Alpha Course

Explore the meaning of life and perhaps find a life that has meaning through a non-threatening, 10 week introduction to the Christian faith. Topics include: "how does God guide us?" And "how can I make the most of the rest of my life? We eat together, watch a video and then have an open discussion about the video topic.

For more general information on the Alpha Course please read First Free's Alpha section or view their web site: www.alphausa.org. Read testimonies of others who lives have been changed by this Alpha course.

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Belonging at First Free

Interested in becoming a member of First Free or learning more about our beliefs? Come to the belongings class. We'll cover topics such as:

• The background of the Evangelical Free Church of America denomination
• church governance
• intro to First Free's statement of faith
• stewardship
• using our gifts
• membership

A sandwich lunch will be provided. Previous completion of the Introduction to First Free Course is required.

Leader: Eric Brenner, Elder Board Chairman

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Bible Study Skills

This course will help you gain an appreciation for the ways in which Scripture communicates. The goal is to gain personal skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to help others read the Scriptures effectively. We will learn about methods and strategies for reading, understanding, and applying God's Word.

Session 1) Discuss the nature of Scripture and foundational issues in the area of interpretation.
Session 2) Review the most common interpretation methods and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
Session 3) Learn to observe and understand what the biblical passage means.
Session 4) Discover ways to help others read Scripture.

Bring a Bible, and a notebook for taking notes.

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Biblical Financial Study

This class aims to help church members understand God's perspective on money. The Bible has more than 2,000 verses on money; more than almost any other topic. Yet many people do not understanding how their approach to finances affects their relationship with God. Topics include planning financial goals, getting out of debt, budgeting, saving, spending, earning money, investing, giving, and organizing one's estate. Small group discussions about what the bible says about managing money. Over 2,000 bible verses focus on this subject.

All materials are provided. Space is limited to 12 people. Advance registration is required so materials can be ordered in advance.

Leader: Jim & Kelley Raleigh

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Green Urban Living, Part II

This class helps participants understand God's stewardship mandate from a Biblical perspective and to explore "green" urban living in an active and "hands-on"learning experience utilizing readings, films, and activities. We focus on the larger issues of food, food security, organic gardening, buying local, etc.  May also have a meal together if there is sufficient group interest and class participants want to rotate cooking.  Sometime in April, as weather permits, we will experience "hands on" learning by working with the neighborhood and church (youth and children are welcome) to begin a community garden at a designated spot in the back of the church.

Materials: In addition to the Bible, packets of readings will be provided. May also read one or two selected books on the topic of food.  There may be a small charge to cover copying costs. May want to bring a Bible.

Leader: Steve Slaughter

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Good $ense Financial Course

This course aims to be a resource, provide tools, and offer hope to our church and community in light of our current economic crisis.

Session 1) Introduction to wise and prudent financial principles found in the bible. Session 2) Introduction to to practical tools:  budgeting and spending plan and debt worksheet, followed by open discussion on each line item. Session 3) Personal and group feedback on each participant's budgeting and spending plan and debt worksheet

Leader: Dan Tallacksen

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Gospel of John

This class will help you develop the skills necessary to profitably study and apply God’s Word and then be equipped to do ministry and better serve the Lord. For first two weeks we’ll be learning Bible study methods utilizing the book “How to enjoy Bible Study”. After that we’ll study one chapter each week of the Gospel of John. There will also be time devoted to worship, prayer, discussion and personal application of the Scripture. There will also be a focus on encouraging, caring, and doing ministry for each other, personal evangelism, reaching outside the group, and service of kindness inside the church and outside the church (ie. Nursing home ministry, etc.)

Bring a bible and a notebook for taking notes.

Leader: Robert Schwarz

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Healthy Congregations

Learn how leaders can influence the health of a congregation, keep anxiety from being infectious, gain confidence when faced with challenges and new opportunities, and learn how to focus on strengths, resources, options, and the future. Topics include "Healthy Congregations" and "How to Maintain Healthy Relationships", "What is Systems Thinking?", "How to respond to Anxiety?", "What does it mean to be self-differentiated?".

Each participant will need to bring a bible and purchase a workbook costing $20.

Leader: Bill Shereos, Senior Pastor

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Introduction to First Free

Want to learn about First Free, learn about our ministries and connect with others? This one-day course (offered quarterly) includes an introduction to First Free's vision, history and ministries. We'll also talk about ways you can get involved, and help you explore your spiritual gifts. Lunch and all other materials will be provided.

Leader: Dan Tallacksen

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Living in the City

This class focuses on theological and sociological issues involved in urban living, with a particular focus on examples of urban ministry (from scripture and from current Chicago ministries).  Beyond the informational aspect of the class. one other purpose of the study would be to encourage class participants to remain in the city to minister and serve others.

The study combines academic teaching and practical examples of urban ministry.  Half of the sessions will include theological discussions on urban churches (using a bible study developed by Ray Bakke) combined with sociological discussions on urban issues (using a variety of academic sources).  The other sessions will involve guest speakers from various Chicago ministries and social programs.  We may also get into issues such as, "how to remain and thrive in the city" (focusing on practical issues such as affordable housing, raising kids in the city, and dealing with urban noise and crowds).

Leader: Steve Lepse

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Love and Respect:  Married Couples class

Learn how to live out Ephesians 5:33 in your marriage while meeting other couples and engaging in group discussions. Orimary focus will be on healthy communication and educating husbands about the importance of loving their wives and wives respecting their husbands.  Specific sessions will discuss:  communication patterns, motivating one another, practical application, and rewarding one another.

"Love and Respect" study guides are provided.  The cost each week for dinner is approximately $12.00/person.  Babysitting is available in the First Free nursery for $5.00. Scholarships available for those needing assistance covering the cost.

Leaders: Joe & Denise Durkin

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Marriage Course

We're strengthening marriages through 8 great "dinner dates." Topics include building strong foundations; the art of communication; resolving conflict; the power of forgiveness; parents and in-laws; good sex; & love in action (understanding the 5 ways of expressing love). The schedule each evening is as follows:

• 6:45 until 7:00 - check in/fellowship time
• 7:00 until 7:40 - dinner (each couple sitting alone at their own individual table).
• 7:40 until 9:00 - viewing of marriage video & couple's private sharing time (no group discussion)

All materials are provided. The cost each week for a complete meal for two is $25.00. Babysitting is available in the First Free nursery for only $5.00 (Scholarships available for those needing assistance covering the cost). Space is limited to 20 couples;We'll meet for all 8 sessions at Ranallis Restaurant (1512 W. Berwyn). Couples must pre-register for the course as the restaurant requires advanced reservations.

For more general information on the Marriage Course please view their web site: www.themarriagecourseusa.org

Leaders: Steve & Carol Lepse

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Reading Through The New Testament

We want to reinforce and encourage those who are reading through the New Testament (as part of First Free’s church-wide initiative). Topics will include broad observations, concepts, and survey of the New Testament. In addition, class participants will contribute their own insights from their devotional readings of the New Testament.

Bring a bible and a journal.

Leader: Bill Shereos, Senior Pastor

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Romans

The purpose of this class is to express the nature of the gospel and to show its relation to the Old Testament and the Mosaic Law. Topics include the wrath of God, righteousness that comes by faith, the benefits of faith, justification by faith, life in the Spirit, and practical Christianity.

Bring your bible and a notebook for taking notes.

Leader: Lillian Centeno

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Survey of the Old Testament

This is a nine-week class exploring how God reveals Himself and unfolds His promise to all people in the Old Testament.  Our intention is for this class to be helpful to people who have never read the Old Testament as well as people who have read it often. Topics include major themes and the structure of the Old Testament.  The class will introduce the law, history, wisdom and prophetic literature with an emphasis on what these writing teach us about God and how they inform our Christian faith.  In class we will strive to balance providing a broad survey of the material with a more in depth look at some key ideas. 

Handouts will be provided. Bring a bible.

Leader: Matt Ostercamp

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Turbo Leadership Course

This course prepares, equips, and trains current and emerging First Free leaders for the challenges of leading at the “next level”. This 14-week series utilizes a case-study approach for learning about biblical leadership. This course focuses on leadership competence and character and includes such topics as: Risk-taking, decision-making, conflict management, justice, shepherding, vision, time management, situational leadership, encouragement, dependence upon God, change. Each evening's schedule will look something like:

• 20 minutes – Fellowship/prayer time
• 10 minutes – “Thinking Outside the Box” Leadership Exercises
• 20 minutes – “The Last Word”: Review of previous leadership case and leaders communication exercises assigned
• 55 minutes – Leadership Case study (usually moderated by class participants)
  

Participants are expected to complete all assignments and exercises and have regular attendance. Each participant is allowed to miss two sessions as long as they makeup weeks missed. A Leadership Course Notebook will be provided

Click here to read testimonies of others who lives have been changed by this leadership course. Click here to see a sample session outline.

Leader: Duncan Sattler

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