Adult Formation

Fr. Michael Petty
Fr. Michael Petty
Associate Rector for
Adult Education

Fr. Michael Petty
Associate Rector, Adult Education
mpetty@saint-peters.net
(850) 701-0664, ext. 19

The mission of St. Peter's Adult Formation Ministry is to lead adults into a deeper appreciation and living out of their baptism so as to build up the body of Christ. The process of Christian formation is one which has no end as our growth in holiness and knowledge and love of the Lord is not complete until we see God face to face. Through a variety of learning opportunities, St. Peter's Church equips adults to be more effective disciples of and witnesses for Jesus Christ in the world.

St. Peter's shield - small Fall 2010 Classes

All adult class offerings are listed here according to their place in St. Peter’s comprehensive Adult Formation Plan. Please read through the whole Adult Formation section so as to be aware of all classes being offered.  Teacher biographies are included with class desciptions.

For a list of Classes by day of the week, please visit the Classes page.

St. Peter's shield - small Catechumenate Classes

cat·e·chu·men [kat-i-kyoo-muhn]: Ecclesiastical. a person under instruction in the first principles of Christianity

Classes in this category are required for membership at St. Peter’s Anglican Church and provide a basic foundation for discipleship. These classes can also be taken by members as refresher classes. These classes do not need to be taken in any particular order. For more detailed information on the following three classes see the Becoming a Member page or link to each specific class below.

The Alpha Course
Sunday evenings, 6:15-8:30 pm
September 19 – November 21

Introducing Anglicanism
Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm
October 7 – November 11

Network
Saturday, November 20
9am-Noon in the Parish Hall

St. Peter's shield - small Post-Catechumenate

Classes in this category are intended to be taken immediately after completion of the Catechumenate. These classes serve to further deepen and integrate what was learned in the Catechumenate and provide a foundation for further growth.

Christian Believer: Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
Part I: September 15 – December 8
Led by John Dombroski, Andy Miller and Jay Woodam

Christian Believer is a 30 week class which focuses on deepening faith through the study of Christian doctrine and Scripture. The class integrates the study of doctrine, the study of Scripture and spiritual growth and is intended to be taken by members of St. Peter’s.

John Dombroski, Fr. Andy Miller and Jay Woodham are all members of St. Peter’s. John is retired and active in our education program, Fr. Andy is a Christian therapist and Jay is active in ministry to graduate students at FSU.

St. Peter's shield - small Intermediate Formation

Classes in this category are intended to build on the Catechumenate and Post-Catechumente by providing essential Christian skills and knowledge. These classes are more specialized but remain focused on basic adult formation.

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith

Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
September 15 – October 20
Led by Dr. Ron Rickner

This class is based on Tim Keller’s book The Prodigal God. Keller’s thesis: That Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son provides a complete presentation of the Gospel and that all of us need to come to a deeper understanding of God’s radical grace.

Dr. Ron Rickner is a local Christian therapist who has extensive teaching and counseling experience.

Calling the Next Generation to Discipleship

Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
October 27 – December 8
Led by Marcia Lebhar

Passing on the faith and helping others move into a deeper Christian life is a goal of every believer, but we’re not born with the essential skills to do so. Learn to be bold and unashamed in proclaiming the Gospel and in leading people into discipleship. Parents raising young children or teens; young adults and students seeking to mentor friends; this class will be of great benefit to you!

Marcia Lebhar is a member of Redeemer Anglican Church in Jacksonville, a gifted teacher and mother of two children. She is married to our diocesan bishop, the Right Reverend Neil Lebhar.

After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters

Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
September 15 – October 20
Led by Fr. Michael Petty

This class is based on Tom Wright’s book of the same title. The New Testament provides all kinds of instruction on character formation, reflecting the fact that being a Christian is not just about believing certain things but also about having a certain kind of character. Interested in a transformed mind and in bearing the fruit of the Spirit? Take this class.

Knowing God

Wednesday evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
October 27 – December 8
Led by Fr. Michael Petty

What does it mean to truly know God? Based on J. I. Packer’s best-selling book, this class explores how it is that we know God, who God is and how knowing God transforms who we are and what we want from life.

Financial Peace University

Wednesday evenings
6:15-8:00 pm
Northside Education Center (Taproots)
September 15 – December 8
Led by Jim Anderson and Diane Biederman

Do you struggle with your finances? Do you have trouble living on a budget? Do you worry about retirement or financing a college education? Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University offers financial advice from a Christian perspective and focuses on debt free living and living generously.

Jim Anderson and Diane Biederman are both members of St. Peter’s. Jim is in law enforcement and Diane is our parish administrator. They both have experience in leading FPU classes.

Sharing Your Faith With Confidence (An Engaging, Fun and Encouraging Class for Nervous Evangelists)

Wednesday Evenings, 6:15-7:30 pm
September 15 – December 8
Led by Rachel Purvis, Chuck Lang and Jim Beebe

Do you find yourself uncomfortable speaking about your faith to friends, family members or co-workers? Do you worry about not knowing enough, finding the right words or just being embarrassed? Find out how you can share your faith with confidence and become a witness for Christ wherever you are.

Rachel Purvis, Chuck Lang and Jim Beebe are all members of St. Peter’s. Rachel works for a local law firm and has mission field experience, Chuck is the father of three boys and Jim is retired and chairs our committee for Adult Formation.

St. Peter's shield - small Continuing Formation

Classes in this category are not necessarily more advanced but are more specialized in nature and are intended to continue the process of formation beyond the basics.

The Gospel of Matthew: Foundations of Discipleship

Monday evenings, 6:30-8:00 pm
September 13 – December 6
Led by Fr. Michael Petty

The Gospel of Matthew is a discipleship training manual. In this Gospel Jesus does not merely teach on a variety of subjects but focuses all of what he says on one subject: life conformed to the gracious rule of God. The implications are astounding.

Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Tuesday Mornings, 10:00-11:30 am
Meets at Jane Harding’s Home
Begins on September 14

The fall study will focus on the Revelation to St. John and will make use of John Stott’s study guide entitled Revelation: The Triumph of Christ. To register, call Jane Harding at 386-1498.

Jane Harding is an active member of St. Peter’s and has extensive Bible teaching experience.

Women at the Well: The Gospel of Matthew

Thursday mornings, 9:15-11:15 am
September 16 – December 9
Led by Frs. Eric Dudley, Michael Petty, John Wallace, Andrew Rowell, Jim Hampson and Dr. Sonya Cronin

Matthew’s discipleship training manual will be the focus of group presentations and small group discussions. New participants are always welcome.

St. Peter's shield - small Adult Sunday School

The Gospel of Matthew: Foundations of Discipleship

Sunday mornings, 10:25-11:05 am
September 19 – December 19
Led by Fr. Michael Petty

The Gospel of Matthew will be the focus of Adult Sunday School for the fall of 2010 and the spring of 2011.