Systematic Theology Class

Rev. Steven Felker (pastor, Christ Chapel) is leading a book study from Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology"; a formidable book of 1200 pages. It is a biblical theology written very accessibly and with a devotional heart.

What is Systematic Theology?

If you imagine a tapestry, with the threads going one direction being Bible knowledge, then Systematic Theology is the weaving of threads across the Bible. It seeks to collate Biblical teaching across the Scriptures on a single topic. Grudem is a good resource for this in that he is a very accomplished scholar in his own right, and comes to the table with very few axes to grind; he is not writing to prove his preconception, but to probe what the Word says.

The class(es) will be available to anyone interested. No cost, and alas, no credit (except maybe in glory!)

The method of class will be:

1. Read the chapter / assignment outside of class.
2. Accomplish the memory verse listed by the author.
3. Respond as you wish to the journaling questions with each chapter.
4. In our class time (max. 60 mins) the material will not be re-taught. Rather the group will try to answer each others' questions and interact with the material. Where the book may be thin on the breadth of views on a particular subject, pastor Steve will fill in some fresh material including the special terms and definitions that are part of it.
5. Our class time will begin with singing the hymn proposed by Grudem.
6. Pastor Steve can field least some additional queries on the material via e-mail.
7. Our schedule intends to track wit the academic year. Anticipate four 16-week semesters to finish the book.

Additional notes:

• When pastor Steve is out of town, other pastors from the area may fill in. If we don't keep this thing moving, it'll never be completed!
• If this sounds good, get the book. It costs about $27 from Amazon. It's also available on CD-ROM.
• A looseleaf notebook is recommend for your study, with the following divisions:
  • An area for compilation of theological definitions as Gruden develops them.
  • An area for handouts, although there won't be many.
  • An area for journaling.
  Pick up a ream of pre-punched paper for the notebook. I ran mine through the printer with the following items having recording space in the header: Chapter # and Title, check-offs for Read it, Journaling complete, Special terms reviewed, and memory verse complete. Then just journal on the open sheet.

Class Schedule

Date: Thursday, 8:30pm, starting on 18 September 2008.
Location: John R. Mott House, 203 Wycoff Ave (corner of Thurston Ave).

A contact number at Mott house is not yet established. One will be posted as soon as it comes available.

More Information

Pastor Steve
607-257-2846 (office)
607-256-0965 (home)
Pastor, Christ Chapel