Adult Ministries
Adult Sunday School Classes
Meeting Time: 9:30-10:30 AM on Sunday mornings
Room 8 is a fellowship of young adults (20/30-ish and friends) who enjoy interactive, participatory Sunday School lessons, as well as other social and service-oriented gatherings. Our Sunday morning classes so far this year have centered around Global Ministries, and we are considering how we might form a partnership with a church in another country, in order to learn from one another. This fall, our class will continue to explore global and community issues, spiritual disciplines, and scriptures. We are planning many events in the coming months to help us connect with the community and one another, including volunteer projects, cookouts, visiting other faith groups in Nashville, and much more. We often go to lunch together after 10:45am worship, and welcome anyone to join us. Look for us in Room 8 of the youth wing during Sunday School - the coffeepot will be brewing!
The Disciples Class has existed in some form for over 35 years and a bond of fellowship and caring is evident which nurtures and strengthens the members as they live and grow in the Christian faith. The lectionary scriptures are used as the basis of study each week. Introductory remarks provide the historical context of the scripture and what is believed to be the intended purpose of the writer. This helps provide, in most cases, a clearer understanding of the meaning of the text. Attempts are then made to relate the scripture to contemporary life: What does it mean in today’s world? How does it apply to my life? What message does it now give to the church? Discussion in the context of the various backgrounds and life experiences of the class members usually yields diverse and surprising answers. Ted Lee is the teacher. Please join them in the parlor of the Fitzpatrick House. Location: Fitzpatrick House parlor
The Renaissance Class is made up of young to middle-aged couples and singles, many with children. Following the lectionary, scriptures are read and discussed. Discussions relate scripture to present day life both individually and as a church. Social functions are important to the class members with gatherings at least four times a year. Additional events such as camp-outs, golf outings, and picnics are enjoyed by many of the class members. Steve Reed and Tim Crenshaw are the co-teachers. Look for us in the dining hall of the Fitzpatrick House. Location: Fitzpatrick House dining room
Lectureships
Vine Street has a long history of adult education in the community. We are fortunate that through the dedication and generosity of individuals and families over the past decades, it is now possible for us to provide regular lectures for the community. The Wayne H. Bell Lectureship on Ministry is generally given in the spring and focuses on church leadership and ministry. The Roger T. Nooe Lectureship on World Peace is generally given in the fall and focuses on ecumenism and peacemaking.
The Wayne H. Bell Lectureship on Ministry
Vine Street Christian Church has been a leader throughout the decades in calling and training ministers for the Christian ministry. Its leadership has included ordained clergy from judicatory offices and university for decades. It has nurtured hundreds of students who are training for ministry and has ordained dozens throughout the decades. Dr. Wayne Bell, senior minister of Vine Street Christian Church from 1960-1974, was instrumental in developing and stabilizing a ministerial intern program at Vine Street that has since produced dozens of clergy who are in leadership roles throughout the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). His commitment to the future of the church and the importance of well-mentored ministers was such that it led him to accept the presidency of the Lexington Theological Seminary a position which he held from 1974 until his retirement in 1986. In 1992, the Congregation of Vine Street adopted a long-range plan calling for the establishment of this lectureship in honor of Dr. Bell and to highlight Vine Street’s role in ministerial training. Through the generosity of individuals and families, this memorial lecture ministry continues into the future. If you would like to contribute to the Wayne H. Bell Lectureship on Ministry Fund, you are invited to do so by writing a check to Vine Street Christian Church and indicating your designation to this special fund.
The Roger T. Nooe Lectureship on World Peace
Vine Street Christian Church has distinguished itself throughout its history by its willingness to have a global perspective. It has lived its faith in an open dialogue with the world and has sought to impact the world through faithfulness to the gospel. Roger T. Nooe, Senior Minister at Vine Street between 1925-1951, represented a strong witness in that endeavor. He moved this church into leadership in the ecumenical movement. He believed that the churches united together could have a stronger impact on world conditions and, thus, represented us by leadership as President of the International Convention and also in the establishment of the World Council of Churches. His preaching was a symbol of the gracious love of God embracing human beings of diverse backgrounds and, thus, his life represented a life of peace-making. In 1988, the Congregation of Vine Street adopted a long-range plan calling for the establishment of this lectureship to honor the memory of Dr. Nooe. Through the generosity of individuals and families, this memorial lecture ministry continues into the future. If you would like to contribute to the Roger T. Nooe World Peace Lecture Fund, you are invited to do so by writing a check to Vine Street Christian Church and indicating your designation to this special fund.