trinity baptist church // new haven, ct

Deepening by Learning...

Sunday School Classes at 9:00am

Our Sunday classes seek to equip our congregation to live more faithfully and authentically for glory of Christ. At the heart of all our classes is the Gospel-the good news of the grace of Jesus Christ-and the belief that true spiritual transformation happens when we explore and apply the Gospel to all of life. As the biblical gospel takes root in our minds and hearts, we are changed to love God more fully, live in community more authentically, and serve God more faithfully in the world. Most broadly, our class topics fall into one of three categories: First, we want to teach the core elements of the Christian Faith. These courses include overviews of the Bible, the basics of Christian theology, and surveys of church history. Second, we want to build Christian character. These classes explore the ways in which the gospel applies to prayer, worship, growth in holiness, forgiveness, and living in community. Third, we want to equip for Christian service. Every Christian is called to serve. Thus, these classes discuss living a gospel-centered life for the sake of others. Classes include personal evangelism, apologetics, world missions, work, mercy ministry, marriage, parenting, and financial stewardship.

Classes meet downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. 

Current Classes:

Old Testament Historical & Poetical Books (Judges through Song of Songs) - Greg Hendrickson
Have you ever read something in the Old Testament and wondered "Why is that in the Bible?" or "How is this at all relevant for us today?" In this class we will look into the narrative, background, and themes of the Old Testament historical and poetical books. We will see how the big picture points forward to Jesus and explore what it means for us today.

The Gospel-Centered Life - Jon Hinkson and Nick Lauer
A ten-week study on how the gospel transforms everything


Past classes...

Overview of the Pentateuch - Greg Hendrickson
Making The Connection - John Yelverton
Seeking God Wholeheartedly - Chris Matthews

Trinity 101: Trinity Elders

This four week class (starting Sun Sept 11) will explore the mission that God has given us as a congregation, the core commitments and beliefs that make us who we are, and the ways in which God might be calling you to join in. This class is required to become a member at Trinity; but even if you've already a member this class will inspire and encourage you as you follow Christ as a part of this local church.

THE GOD WHO IS THERE: FINDING YOUR PLACE IN GOD'S STORY ~ Kwame Atsina & Jane Hendrickson

Have you ever wondered how the story of the Bible fits together? Have you ever felt that you couldn't clearly share your faith with your friends or colleagues? Do you wish you understood the story of redemption more fully? In this class we'll study how the Bible teaches us who God is and how his actions throughout the history, as told in the Old and New Testaments, point to his ultimate revelation in Christ. We'll be using D.A. Carson's, The God Who is There as a framework for our study which is available in the bookstall.


HEROES OF THE FAITH  ~ Jon Hinkson, Ian Maddock & Rhys Bezzant

Respectable Sins?  ~ Seth Hamman

The class deals with the question of whether as Christians, we have become so preoccupied with the major sins of our society that we have lost sight of our need to deal with our own more subtle sins.  Over the course of nine weeks, we will be addressing what the Bible has to say about the pursuit of holiness when it comes to specific issues like discontentment, anxiety and frustration, unthankfulness, pride, selfishness, lack of self-control, impatience, envy and judgmentalism.  Our text for this class will be Jerry Bridges' Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins we Tolerate. 

Christian Perspectives On The Arts & Humanities  ~ Kyle Dugdale, Hans Leaman & Kris Shaffer. 

 

We live in a culture that is full of Christian ideas and symbols, yet at the same time is full of ignorance of Christ himself.  In this class, we’ll be discussing ways to proclaim Christ and the church more clearly through three very influential aspects of our culture: music, architecture, and history.  We’ll survey what the Bible has to say about each of these fields, explore how Christians have tapped into their creative potential in the past, and strategize about how we might become more conscientious consumers – and producers – of the arts and humanities today.


The Parables Of Our Lord ~Andrew Allis


"A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning." So some of us were taught, as children, in Sunday School. Although essentially true, as far as it goes, its time now, as adults, to go deeper and seek further clarification and insight into this literary genre our Lord used to teach his central message of the Kingdom of God. We'll open with an examination of how the parables have been interpreted (both wrongly and rightly) in times past and present, and with a brief look at why Jesus employed the parabolic method. (Was it to reveal Truth, or to conceal it?)

Henry Vander Kam's short (and inexpensive!) study guide, The Parables of Our Lord will be our secondary text as we work through, not only the more familiar and well-loved parables, such as “The Parable of the Sower,” “The Wise and Foolish Virgins,” and “The Prodigal Son;” but also some of our Lord's more obscure and less understood parables, such as “The Parable of the Seed Growing in Secret,” “The Unrighteous Steward,” and “The Unclean Spirit.”  As we seek to better understand the parables in their original historical settings in the ministry of Jesus, may the Holy Spirit be pleased to apply the life-giving and transforming power of these sections of His Word, to our lives.


God's Sovereignty & Our Responsibility - Dr. Ian Maddock & David Moser
 "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works it out in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." (Philippians 2:12-13).  If God is completely sovereign, why do we pray?  If God has predestined certain people to be saved, why bother sharing the gospel with anyone, or even pursuing holiness in our personal lives?  This class will begin by exploring what the Bible teaches us about the relationship between God's sovereignty and our responsibility, and finish by investigating some key moments in church history - Augustine vs Pelagius, Luther vs Erasmus, Whitefield vs Wesley - where this issue has emerged as the focal point of a theological conflict with enormous pastoral implications.
 
Gospel Witness in a Post-Christian World - Jon Hinkson & Others
What does faithfulness in our witness to the Good News of Jesus involve?  What are some of the challenges we are likely to face in our efforts and how may we meet these challenges?   What modes and motivations are supplied in scripture and how might we fruitfully apply them? In this study passages from the Acts of the Apostles will be our guide.

Sanctification - Andrew and Dorene Allis 
“Be killing sin, or sin will be killing you;” So said the great Puritan scholar John Owen. This class deals with the Christian’s fight for sanctification. Edward Welch’s excellent work, Addictions: A banquet in the Grave offers a fresh biblical approach to battling sin in our lives and living in the freedom of the gospel. Although the book deals primarily with the classic prototypic addictions of drugs and alcohol, it has wider relevance to any (and all) persistent sins, those stubborn and heartbreaking besetting sins which cling to us and seem to defy our best efforts to cast off.
 
The Big Picture Of The Bible - Seth Hamman and Dr. Ian Maddock
What is the big picture of the Bible?  For all of its diverse literary genres and authors, does it have a unifying theme?  This class deals with how we can begin to read and understand the Bible as a whole, showing how the different parts of the Bible fit together under the theme of the Kingdom of God: God's people living under God's rule in God's place.  Each week will involve a Bible study that illustrates how God has progressively revealed his plan of salvation across time, culminating in the arrival of the King of God's Kingdom, Jesus Christ.  Our text for this class will be God's Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible by Vaughan Roberts. 

The Trinity- Biblical, Theological, Historical and Practical Perspectives - Welles Brandriff
The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most important Christian doctrines, but it's also one of the most perplexing.  This class will explore questions like: Is the Trinity biblical?  What can we learn from church history when it comes to how we can best explain the Trinity from a theological perspective?  What practical difference does believing in a triune God make?  What are some contemporary challenges to the Trinity and how can I respond to them in a way that's faithful to God's word?  Our text for this class will be "Making Sense of the Trinity: Three Crucial Questions" by Millard Erickson.

Biblical Parenting  - Rick & Soozie Schneider
"Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it."  (Proverbs 22:6).  This class will explore the biblical foundations for raising children, and discuss what being a shepherd of our children's hearts looks like in practice.  All are welcome: Would-be parents, parents-to-be, and parents with children of any age.  Our text for this class will be "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp.

What Is A Healthy Church Member? - Dave Schwaderer and Ian Maddock
What is the biblical rationale for membership of a local church? What does a healthy church member look like in the light of Scripture? How can you, as an individual member of this local church, contribute to its positive health? In what ways can you help encourage this local expression of the body of Christ to reflect the glory of God? This class will be referring to Thabiti Anyabwile's "What is a Healthy Church Member?" and Mark Dever's "Nine Marks of a Healthy Church."

Jesus and the Good (News) Life - Nick Lauer
The search for "the good life" has inspired and haunted humans of all ages. We all want our lives to count. But how?! Jesus said, "I've come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The apostles spoke of "walking in line with the truth of the gospel." Join us as we explore the implications of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for all areas of life, and seek to live in the fullness of the gospel of Jesus.

Discovering and Using Your Gifts - Tim Callahan
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  The Lord has gifted each Christian to be of service in His work." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).  Quite often as Christians we find it difficult to know how to use the gifts God has equipped us with. This class with explore the scriptural gifts, examine their practical use, and help us to discover our gifts in order that the Body of Christ may be built up.

Money Matters - James Choi & Greg Hendrickson
This class will explore the Biblical perspective on money. Specific topics include generosity, prudence, savings, debt, poverty, and wealth. We will also discuss some practical issues in stewarding money, such as budgeting, investing, controlling overspending, and giving wisely to charities.

Back to Basics - Andrew Gilson & Ian Maddock
Join us as we look at seven foundational studies. Topics will include being saved by God, trusting in God, living God’s way, listening to God, talking to God, meeting with God’s family and meeting the world.

Survey of the Old Testament Prophetical Books - Greg Chalfant
This class will provide an overview of the Old Testament Prophetical Books: Isaiah through Malachi. We will consider what prophecy is and how it functioned in ancient Israel. We will consider the prophets and their message in their historical, literary, and Biblical context in an attempt to properly understand and apply God's Word to our own lives.

Doctrine of Salvation -
This class will treat of the various components that make up salvation. Discussion will be divided into consideration of the things that happen prior to conversion, the things that happen at conversion, and the carrying on of the work of salvation to completion. Topics include illumination, conviction, effectual calling, justification, reconciliation, adoption, regeneration, sanctification, and glorification.

Evangelism - Nick Lauer
Do you have a desire to share the truth of Jesus Christ, but you are convinced you never present it right? Perhaps you have friends who see faith as important but are not sure where to place it. These next nine weeks, Nick will lead you to apprehend both the importance of these questions and a clear and concise way to present the saving truth of Jesus Christ.

“It All Happened Here” – Jon Hinkson
Stories of the people of God in New Haven across the centuries, including the Christian vision in the founding of New Haven; the Christian vision in the founding of Yale; Revivals and Awakenings and Mission Exploits. Come hear the stories behind familiar New Haven names such as John Davenport, John Edwards, and Timothy Dwight. Church History from our own backyard!

What do Christians Believe? – Greg Hendrickson
With so many voices in the world claiming to know what real Christianity is, how can we be confident in what we believe? Based on the Scripture, come listen and dialogue through foundational principles of faith and doctrine that will draw you closer to God in your everyday life.