Christian Education

When one of the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest,” Jesus responded from the Shema: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Mt 22:36-37, NRSV). We in the University Baptist family believe that our commitment to God should be informed by study, Bible study, study of theological concepts such as grace, and study of the historical context of our faith. Thus, Christian Education forms the core of what we are about as a church.

Sunday School

Sunday School at UBC offers many opportunities for Christian growth and development. Our program begins with our earliest learners in the bed baby room and continues through adult classes. All of our children’s classes use literature developed by Lifeway. Our youth class and several adult classes use literature developed by Smyth and Helwys. We also have classes that use various books and other topics chosen by the teacher and class members for study. Although we do have classes that are gender and/or age specific, we also offer many classes that are open to all and have a unique blend of cross-generational members. At UBC, you are sure to find a place to study, learn, and become a part of a group of caring, Christian friends seeking to learn more about God and how to serve Him more fully. The Sunday School class list below offers information about the class make-up, teacher/facilitator and the literature used.

• Bed Babies

  Age birth to toddler Idella McSwain- Lifeway

• Toddler

  Toddler to 3 years- Betsy Reynolds- Lifeway

• Preschool

  3 to 5 years- Marge Crowe- Lifeway

• Elementary Children

  Grades 1-3- Tommy Foles- Lifeway

• Elementary Children

  Grades 4-6- Jon Thornton- Lifeway

• Middle and High School

  Grades 7-12 - Adam and Bethany Rigney- Smyth and Helwys

• Young Professionals

  Jim and Leah Henderson - Our class is made up of an eclectic mix of Christians ranging from graduate students to professionals to retirees. Open discussion
  and diverse opinions are encouraged. The members determine our areas of study, and we are presently doing an in-depth study of major characters of the Old Testament along with the lessons they can teach our present generation.

• College Class

  The college class invites students from the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University, and Pearl River Community College to wrestle with issues of faith while searching for Biblically grounded answers. Typically, the class will not have any standard literature, but will examine where and how issues and ideas of the Old and New Testaments intersect with students’ lives and the modern context in which they live. Topics for examination and discussion may revolve around specific questions (such as “What does it mean to be a Christian?” or “What does Christ ‘look’ like?”) or themes (like “discipleship” or “temptation”). The class emphasis may shift according to class members’ interests and requests. The topics may vary widely and include controversial or timely issues. The class is discussion oriented and participation is encouraged. Eric Leatherwood, English Department, PRCC, is the teacher.

• Internationals

  Lee and Karen Walker - Smyth and Helwys - Most of the members of this class are international students studying at Southern Miss and William Carey University.

• Jolly-Roger Adult Class

  Dan Browning - The “Jolly Roger” class—named for two class members—began as an adult couples’ class, although it is open to all who wish to attend (and several regulars do so without spouses). The class has chosen not to use any standard literature, originally with the goal of working slowly through the entire Bible. This sequence has largely given way to special emphases, according to class members’ interests and requests, that are either explorations of particular biblical texts or topical in nature. While these have varied widely, including controversial issues, there is always an attempt to keep the Bible as the central focus of study. Discussion is very open and class members feel free to share a wide range of opinions.

• Contemporary Adult Class

  David Holley - The Contemporary Adults Class is composed of couples and singles from a wide age range (40’s to 90’s). The class has a very participative style. Class sessions start with a question that everyone has the opportunity to answer and then move to the biblical text for the day (from the Smith & Helwys Formations series). The teacher shares some insights into the text along the way, but mostly coordinates discussion by class members. The culture of the class permits freedom to express varying points of view and to explore ideas. Class discussions often generate a considerable amount of laughter and sometimes move in unpredictable directions.

• Agape Class

  The Agape Class meets at 9:45 Sunday mornings and employs an established adult curriculum, the Formations series by Smyth & Helwys Publishers. Our focus is Bible study and includes basic theological concepts, history of the faith and spiritual growth. We use an interactive, discussion-based approach that evokes laughter, thoughtful comments and silences, and sometimes tears. Outside of Sunday mornings, we provide ample opportunities for close, supportive relationships to grow among members; and we serve those in need, both within our church and in the broader community. Dick Conville is the teacher.

• Sojourner Class

  The Sojourner Class revolves around a study of biblical books. We have just completed a study of Matthew's gospel and are presently involved in a study of The Shack, by William Paul Young. For the future, the plan is occasionally to take up a current book, while maintaining a primary focus on books of the Bible. Small group study. Tim Crowe, teacher.

• Patience Class

  Elaine Wood - Smyth and Helwys - This class is a women’s class with members
  of various ages.

• Fidelis Class

  Donna Matthews – Smyth and Helwys - This class is another women’s class
  with members of various ages.

• Billy Rogers Memorial Class

  Hayward Anderson - Smyth and Helwys - This is a men’s class with members
  of various ages.

• No Name Class

  Forrest Wood - various topics - This men’s class meets in the church library
  and the members choose the topic of discussion.

Craig Ratliff Bible Study

Formed in the early 1980s, and led by Bennie Crockett, this opportunity for in-depth Bible study meets Sunday afternoons at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor from the Sunday after Labor Day through the end of May. Conducted in a lecture-discussion format, the group studies different Biblical books and topics as well as classical historical and theological texts and topics. 

John Blake Smith Discussion Group

This informal group is an extension of the College/Career ministry of UBC. Facilitated by David Walker, the group meets on Sunday nights at 6 pm, reads scripture and the works of modern inspirational writers and then reflects on the relevance of the passages. But first, there’s pizza and coke! The meetings are designed to be a safe place to respectfully express any questions, concerns or doubts about the Christian journey. The group is open to ANYONE, members and non-members of University Baptist Church. Enter the middle back door of the church facing the parking lot, and it is the first classroom on the right.

Winter Bible Study

Late January each year, UBC invites a noted teacher/scholar to lead an informal study. Most sessions are held in the evenings and combined with a meal at the church. Recent sessions have been led by Chuck Poole of Northminster Baptist, Jackson, MS; Alan Culpepper, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA; and Chuck Bugg, White Divinity School, Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC.

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