Adult Christian Education

Growing in faith by engaging the heart and mind, the adult Christian education program at Vine Street Christian Church is open to all post-high school-aged persons. Guided by church leaders, adult Christian education meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. in the South Meeting Room.

 

Community Lectureships

Vine Street values the opportunity to provide educational programs for the community. The Wayne H. Bell Lectureship on Ministry focuses on church leadership and ministry. The Roger T. Nooe Lectureship on World Peace focuses on ecumenism and peacemaking.

 

The Wayne H. Bell Lectureship on Ministry

Vine Street Christian Church is a leader in training ministers for various leadership roles in Christian ministry. Dr. Wayne Bell, Vine Street's senior minister from 1960-1974, was instrumental in developing the ministerial intern program at the church (now closely tied with Vanderbilt Divinity School). In fact, many former Vine Street interns are now clergy in leadership roles across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as for nonprofit organizations across the country.

After his ministry at Vine Street, Dr. Bell's commitment to the future of the church led him to serve as the president of Lexington Theological Seminary (Kentucky), a position he held from 1974 until his retirement in 1986. This lectureship, established in 1992, honors the enduring influence of Dr. Bell's contributions to all forms of Christian ministry.

 

The Roger T. Nooe Lectureship on World Peace

Vine Street Christian Church has distinguished itself throughout its history by its commitment to have a global perspective, living out our faith in open dialogue with the world. Roger T. Nooe, Vine Street’s senior minister from 1925-1951, represented a strong witness in that endeavor. The Nooe Lectureship, established in 1988, therefore, focuses on ecumenism and peacemaking.

Dr. Nooe believed that united churches could have a stronger influence on world conditions, providing leadership, therefore, toward the establishment of the World Council of Churches, a worldwide fellowship of churches seeking unity, a common witness and Christian service still today. In his daily life and in his preaching, Dr. Nooe embodied the gracious love of God embracing human beings of diverse backgrounds.