Core Classes

Our Core Classes are designed to help you take some formal first steps into the life of Christ and the body of Eastbrook Church.

Growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a process, not an event or program. But to provide entry points into that process, our staff has put together these four “Core Classes” as a way to give our members and attenders an introduction to four pillars of faith: the church, discipleship, mission, and leadership.

Dig into the life of the church (Eastbrook 101), what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ (Eastbrook 201), life on mission (Eastbrook 301), and the importance of leadership (Eastbrook 401).


WHY SHOULD I TAKE THESE CLASSES? 

We know there are many ways that people get involved at big church like Eastbrook. Some get involved through serving, some through attending our Sunday services, some through a specific ministry area or interest area. Similarly, there is not just one way that people grow as disciples; God grows us all in unique ways as the unique individuals we are.

Eastbrook 101 takes the place of a traditional membership class, offering attenders insights into who the church is and why it is, and offering the option to place membership at the end. Eastbrook 201 is a deep dive into discipleship and spiritual growth; something that is essential, not optional for followers of Christ. Eastbrook 301 opens up the doors of the church to the world of mission; both what it means to live a life that is on mission for God, but also the work that is happening around the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Eastbrook 401 is intended to prepare women and men for leadership, whether leading ministries here at Eastbrook or serving on the Church Council.

We do encourage people to take the classes in order, though it is not required! Reach out to us if you have any questions.


Eastbrook 101: Intro to Life as the Church

Who We Are, Why We Exist, and How You Can Join Us! Take a look at the history, mission, vision and values of Eastbrook, as well as receive an introduction to key ministries and staff members.

  • Our History, Vision & Values, and Leadership Structure. Take a look at the big picture on why being a part of a church (even a member) is an important part of our spiritual journey. We’ll go over an introduction to Eastbrook—our basic “story” and present direction.
  • Our Statement of Faith, What It Means to Be a Christian, Basic Bible Study Tools & Approaches, Basic Prayer. A base of what kind of church we are—our essential beliefs, what it means to be a Christian and two key tools for personal spiritual growth.
  • How You Can Get Involved. Begin to discover your SHAPE for ministry, be introduced to some “first serve” opportunities, as well as opportunities for your children to get connected/involved. Together, we will share our stories to discover who each other is, and will discover ways to continue our journey together with God.

Eastbrook 201: Intro to Life as a Disciple

Discipleship is a life long journey of growing in our relationship with Jesus. 201 will look in depth at the stages of discipleship, and the teachings of Jesus that will challenge us to grow throughout the stages. If you have not taken Eastbrook 101, we encourage you to take that before Eastbrook 201, though it is not required.

  • The What and Why of Discipleship. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? What is discipleship and a discipleship pathway? What are the core values of discipleship and what does growth in this area look like? 
  • Engaging with God’s Word and Will. How do we know, understand, and discern God’s will? What is the authority of the Bible in our lives? How does prayer connect to the will of God? Why is prayer important? How do/should we pray? 
  • Engaging with God’s People. What is fellowship, what does the Bible say about it, and why should I prioritize it? What is significant about Biblical community? 
  • Engaging with God’s Heart. What is the heart of God for His people? What are the visible attributes of a disciple? How does generosity fit in? What is God’s vision for generosity?

Eastbrook 301: Intro to Living Out our Faith

We are called to make a difference in this world using the unique ways we are each called to serve. What does it mean for us to lives as ambassadors for Christ in our families, neighborhoods and communities? That’s what we’ll learn more about in Eastbrook 301. If you have not taken Eastbrook 101 or Eastbrook 201, we encourage you to take those courses before Eastbrook 301, though it is not required.


Eastbrook 401: Intro to a Life of Leadership

Leadership in ministry is a blend of spiritual and practical skills. It starts with a heart for God, leads to a desire to be used in His work and is expressed in love for God’s people. Ministry leadership (paid and volunteer) here at Eastbrook is a high calling that encompasses multiple facets of learning – from an understanding of our core theological beliefs to growing in an understanding of how we approach ministry (our core values). If you have not taken Eastbrook 101, Eastbrook 201 or Eastbrook 301, we encourage you to take those courses before Eastbrook 401, though it is not required.


Our Team:

Pastor Matt Erickson
Senior Pastor
matterickson@eastbrook.org
414.228.5220

Pastor Jim Caler
Sr. Director, Adult Ministry
jcaler@eastbrook.org
414.228.5220 x213