Basic Beliefs0

Below is a guest post from one of the Summit’s newest staff members, Eric Stortz, who is heading up a course called Basic Beliefs that will run this spring at all of our campuses during the weekend services. We asked Eric to give us a little bit on what is involved.

Basic Beliefs is a four-week series, covering the core of what Christians have historically believed about Jesus, the Bible, God, and the Church.  The course is designed as a first step in discipleship for new Christians, to build a solid understanding of their new faith.

Who?
Really, anyone can benefit from this course.  Mature Christians never move beyond the Gospel and are moved to joy, thankfulness, and worship when they hear these central truths.  And for those who are not Christians, but want to know more about the Christian faith, this will serve as a great introduction.

Why?
Here are 4 ways that Basic Beliefs fits into the life of our church:

1.  Basic Beliefs is a great first step in discipleship for the 182 people that we baptized Easter weekend.  We witnessed a great movement of God’s Spirit!  The excitement we all had for last weekend does not have to end.  Now we have the awesome opportunity to disciple these new believers, walk with them as they grow, and watch as they share their faith with others.

2.  Basic Beliefs will strengthen small groups.  Anyone who goes through the course will have a solid foundation in the Gospel, interpreting Scripture, what the church is supposed to be, and an understanding of how God relates to us (which helps us pray).  Small group discussion and prayer time should be stronger overall, and more accessible to those who are new to Summit.

3. Recently, we have heard our Pastor, JD, preach about finding our spiritual gifts and putting them to use for the Body of Christ and service in the community.  Basic Beliefs will provide some of our gifted teachers with a chance to use and refine their gifts as they disciple members of our church.

4.  Basic Beliefs can serve as a training ground for you to learn how to share our faith.  We get a chance to hear and discuss the central truths of Christianity with each other, using material created by people God has placed in our church who are serving as seminary professors where they regularly train men and women how to share their faith.

Perhaps that is what has led to such an eager response to have this series at our church.  By the end of May, Basic Beliefs will have had its pilot run at four different venues, with five different teachers doing the main teaching.  Dozens of Summit members have already volunteered to be table hosts, to help answer questions and facilitate discussion.  Here is a list of the dates and times that will be available to you at your campus:

Sundays April 11th-May 2nd
Brier Creek AM:  10:45am in room 110,  taught by Dr. Ed Gravely, professor at Southeastern Seminary
West Club:  11:45am in the “Starting Point Suite,”  taught by Eric Stortz, small groups associate pastor

Saturdays April 24, May 1st, May 8th,
Brier Creek PM:  3:30pm in room 111, taught by Dr. Bruce Ashford, professor at Southeastern Seminary

Sundays May 2nd-May23
Cole Mill:  10:45am in the “Starting Point Room,”  taught by Brandon Hudson, director of Cole Mill student ministry

To register and receive more information about Basic Beliefs, contact Eric Stortz at estortz@summitrdu.com