Classes
Each semester The Austin Stone offers a wide spectrum of classes, each one intended to develop a proper view of God, a fuller heart for the Gospel, and the ability to apply both of those things practically in life through Mission.
To register for a class, click on the section info for the class you're interested in. Online payment is required to hold your space in a class. If you don't complete the registration, your spot will not be reserved. Classes are closed to new registrants after their start date.
Our classes fill up fast and we want to hold spots for those who are able to commit. The last day for refunds will be February 2.
Don't let course fees prevent you from registering.
Apply for a needs-based scholarship.
Below is a preview of Spring 2012 classes. Registration will open in early 2012.
A Praying Life
St. John Campus
We 7:00–8:30pm
6 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 22 – April 4
Angela Suh
Sorry, no guys
For many of us, praying is difficult. But why? What do we believe about God and how He views His children and our prayers? Is prayer really as complicated as we have made it out to be? In this class, we will walk through the book, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller. As we learn about God, ourselves and obstacles to communicating with Him, we will also participate in small groups in class to help hold each other accountable to praying and asking big, bold things of our Father.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Bridges
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
Su 9:00–10:45am
6 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 19 – Mar 25
Annie Lent
Summer mission trip participants
Bridges helps Christians connect with Muslims. Whether you encounter Muslims in the grocery aisle or are preparing for full-time service overseas, Bridges will expand your knowledge of Islam and equip you to bridge the gospel to the Muslim heart and mind. You will be equipped through biblical teaching about Islam and what Muslims believe, opening the door for better understanding between belief systems. Class fee includes materials.
This class is for participants in Summer Mission Trips. If you would like to learn more, please contact ryan.king@austinstone.org.
Week 1- "Islam Rising"
Week 2- "Belief and Ritual"
Week 3- "Attitude of an Ambassador"
Week 4- "Bridging the Gospel"
Week 5- "Understanding the New Testament's Credibility"
Week 6- "Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice"
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Bridges
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
Su 11:00am –12:30pm
6 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 19 – Mar 25
Annie Lent
Summer mission trip participants
Bridges helps Christians connect with Muslims. Whether you encounter Muslims in the grocery aisle or are preparing for full-time service overseas, Bridges will expand your knowledge of Islam and equip you to bridge the gospel to the Muslim heart and mind. You will be equipped through biblical teaching about Islam and what Muslims believe, opening the door for better understanding between belief systems. Class fee includes materials.
This class is for participants in Summer Mission Trips. If you would like to learn more, please contact ryan.king@austinstone.org.
Week 1- "Islam Rising"
Week 2- "Belief and Ritual"
Week 3- "Attitude of an Ambassador"
Week 4- "Bridging the Gospel"
Week 5- "Understanding the New Testament's Credibility"
Week 6- "Understanding Jesus' Sacrifice"
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
College Men
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 5:00–6:45pm
6 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Lawson Flowers
College guys only
This class teaches college men how God has designed, redeemed and called men to be the servant leaders of their family, local church and society.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Connect Class
St. John Campus
We 7:00–8:30 PM
7 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 22 – April 11
Tyson Joe
This class is designed for people who desire to get connected into community at The Austin Stone. We will be studying the Gospel Centered Life curriculum together. This curriculum is challenging and beneficial for everyone, regardless of where you are in your walk with Christ. Group connection and discussion will be an integral part of the semester, as we develop deeper community through study and activities outside of class.
Groups will be led by trained missional community leaders, and each class group will have the opportunity to continue as an inter-generational missional community, once the class is over. Class fee includes any childcare needs and additional materials.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Delighting in God's Word
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
We 7:00–8:30pm
9 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 22 – Apr 18
Travis Wussow
God has called us to know Him. Growing in your ability to hear from Him through digging into His Word will transform your relationship with Him and your relationships with others. Join us as we learn how to go deeper into the Word of God. This is an intensive lab-style class, and it will require a considerable amount of time outside of class.
5+ hours of homework per week
Difficult Truths of Christianity
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 5:00–6:45pm
6 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 19 – Mar 25
Travis Wussow
What is the gospel? Why does God allow suffering in the world? How could a loving God send people to hell? How can one religion claim to be the only way? This class will walk through these basic questions of belief and the overarching story that the Bible tells. If you have questions or are exploring Christianity, this class is a great place to start.
Week 1: Intro
Week 2: Is the Bible God’s Word?
Week 3: The problem with hell
Week 4: If God is good why is there suffering?
Week 5: What is the gospel?
Week 6: Q & A
Course fee includes published curriculum.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Foster Care and Adoption
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
Su 7:00–8:30 PM
6 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Arrow Child and Family Ministries
The Austin Stone is partnering with Arrow Child & Family Ministries to host their foster and foster adoption training at the Austin Stone. This training will certify families, singles or couples to provide respite care for foster families, to become foster parents, and to adopt from the foster care system. It is not necessary to know in advance which particular opportunity families will be pursuing. Training will cover such topics as: communication, abuse/neglect, child development, and grief and loss.
2–3 Hours of Homework per Week
Gospel Counseling I
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 5:00–6:45pm
8 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 22
Val Vance
Jason Kovacs & Mark Adams
One of the most important things that informs the way that we counsel ourselves and others is what we believe about God. We have been given the gift of the Word so that we can better know God and have a lens through which to see the rest of life and all its circumstances. This class will walk through various topics within the Bible including creation, the fall of man, the gospel, future grace, suffering and community to understand how each of these matters and affects our everyday life. There is no pre-requisite for this class and it is the entry point for anyone that desires to serve within the Gospel Counseling ministry.
Suggested additional reading (not required): How People Change
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Gospel Counseling II
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
Su 11:00am–12:30pm
8 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 22
Kathleen Choe
Jason Kovacs
This course will address how God uses us as His instruments of change in the life of others. We will look specifically at how the gospel addresses such issues as anxiety, depression, addictions, lust, and anger. Learners will begin to interact with case studies and be given practical tools to be used in caring for others.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Introduction to Missional Community
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
SU 11:00am–12:30pm
6 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Tyler David & Todd Enstrom
If you are in a group already or simply want to learn more about missional communities, our Missional Community Training is a great place to get started.
The purpose of missional community training is to train and equip people with the philosophy behind and the fundamentals of leading an effective, gospel-centered missional community.
This class is open to anyone interested in learning more. It spans four weeks.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Married Life
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
Su 9:00–10:45am
9 weeks / Fee: $45 per couple
Feb 19 – April 22
Jon & Amelia Dansby
Dave & Suzanne Barrett
Married Couples > 3 yrs
This class is designed to help you get connected to biblical community at The Austin Stone while examining the real issues of marriage and life through the lens of the gospel. Together, we’ll build a foundation on what the Bible teaches about God’s design for our marriages, and then explore issues like communication, finance, and conflict. Course commitment includes weekly participation in groups outside of class on Wednesday evenings. This class is designed primarily for those who are not already in a missional community, or as a chance to re-start. ONLY ONE PERSON FROM EACH COUPLE NEEDS TO REGISTER.
Week 1 - Marriage and Community
Week 2 - Purposes of Marriage
Week 3 - Our roles within marriage
Week 4 - Love and the Gospel
Week 5 - Communication and your design
Week 6 - The roots of conflict
Week 7 - Finances
Week 8 - Sex and the Glory of God
Week 9 - What's next
1–2 hours of homework per week + missional community
Missional Business 3.2
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 9:00–10:45am
7 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Tom Jordan
The purpose of this class is to equip and encourage business leaders to be on mission with their business practices and to honor God in all areas of their lives. How do you lead in business as a follower of Christ? How should the gospel impact the way you hire, pay employees, and seek profit for the company? This class will look at the gospel principles behind godly business practices and focus heavily on practical application.
Each semester the Missional Business class will include new material as well as on-going content. Please feel free to re-visit the class, even if you have taken it before.
A missional community exists for those wanting to go deeper in this area and be equipped. It is called Missional Business Launchpad and is designed for members to spend 6 to 8 months in an 'incubator' of sorts and then launch out to start their own community focused on the business area. Content will be a blend of Alan Hirsch's 'Forgotten Ways', C12 curriculum and Acton MBA material
2–3 Hours of Homework per Week
Nearly/Newly Married Life
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 9:00–10:45am
8 weeks / Fee: $45 per couple
Feb 19 – April 22
Steve & Anne Teng
Morgan & Jon Norris
Brian & Karen Riley
Couples engaged or married < 3 yrs
For couples who are engaged or have been married up to three years. Spend time with others in this important life stage and learn principles of a Godly marriage, while discussing practical issues that we face when two become one. This class will connect couples to a missional community, and participants are required to participate in a mid-week missional community during the class (you'll be able to select nights that work with your schedule when you sign up). If you are engaged and completing Pre-Marital Counseling, please take this class after finishing counseling. ONLY ONE PERSON FROM EACH COUPLE NEEDS TO REGISTER.
Week 1 - Intro/Get to know you
Week 2 - Biblical Foundations of Marriage
Week 3 - Needs/Roles/Responsibilities
Week 4 - Conflict Resolution
Week 5 - Communication Leading to Full Disclosure
Week 6 - Finances and In Laws
Week 7 - Sex and Sexuality
Week 8 - Q&A Panel
1–3 hours of Homework per Week + missional community
Old Testament Survey: the Journey
St. John Campus
We 7:00–8:30pm
9 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 22 – April 18
James Paquette
Halim Suh
Ryan King
'OT Survey: the Journey' will cover the Historical Books of the Old Testament. 12 books starting from Joshua through Esther. We will see God’s enduring Goodness as He leads His people in possessing the promised land, His enduring Fatherhood as He disciplines them through their Captivity in foreign lands and His enduring Faithfulness as He restores them back into their own land.
We encourage you to jump in with any of our OT Survey classes. They do not have to be completed in order. (This class was previously called OT Survey II)
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Overcoming Sin & Pursuing Christ
Sorry, class closed
St. John Campus
SU 5:00–6:45pm
8 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 22
Lindsay Funkhouser & Val Vance
Sorry, no guys
To fully pursue Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives, we must consistently be fighting the sin and temptations that seek to draw us away from him. Scripture commands us to challenge and encourage one another in this fight through community, and so this class will not only focus on how we should fight sin, but how we can do it together. The class will meet for 8 weeks, and students are also expected to meet with their table groups once per week outside of class time for analysis and discussion of the material. This class seeks to build communities that will continue to meet after the semester has finished.
This course will require the book The Mortification of Sin by John Owen.
2–3 Hours of Homework per Week + missional community
Ruth
St. John Campus
We 7:00–8:30pm
5 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 22 – March 28
Fabienne Harford
Sorry, no guys
The book of Ruth isn't about how to get a husband or how to be a super Christian. It's a story of an ordinary girl whose life gets interrupted by an extraordinary God. Join us as we dig into this great love story and unpack the truths that enabled Ruth to cling to God in the middle of the messiness of life.
Course fee includes a published curriculum.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Satisfied
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 11:00am–12:30pm
6 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Fabienne Harford & Theresa King
Sorry, no guys
Each of us has deep desires knitted into the fabric of our being. We're desperate to be known and loved, successful and respected. Those desires in themselves aren't the problem, it's what we do with them. Join us as we wrestle together to figure out what it would look like to have our desires satisfied in God alone.
This class is designed to connect you to community at the Austin Stone. You will be placed in a Missional Community with other women in various stages of life and your will meet together on Wednesday nights.
1–2 hours of homework per week + missional community (wed night)
Satisfied
Sorry, class closed
West Campus
Su 12:00pm–1:30pm
6 weeks / Fee: $30
Feb 19 – April 1
Fabienne Harford & Jennie Allen
Sorry, no guys
Each of us has deep desires knitted into the fabric of our being. We're desperate to be known and loved, successful and respected. Those desires in themselves aren't the problem, it's what we do with them. Join us as we wrestle together to figure out what it would look like to have our desires satisfied in God alone.
Lunch will be provided.
1–2 hours of homework per week
The Gospel and Physical Fitness
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
SU 5:00–6:30pm
5 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 26 – April 1
Chris Allman
Shawn Martinez & Claire Donahoe
Our physical bodies are a gift from God and the measure to which we take care of them can be an indication of our spiritual health as well as our enslavement to sin. The purpose of this class is to help broaden your perspective on how to value health and fitness. Why do we take care of our bodies? Why don’t we? Why should we?
This class will provide a biblical perspective on potential struggles with self-image, emotional eating, lack of motivation, and ambition for fitness. In addition, you will receive guidance on cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, nutrition, and flexibility. The first half of this class will be educational and the second half will be an actual workout.
This class is appropriate from the low-active individual to the athlete. The workouts will be modified and progressed appropriately.
1–2 Hours of Homework per Week
Theological Survey II
Sorry, class closed
Downtown Campus
Su 11:00am–12:30pm
7 weeks / Fee: $20
Feb 19 – April 1
Halim Suh
Kevin Peck
Todd Engstrom
This class will cover the doctrines of Redemption, the Church, and the End Times. We highly recommend that you have previously taken Theological Survey I which covered the doctrines of the Word of God, Man, and Jesus Christ. This course will require the book Bible Doctrine.
