Fall 2008 Course Descriptions
Click on a class name below for more information or to get registered.
Spiritual Formation Courses
MORPH
Rick Shurtz
If you’re looking for a deeper, more passionate, more fulfilling, more influential walk with Christ, and you’re willing to invest some time and energy for that experience, then MORPH may be exactly what you want. MORPH is a four module experience for small groups and running partners. Each module lasts eight weeks.
8 week course for small groups or running partners
Regular weekly small group meetings + 3 monthly large group meetings
Tuition: $25; Register by August 10
($) Childcare available for large group meetings
MORPH: Love God
An interactive experience to cultivate a more authentic love for God.
McNeil Campus
Large group meetings on Aug. 12, Sept. 9, and Oct. 7, 7-8:30pm
MORPH: Build Character
An interactive experience to inspire and equip transformation of one’s character.
The MORPH: Love God module should be completed BEFORE registering for MORPH: Build Character
McNeil Campus
Large group meetings on Aug. 14, Sept. 11, and Oct. 9, 7-8:30pm
South Campus
Large group meetings on Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8, 7-8:30pm
THINK…about belief
Sherilyn Villareal & the THINK Teaching Team
Come join us for a second pilot version of THINK… about belief, the first of what will eventually be a series of four THINK modules. In this first module, we’ll consider how we can be confident in the truth of the Christian worldview even among a myriad of worldview options. We’ll do this by considering both the philosophical foundations of our faith and also the important role that Scripture plays in shaping how and what we as Christians believe.
6-week course for individuals or small groups
Tuesdays, August 19 – September 23, 7-9pm
Tuition: $25; Register by August 10
($) Childcare available
Special Topics Seminars
Blueprint of Redemption
Lee Wilson
This engaging educational seminar will present a bird’s eye view of the Bible and its pervasive message of hope and redemption. Together, we’ll take a broad look at God's consistent plan for humanity from the beginning of time (Genesis) until the end (Revelation). Along the way, we’ll observe key historical events in light of God’s promises through the ages and look at how He has and still is fulfilling these promises. Come join us as we see God's grand plan of redemption for humanity through the story of the Bible. Please bring a Bible to class.
6-week seminar
Thursdays, August 21 – September 25, 7-8:30pm
Register by August 10
Tuition: $25
Charting Your Course
Gary Foran
Are you seeking greater clarity about God’s purpose for your life? This weekend class will help you gain new insights into God’s work in your past and His possibilities for your future. Through a variety of exercises and discussions, you’ll develop a clearer view of God, your values, and your life vision. Please bring a Bible to class. Course fee includes lunch on Saturday.
Weekend seminar
Fri, August 22, 7 – 9:30pm
Sat, August 23, 8am – 3pm
Tuition: $40; Register by August 17
Prework: 1-2 hours
Dating: A Shot in the Light
Chris and Karen Craxton
You: 8 minute dater, Match.com-er, home alone on Friday night, blind dater, bar hopper, etc. Me: frustrated, annoyed, feeling rejected, ready to give up. Let’s meet up and find out how dating can work for us… Tired of a shot in the dark? Try a shot in the light and join our singles community as we look to a Godly perspective on how to date in today’s world. We will explore a variety of topics in dating and discuss practical applications together.
6-week seminar
Thursdays, August 21 – September 25, 7-8:30pm
Tuition: $25; Register by August 10
Encouraging Words Evangelism
Robert Watson-Hemphill
Every day we come in contact with hundreds of people who do not know the love of God. Too often our efforts to reach out to them are received as a turn-off. Imagine the possibilities if we could hear and speak the things that are on God's heart for individuals in the marketplace. This hands-on seminar will teach you to hear the voice of God for others and communicate what you hear in non-religious language. You will be practicing what you learn in class with each other and on an outreach.
Weekend seminar
Held in South Austin but open to all
Saturday, August 16, 10am – 3pm
(includes a break for lunch on your own)
Register by August 10
Tuition $10
GEM Weekend
David & Kay Moore & the GEM Team
GEM Weekend prepares engaged couples for marriage and provides married couples with tools to strengthen their relationship. At GEM you'll learn how to develop the kind of relationship God desires for you and how to address marital challenges such as communication, finances, conflict resolution, spiritual oneness, and sexual intimacy. Course fee includes Friday night dinner and Couples Inventory.
Weekend seminar
Fri, September 12, 5:45 – 9pm
Sat, September 13, 9am – 1pm
Register by August 31
Tuition: $100 per couple
Prework: Couples Inventory completed at least 1 week prior
Good $ense
Kimberly Watson-Hemphill & the Good Sense Team
The Bible talks about money more than any other subject because it is so often a barrier to our spiritual growth. During this workshop, explore God’s wisdom about money and work confidentially on a plan to meet your financial goals. Whether you want to get out of debt, save or give more, or reduce financial stress in your life, the Good $ense workshop can help! Bring lunch on Saturday.
Weekend seminar
Friday, September 12, 6:45 – 9:15pm
Saturday, September 13, 9am – 3pm
Register by Septmeber 7
Tuition: $20 for an individual, $30 for a couple sharing resources
Prework: 2-3 hours
Moving Forward
Caitlin Allbright
Everyone has experienced pain, negative patterns, and brokenness in their life. Sometimes it’s not clear how to move forward from where you are. This safe, inspiring, and thought-provoking class is designed to show you how to let God into the healing process. Learn how to establish healthier relationships and become aware of obstacles that can keep you from experiencing more joy and peace in your life.
4-week seminar
Wednesdays, August 20 – September 10, 7-8:30pm
Register by August 10
Tuition: $25
Preparing for a Child Dedication
Kenny Conley
Child dedication is an event that marks your spiritual commitment to your child and your promise to raise him or her up in the ways of Christ. This class will help you understand the commitment you are making and how to prepare for the Child Dedication service this fall. All parents who wish to participate in the dedication must attend this class.
Weekend seminar
Sat, September 13, 10 – 11:30am
Register by September 7
Tuition: None
($) Childcare Available
Short-term Missions: Why & How We Go
Kaylee Kolditz
Whether it’s flying to the coast, heading across the border, or traveling to the other side of the globe, if you’re interested in short-term missions, come learn why we go and how to prepare. This 6-hour seminar will help you to sift through your own expectations, teach you how to navigate cultural differences, introduce you to successful approaches to serving, and ultimately prepare you for the journey. If you plan to take a short-term mission trip or just want to learn more about global outreach, join us for this interactive learning experience.
Weekend seminar
Saturday, August 16, 9am – 3pm
Register by August 10
Tuition $25 (lunch included)
Leadership Development Courses
Leading a Life-Changing Small Group
Kirby Holmes
New small group leaders and Taste of Community Hosts will find the practical information and encouragement they need to effectively lead their small group. Learn how and why we do small groups at Gateway, and get valuable tools for facilitating small group meetings. Time for questions will be provided.
Weekend seminar
Saturday, August 16, 9 – 12pm
Register by August 10
Tuition: None
Leading in an Imperfect World
Gary Foran & John Burke
This class, based on John’s book No Perfect People Allowed, is essential for all Gateway Leaders. Develop your understanding of the church we lead and the city we are trying to reach. We’ll explore the challenges of leading in light of the five main struggles of our post-Modern, post-Christian culture: trust, truth, tolerance, aloneness, and brokenness. Please bring a Bible to class.
4-week seminar
Tuesdays, August 19 – September 9, 7 – 8:30pm
Register by August 10
Tuition: $25
($) Childcare Available
Powerful Conversations
Michael Warden, CPCC
Are you ready to take your leadership to the next level of spiritual fulfillment and impact? Come gain the skills you need to make the most of your influence as a leader, whether at Gateway, in your workplace, or with friends. You will be trained in 7 powerful, easy-to-understand coaching skills that will help you connect with God more effectively, maximize your impact with others, and launch your leadership to a whole new level of connection, impact and growth.
7-week seminar
Sundays, August 17 – September 28, 2:30 – 3:30pm
Register by August 10
Tuition: $25
The Group That Serves Together…
Greg Kuguenko & Gary Foran
Does your small group want deeper relationships, a renewed eagerness to learn, and a chance to make a real impact in your world? Then come discover the power of getting your group involved in serving together! This seminar will inspire and equip you to discover your group’s passions and the available opportunities to serve. You will get hands-on experience with a curriculum which you can use in your group. If possible, sign up with one or more of your group members.
Weekend seminar
Saturday, September 13, 9am – 1pm
Register by September 7
Tuition: None
(Bring a sack lunch)