical femininity and masculinity. We’ll learn that the Ruth narrative is not so much a love story about Ruth and Boaz as it is one about Yahweh and us – and how He calls us to love like Him. Teacher: Drew Ricketts. Team Leaders: Bill Armistead, Doug Dickinson, Huffs, Whaleys, CP & SP: Wright Draper.

Joyful Hearts
(A-105) “Ruth and Jonah”

Empty nesters through great-grandparents • We will be studying timeless truths in Ruth and Jonah. Teacher: Don Furuto. Team Leaders: Shaws. CP: Jim Alexander. SP: Wright Draper.

Women Impacting the World
(A-205) “What Do You Confess?”

Women of all walks and stages of life • This series aims to provide an overview and explanation of why the Westminster Confession is important to Christians. Every Christian must know what they confess and why they confess it – to their families, friends, and the world. Teacher: Theodore Woo. Team Leaders: Donna Arrington, Tricia Corbett, Vicki Portis, Helen Pruet. CP & SP: Dave Lewis.

International Community
(E-218, School Library) “Union With the All-Supreme Christ”

English-speaking internationals • The Bible describes salvation many ways – foremost among these ways is the idea of union with Christ. Indeed, our union with Christ is the foundation of every other blessing we receive in the gospel (such as justification, adoption, sanctification, and others). In his letter to the church at Colossae, the apostle Paul discusses our union with Christ and the effect this reality has upon our daily lives. Join us as we embark upon a study of these majestic truths in the book of Colossians. Teacher: Shelby Myers. Team Leaders: Kelsos, Ann Lindsey, Stephen Merwin, Millers, David Morgan, Neills, Miriam Rueger. SP & CP: Bryan Wintersteen.


International Sunday Services

Japanese Worship Service: 1:30 p.m., Mtn. View and Zoom, CP: Kotaro Hamamatsu.

Korean Worship Service: 11:20 a.m., 2209 Rocky Ridge Rd. CP: Sunghoon Shin

Hispanic Worship Service and Sunday School: 10:30 a.m., 5521 Double Oak Lane (Highway 119) and streaming. SP: Bryan Wintersteen.