New Members

New Member Class

The following curriculum is intended to acquaint new or prospective members with the doctrinal positions of Grace Bible Church. Some of these positions are non-negotiable. The meetings are informal and discussion is encouraged. You will need to either purchase the books mentioned or check them out from the library.

I. The Scriptures

  • Inspiration and Authority 
  • Canon
  • Reading Resources: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter I Section IX & X; 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 2 Peter 1:20-21  

II. The Person of God

  • Attributes
  • Subsistence
  • Reading Resources: The Attributes of God by Arthur Pink; Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 4-7 & 21-22

III. Hamartiology

  • First Adam (imputation of guilt)
  • Second Adam (imputation of guilt and righteousness)
  • Reading Resources: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 13-22; Romans 5:16-21; Ephesians 2:1-3

IV. Soteriology

  • Justification, Sanctification & Glorification
  • Reading Resources: Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray; Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 33, 35, 38, & 87-88

V. The Theology of the Protestant Reformation

  • Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Fide, Soli Deo Gloria
  • Reading Resources: The Cambridge Declaration

VI. The Five Points of Calvinism

  • Reading Resources: The Five Points of Calvinism by Edwin Palmer; Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 13-20, 29-31; The Westminster Confession Chapter XVII

VII. The Sacraments

  • Introduction in the Reformed Church
  • Baptism (Baptistic and Covenantal)
  • The Lord’s Table
  • Reading Resources: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 92, 94, 96-97; Romans 6:3-6; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 10:16 & 11:23-27; Galatians 3:7-9, 27-29

VIII. Eschatology

  • Introduction to Eschatology
  • The Four Major Systems
  • The Second Coming of Christ and the Last Judgement
  • Reading Resoucres: Westminster Shorter Catechism Questions 37-38; Confession of Faith Chapters 32 –33; Mark 1:14-15; Acts 28:23; 2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 1:6-9 & 20:1-6, Matthew 12:29; & I Thessalonians 4:13-18 (cf. Matthew 24)

IX. Philosophy of Ministry and Church Structure

  • The Different Systems
  • Church Discipline
  • Philosophy of Ministry and Church Structure
  • The Inevitable Problems and Resolution
  • Reading Resources: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 25; I Timothy 3; Titus 1;  Matthew 18:15; Ephesians 4:12-16 & 2:21-22; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Acts 19:20 & 20:27; & Hebrews 10:25 & 13:17; Life in the Father’s House by Arien Mack & Dave Swavely

X. Constitution and Covenant of Membership

  • Reading Resources: Grace Bible Church’s Constitution & Covenant of Membership

XI. Discipleship Programs

  • Primary Programs (Evangelism & Discipleship)
  • Secondary Programs (Prayer Meetings, Fellowship Dinners, etc.)
  • Opportunities for service on Sunday mornings