Rev. Stanley E. Crawford Min. of Christian Education

This is an exciting time in Christian Education. We want everyone to benefit as God equips us all so we can elevate our minds and enrich our faith and grow in knowledge. We have leaped out of the status quo to create a dynamic learning environment marked by 21st century innovation and creative thinking. We desire to create a sense of community that helps you mature in the faith and serve in ministry. This is caused by an honest desire to live out our church’s unique spiritual pursuit of its God-given theme, “The Church Has Left the Building....Taking It to the Streets!”, as we go out to “impact and transform this present world into the Kingdom of God.”

We have a mandate from Jesus Christ to be the church and make disciples of all nations. Before we go to the streets, we must follow the first disciples of Jesus, bringing an open mind to be stretched and challenged through the Ministry of Christian Education. Join us as the C.L. Hale Bible Institute begins in January and goes on throughout the year! The fellowship and learning experiences are not just for Saturdays, but Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as well. For new members, classes are available that can be taken after the New Members Orientation class. In New Members Orientation class, you can link up with other members while you serve in one of our many ministry opportunities and as we go after the lost and strengthen believers. The good news that God has proven His love for all humankind in Jesus Christ is a truth that we must take to all persons.

The Word of God is our main resource book and the Holy Spirit is our personal guide as we witness to a world that is so in need of godly direction and love like never before. The C.L. Hale Bible Institute offers to each student the opportunity to get holistic Bible knowledge and practical classes on evangelism. Spiritual development classes are designed to help disciples mature in their faith, finding and using their unique gifts in serving the church and our community. We are excited about the movement of the God through the church. This year Christian education will go beyond what we previously offered through other learning venues. While these basic classes will still be available and offered through the Firm Foundations classes, the C.L. Hale Bible Institute will continue to develop Christian leaders and teachers through our Servant Leadership and teacher’s training classes.

Serving and nurturing our children is so important. We have Tuesday Witness & Workout, where children combat childhood obesity and spiritual illiteracy. This will prepare them to grow spiritually and provide them with the physical activity that will keep them fit and healthy. The children are our future and there is a place designed for them to worship and take leadership of their worship experience. Children learn how to share their faith with others and live it out daily at home, school, and play. We offer classes that are age specific and relevant to their lives. With our 2010 theme, we continue to be committed to teaching our children how “to impact and transform this present world into the Kingdom of God.”

Your presence is needed and your gifts are invaluable to the ministry here at the Ray. You are vitally important to the success of our ministry efforts and commitment to Jesus Christ. Help us stay balanced and always ready to answer the call of Jesus to His church. We all have something God has given us to do. We are looking forward to an exciting year of fellowship and learning with you! Join us now!

Stanley E. Crawford
Minister of Christian Education

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

Christian Children’s Fellowship
The goals of Christian Children’s Fellowship are to implement strategies, resolve issues, and organize activities to meet the needs of children.

Christian Education Council
The Christian Education Council is the governing body of the Christian Education Ministry, which includes all Christian Education coordinators and chairpersons.

Firm Foundations
(formerly Hope Institute for Christian Discipleship)

The primary philosophy of Firm Foundations is to meet needs in order to attract Christians to structured learning, build spiritual intimacy, and leadership qualities. Firm Foundations also seeks to meet the practical and spiritual education needs of the church and community. All classes will be held in the Christian Education Complex. The schedule is as follows:

* Winter Session: January 16 - March 13
* Spring Session: April 17 - June 5
* Fall Session: September 18 - November 6

Firm Foundations Day and Time
Sunday, 8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

C.L. Hale Bible Institute
The C.L. Hale Bible Institute will operate on a 13-week per semester system, with three (3) semesters per year. Registration should be complete at least two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. Registration fees, tuition, and course fees are available via our website. All fees must be satisfied before admission to classes.

Winter Semester: January 16 - April 10
Spring Semester: April 17 - July 17
Fall Semester: September 18 - December 12

C.L. Hale Bible Institute Day and Time
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 pm.
Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Optional times and class offerings may be available as we utilize the internet. All classes on the Ray of Hope Christian Church campus will be held in the Christian Education Complex.

New Members Orientation Advanced Classes
New Member Orientation Advanced Classes are a continuation of New Members Orientation. All new members are urged to take these classes which are parts 3 and 4 of the New Member Orientation Class. God created us for worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission. Students will learn and experience blessings that come from being a good disciple. This group of classes is for all persons who want to know more about the major tenets of our faith. Classes are offered throughout the year through the Firm Foundations module.