Adult Learning Center
The ALC meets from 8:45-9:45 on Sunday mornings.
It is designed to provide “big picture” handles for people to better understand the Bible and the faith and how to live them out in our world. It does this by providing systematic instruction in biblical, theological, and Christian living subjects that we believe are foundationally important for people if they are to have a life-changing relationship with Christ and become equipped to be effective servants in His kingdom. Each course will challenge participants to follow Jesus by (1) growing more deeply in their relationship with Christ (i.e., loving God), and (2) serving in His kingdom (i.e., loving others).
View the current course offerings (requires member login).
ALC Tracks
Our ALC courses are designed to fit within three different “tracks."
1. The Foundation Series
We offer a series of courses that are rotated on roughly a yearly basis designed to orient people to the sweep of the Bible, Bible study methods, and foundational elements for living the Christian life. These classes are intended for those who have no background with the Christian faith, although they also will be helpful for those looking for a basic, systematic foundation in these areas. The courses are:
- Getting a Grip on the Bible: A course that provides a helpful overview of whole Bible and the specific contribution of each of its parts.
- Discover the Word Yourself: A practical method for study will be presented and applied on a short book of the Bible in order to equip you to study the Bible for yourself.
- Christian Foundations Group: Introduces you to the “what,” “why” and “how” of spiritual growth by fleshing out how DCC’s core values relate to your life.
- Spiritual Gifts Workshop: Helps you understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, identify your gifts, and understand how to use those gifts in combination with your personal style and ministry passion.
2. Missional Living Track
This track offers in-depth and systematic instruction on what it means to follow Jesus. The three general categories for this track include:
- Biblical Studies. The core of this track consists of a series of courses that together cover the entire Bible. Over time, participants in this track will be equipped to understand every book in the Bible, how each part relates to the rest of the Bible, how it points to Jesus, and how it applies to us today. Participants will come away with a knowledge of the storyline of the Bible, as well as the tools for interpreting and applying the Scriptures on their own.
- Theological Studies. A series of courses will be taught that survey the doctrinal distinctives of the Presbyterian, Reformed, evangelical heritage. These courses will not be “ivory tower” doctrinal theory. Rather, theology, properly understood, is the application of the Word of God to life. In doing theology, we ask specific questions of the Bible and seek to live faithfully in light of the Bible's teaching on these subjects.
- Christian Living Topics. Supplementing this foundation of biblical and theological courses will be a series of courses on various topics that we consider to be critically important for living the Christian life in today’s culture.
3. The Family Track
This track offers topical courses that address various aspects of marriage, parenting, and family life. They are designed to provide a biblical perspective on issues to help you live in distinctly Christian ways in these important areas to the glory of God.
Currently this track is "delivered" through the joint Family Ministries events (in partnership with Youth and Children's Ministries) and through the Joint Ventures marriage class that meets every Sunday morning.
4. Spiritual Gifts Workshop
Purpose
This workshop is designed to help you understand the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts, identify your gifts, and understand how those gifts in combination with your personal style and ministry passion lead to next steps for your personal ministry for the glory of God and demonstration of His Kingdom.
Overview of the Course
The Scriptures teach that all Christians have been given “spiritual gifts” and are expected to use these gifts in ministry for the benefit of others (e.g., 1 Peter 4:10). In fact, anyone who is serious about following Jesus must use their gifts. We often do this instinctively, but many people have found that intentional reflection on the topic of spiritual gifts has been very helpful for their own ongoing spiritual growth, effectiveness in ministry, and sense of personal satisfaction in the Christian life.
In addition to exploring your spiritual gifts, we’ll also spend time looking at how your personal style and ministry passions come together with your spiritual gifts to help you discern your ministry calling and help give you focus for where to plug in to ministry.
Vision for the ALC
Participation in the ALC is not an end in itself—we are not satisfied with adults merely gaining increased knowledge through the courses; rather, our knowledge is the means to the end: equipping people with the knowledge and motivation to follow Jesus by loving God and others.
It is our vision that through consistent participation in the ALC, an increasing number of adults will grow in spiritual maturity and involvement in Kingdom mission. This will be manifested as they:
- Deal with God, not simply keep busy in religious activities. The gospel will become more central to their lives.
- Are equipped to read, study, and apply the Bible for themselves.
- Increasingly live lives to the glory of God and the extension of His kingdom in their spheres of influence (families, neighborhoods, work, etc.).
- Connect with the community life of the church.
- Identify and express their spiritual gifts in service to the church and the world.