Core Curriculum
Before we begin discussing each of the modules, we must first get a broad overview of the content of Discipleship Training. Uptown Church had developed approximately 30 course that form the foundation of its training curriculum. The courses are grouped into three categories of spiritual maturity discussed above: God and You, God and His People, God and the World. These course will be offered in a variety of different venues, such as Sunday School, Life Groups, seminars, and retreats.
God and You
Doctrine of Scripture
Course that outlines the concepts of inerrancy and inspiration as well offers a defense of the authority of scripture. Attention is also given to the origins of the Bible and the development of the canon.
Systematic Theology I.
Overview of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith including doctrine of God, doctrine of man, the person of Christ, and covenant theology. Attention given here to the language of the WCF.
Systematic Theology II.
Covers the nature and extent of the atonement, as well as the individual stages of the ordo salutis, including calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, sanctification, adoption, and glorification.
Sonship Course/Gospel Transformation
Centers upon the transformation of the Christian by the power of the gospel and helping the believer formulate and clarify their identity in Christ.
What is Reformed Theology?
Overview of the distinguishing components of the reformed faith, particulary the Five Points of Calvinism and the Solas. Attention is also given to Covenant theology, and the authority of scripture.
Bible Survey
Broad look at the major flow of redemptive history in both the New and Old Testament. Overview of the chronology and structure of the Bible and the way individual books fit within that pattern.
Biblical Hermeneutics
Answers the question, How do I Study the Bible? Introduction to proper methods of biblical interpretation and applies
Spiritual Disciples
An overview of the main public and private disciplines for spiritual growth, such as prayer, bible devotions, worship, personal study, and mentoring.
Gender and the Modern Christian
What it means biblically to be a man or woman and how that differs from the world's conception. Special attention given to gender roles in church and family.
Sexuality, Health, and Addiction
The biblical view of maintaining the sanctity and health of our bodies from all the challenges of the modern world, including sexual sin and substance abuse.
Kingdom Stewardship I
Offers a biblical perspective on money and other Kingdom resources. Challenges believers to avoid being lovers of money and to use their resources in a godly manner that builds the Kingdom of God.
Kingdom Stewardship II
Training on money-management and financial wisdom from a biblical perspective. Material primarily drawn from Crown Ministries.
God and His People
Doctrine of the Church and Sacraments
Understanding the theology of the church and the role it plays in the life of the believer. Special consideration given to the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Church History
Survey of church history from its origins in the first century through the modern day, taking into consideration major figures, events, and challenges faced by Christians.
Missionaries and Martyrs
An overview of the great missionaries throughout church history, as well as those whose faithful ministry led them to give their life for the gospel.
Inquirer's Class and Connectings
Introduction to the vision and distinctives of Uptown Church and the PCA as a denomination. Also, an overview of spiritual gifts and guidance on where to get involved in the church.
Worship
Overview of the biblical doctrine and practice of worship. Explores the role of worship in the life of the believer as well as addressing contemporary controversies over worship music, with special attention given to the regulative principle.
Christian Marriage
Survey of the biblical teachings on marriage and its importance to the furtherance of God's Kingdom. Also offers practical steps for how to develop a marriage and a home built on Christ.
Raising Christ-Centered Children in a Me-Centered World
Godly principles for raising children to do more than obey outward regulations, but to love and obey God from the heart. Utilizes case studies and examples from parents in the congregation.
The Art of Servant Leadership
Explores the definition of biblical leadership as it is patterned after the humble service of Christ himself. Focuses upon how the body is called to serve and love one another.
Teacher Training
Provides a theological and practical framework for how to teach the Bible to others. Suitable for all believers, but particularly Life Group Leaders and Sunday School teachers.
Mentor Training
Introduction to the role and function of a biblical mentor as well as practical guidelines for how to effectively shepherd those people who are being mentored.
God and the World
Vocation and Calling
Exploration of the biblical teaching on vocation and work, particularly how to identify God's calling on our life and our role in the Kingdom. Special attention given to how we can apply the truths of the gospel to our places of work.
Understaning Creation: Genesis 1-3
Exploration of the origins of the world in light of the early chapters of Genesis, with special attention to the creation-evolution controversy and the relationship between science and faith.
Other Religions and Non-Chrstian Thought
Survey of the major world religions and philosophies with a Christian analysis of each and suggestions on how to effectively communicate to these groups.
Let the Nations Be Glad: World Missions
Overview of the biblical teaching on God's plan for world missions. Focus upon the role of the church on both an individual and corporate level, as well as how missions ultimately is done to bring glory to God.
Christianity, Culture, and Politics
An assessment of the role of the church, and the individual Christian, in the broader realms of culture and politics, and how to bring God's light to bear in these arenas.
Evangelism Training
How to effectively share the gospel in an unbelieving world. Focus upon establishing both the biblical message of evangelism and a biblical method of evangelism.
Apologetics and Worldview Training
Introduction to how to defend the faith and challenge unbelief within a postmodern world. Focus upon developing a biblical method of argumentation that will be effective in refuting any non-Christian worldview.
Mercy, Justice, and Faithfulness
Overview of the biblical teaching on mercy and justice and the role such ministries should have within the life of the local church. Models of successful mercy ministries in other evangelical congregations will be examined.