Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Temple Adult Classes

Becoming An Equipping Church

S ue Mallory shares the following in her book, The Equipping Church. “THE POINT OF CHURCH GROWTH is not to collect new people and cage them with church programs. The goal of church health is not to fatten up church members for show. That was then. This is now. The church exists to equip people in order to release them back into the world, grounded in truth and community, dangerous for the gospel. God has created a new movement of churches that equip people, according to their calling and gifts, to be salt and light in their churches, communities, family workplace, media, and government – in the whole of society.”

With this thought in mind, SMZBT is becoming an equipping church, realizing its goal to provide opportunities for the members of the church to develop a lifestyle of worship, fellowship, ministry, discipleship, and evangelism. In order to do this, members must grow their spiritual knowledge as well as develop their spiritual gifts. This requires an Intentional Systematic Teaching/Learning process. This process will prepare those who complete the required stages of the process to lead and teach those who will come behind. Thus, the process will endure as new teachers and leaders are prepared to step forward to replace others.

SMZBT offers learning opportunities at five different levels, with each level having a specific focus:

Level 100 Courses – The Church and Faith

Level 200 Courses – God and Self

Level 300 Courses - Ministry and Service

Level 400 Courses - Evangelism and Missions

Level 500 Courses - Leadership and Teaching


Tpresent session of Sunday School features the 100 and 200 level courses. Listed below are the courses and a brief description of each.

100 – New Members’ Class. This class is to assimilate New Converts into the kingdom of God and new members into Sixth Mount Zion. The topics include: The Vision, Core Values, Getting to Know the Pastor, and the History of Sixth Mount Zion; Salvation; Baptism and the Lord’s Supper; Articles of Faith, Stewardship, and; Ministry. This course is taught on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM.

101 – MasterLife I. This is the first stage in the discipleship process. Through this study, participants will experience a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ as He leads them to develop six biblical disciplines of a disciple: Spend time with the Master; Live in the Word; Pray in Faith; Fellowship with believers; Witness to the World; Minister to Others. This course is taught on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM.

102 – Spiritual Gifts.The participants in the class will discover the unique way in which God has created each of us; Experience Jesus in a fresh way through the look at each of the spiritual gifts; understand the joy of allowing Jesus to minister through individuals as they exercise the spiritual gifts He has given them; explore ideas for discovering their own spiritual gifts, and ways to use them. They will learn to appreciate their own gifts and to affirm the gifts of others.

103 – Soul Shaping. Spiritual disciplines are tools God uses to shape you into the Image of Christ. Soul-Shaping will introduce participants to small acts of faith and devotion they can build into the normal routine of their lives. These disciplines will allow them to remain in God’s presence so that He can teach them, change their hearts, and align their will with His. As He brings out the colors of His character in us and shapes us for His purposes, we will see our lives flow in a beautiful new direction.


200 – MasterLife II. This is the second stage in the discipleship process. Participants will focus on Christ transforming their character into Christ-likeness through the works of the Holy Spirit. The six areas of study will include: Do God’s Will; Renew Your Mind; Master Your Emotions; Present Your Body; Be Filled With the Spirit, and: Live Victoriously. This course is taught on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM.

201 – Experiencing God.God is inviting you to experience Him in an intimate love relationship through which He reveals to you His will, His ways, and His work. Through the biblical principles in this course, God can teach participants how to know when He is speaking to you; recognize His activity around you; adjust your life to Him and His ways; identify what He wants to do through you, and; respond to His activity in your life. When you recognize where God is working, you can join Him in what He is doing. Then, you will experience God doing through you what only He can do.

202 – Step-by-Step Through The New Testament. This course provides a survey of the message and important events, people, places, and themes of the New Testament. By studying this body of information, participants will: Build a framework for understanding and interpreting the New Testament; Gain an understanding of the biblical background needed for a lifetime of meaningful study of God’s Word, and; Respond to God as He speaks to you through His Word. This course is offered on a request/demand basis.

M300 – From Anger to Intimacy. This course is for couples of all ages and stages of marriage (including engaged couples and thinking about engagement and marriage). It is an intentional, self examined approach to building thriving marriages. Couples will learn how forgiveness can transform your marriage. This course is taught on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM

M301 - Choosing to Forgive…A Sunday School Class for Women.Do you carry unforgiveness in your heart for others, yourself or even God? This class will help you understand why we hold grudges and become easily offended. This class will help you to achieve the freedom to live in forgiveness.

M302 – The Quest for Authentic Manhood…A Sunday School Class for Men. This class is designed to bring the men of God together through a fraternity process. Become a man of valor and be strengthened by other men in this class.