Christian Education (CE)

In Agape Baptist Church, we value Christian Education (CE) because we believe spiritual formation requires the deepening of one’s theological understanding, and the appreciation of how God’s truths actually apply to our lives. We believe that right thinking about God fuels right feelings towards God, and that the transformation in our affections and motivations are a result of the Spirit’s work in us, as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

While we recognize the importance of life in community as the primary means to spiritual formation, we also recognize the value of learning in a classroom setting. We currently offer CE courses in three thematic tracks.

3 Thematic Tracks

Track 1: Investigating Christianity – In the pluralistic, postmodern age we live in today, many have questions and doubts about Christianity. Courses in this track are designed for those who have such questions, or who are skeptical about Christianity as a religion and would like to examine the faith.

Track 2: Understanding The Bible – Many people have easy access to Bibles, but they struggle to make sense out of it. Courses in this track focus on equipping people to study the Bible and understand its structure, design and the types of literature contained within.

Track 3: Christian Living – True understanding of the Christian faith always leads to application eventually. Courses in this track are focused on practically fostering growth and discipleship, and the continual pursuit of what it means to live like Christ in the different aspects of our lives.

Educational Approach

In Agape, we employ two modes of teaching.

One is a more traditional method which involves the instructor primarily lecturing and providing new content inside the classroom, with participants learning with the aid of course materials in class. These courses do not require prior reading/viewing or any form of preparation before the class.

The other is the ‘Flipped Classroom model’ – which inverts traditional teaching methods, delivering instruction outside the classroom (e.g. prior reading or watching online/offline) and moving “homework” into the classroom to be done together with other participants in an interactive way.

This means that participants read selected chapters from books or articles/watch videos at their own pace at home.

Further learning takes place in the classroom in collaborative settings (groups of 3-4s), doing work together with the help of the teacher.

Here are 4 benefits of the flipped classroom model

The flipped classroom allows the teacher to give selected participants more directed instruction, as well as give them greater opportunities to ask questions about the subject matter that they find confusing or difficult.
A flipped classroom allows participants to have more time for collaboration with other participants which enriches the learning experience.
When the participant is watching a video lecture or reading the class materials on his/her own, the participant is able to learn at his/her own pace – he/she could take more time by even replaying or rereading the content.
The teaching in a flipped classroom is more likely to be pitched at a level most conducive to the participants’ learning. There is greater potential for differentiated instruction for the different participants based on their learning needs.

COURSES

Church History for the Layperson

Course Instructor:

Nick Chuan

Dates:

12th, 19th, 26th February; 4th March 2020 (all Wednesdays)

Registration Opens:

5th January 2020

Registration Closes:

26th January 2020

Time:

8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Cost:

$5/pax

Course Materials:

Course Booklet + ‘The Unquenchable Flame’ by Michael Reeves

Material Collection:

2nd February 2020 (Registration Desk @ OneDorset)

Course Description:
This 4-week course is designed to introduce laypeople to a brief history of the Christian church from the first to the sixteenth century. Participants will be expected to have some familiarity with the events in the New Testament (Gospel and The Acts of Apostles). Key events to be covered include the formation of the New Testament Canon, the early church councils and their resulting creeds, the Great Schism, the Crusades, and the Reformation. We will conclude with a brief look at how the Gospel came to Singapore.

Sessions:
Session 1 (12th Feb 2020): The Early Church and The Imperial Church (1st to 5th century)

Session 2 (19th Feb 2020): The Medieval Church (5th to 15th century)

Session 3 (26th Feb 2020): The Reforming Church (16th century)

Session 4 (4th Mar 2020): The Reforming Church II and The Singapore Church (16th to 21st century)

Family Worship

Course Instructor:

Pastor Wong Guoliang

Date:

5th April 2020 (Sunday)

Registration Opens:

8th March 2020

Registration Closes:

29th March 2020

Time:

12:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Cost:

$5/pax

Course Materials:

Course Booklet

Material Collection:

5th April 2020 (to receive on course day)

Course Description:
Importance of family worship from a biblical perspective, and its application at home.

The Book of Hosea (Bible Study)

Course Instructor:

Nick Chuan

Dates:

13th, 20th, 27th May; 3rd, 10th, 17th June 2020 (all Wednesdays)

Registration Opens:

5th April 2020

Registration Closes:

26th April 2020

Time:

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Cost:

$5/pax

Course Materials:

Course Booklet

Material Collection:

3rd May 2020 (Registration Desk @ OneDorset)

Course Description:
This 6-week course brings participants through a study of the book of the minor prophet Hosea. Through the study, participants will also be introduced to various Bible study techniques, including context setting, word studies, as well as the interpretation of allusions and prophecies. No prior experience in Bible study is required, though participants will be expected to read the passage beforehand and answer some questions for in-class discussion. This course is suitable for those desiring to grow in their understanding of and ability to handle God’s word.

Sessions:
Session 1 (13th May 2020): Hosea 1:1 – 2:1

Session 2 (20th May 2020): Hosea 2:2 – 3:5

Session 3 (27th May 2020): Hosea 4:1 – 5:7

Session 4 (3rd June 2020): Hosea 5:8 – 8:14

Session 5 (10th June 2020): Hosea 9:11 – 11:11

Session 6 (17th June 2020): Hosea 11:12 – 14:9

God's Big Picture - Tracing the Storyline of the Bible

Course Instructor:

Dinnie Ee

Dates:

9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th September; 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th October 2020 (all Wednesdays)

Registration Opens:

2nd August 2020

Registration Closes:

23rd August 2020

Time:

8:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Cost:

$5/pax

Course Materials:

Course Booklet + ‘God’s Big Picture’ by Vaughan Roberts

Material Collection:

30th August 2020 (Registration Desk @ OneDorset)

Course Description:
This will be updated soon!

Sessions:
Session 1 (9th Sep 2020): The Pattern of the Kingdom

Session 2 (16th Sep 2020): The Perished Kingdom

Session 3 (23rd Sep 2020): The Promised Kingdom

Session 4 (30th Sep 2020): The Partial Kingdom

Session 5 (7th Oct 2020): The Prophesied Kingdom

Session 6 (14th Oct 2020): The Present Kingdom

Session 7 (21st Oct 2020): The Proclaimed Kingdom

Session 8 (28th Oct 2020): The Perfected Kingdom