Pastor’s Study

explore what faithful discipleship means

 
 

What’s It All About?

The Pastor’s Study at FPC Watertown is an opportunity to deeply explore Christian faith and the issues facing modern followers of Jesus. The 2023-2024 Pastor’s Study is a little bit of everything: Bible study, book study, and social and political exploration.

The texts and topics in this study will help answer questions like:

What is the Church?

What is the role of the Church in society?

How are followers of Christ called to participate in the ‘secular’ world?

How do we read and understand biblical texts in light of science, technology, and social development?

Is there anything new in biblical studies?

 

The Details

  • The Pastor’s Study will be led by Andrew Long, FPC’s Pastor and Head of Staff. Take part in one session or all of them!

  • Discussions will take place on the publicized dates starting at 11:30am in Room #6 at FPC Watertown. Opportunities for small group gatherings will be coordinated during each session.

  • Prior to the start of each session, Pastor Andrew will outline the reading and discussion topics. Please be sure that your most current and preferred method of communication is on file with the church.

  • Child care will be provided during all discussion times.

  • There is no cost to participate in the Pastor’s Study, but donations are appreciated to offset the cost of study materials. Books and materials cost between $10 and $20 per session.

 
 

Session 1

The Great Ends of The Church

September 17 & 24
October 1, 8, 15 & 22

The Great Ends of The Church are six short phrases that embody the biblical purposes of the Church. What can these historic principles teach us about how to be and grow the church today?

Session 2

Finding Our Place At The Manger
by Kris Van Tatenhove

November 26
December 3, 10 & 17

We see the nativity scene everywhere, even before Halloween! But is there a place for each of us in that scene? This study is a modern reading of the nativity story and characters, helping us to find where we fit in as we await the joy of Jesus’ birth!

Session 3

Getting Involved With God: Rediscovering the Old Testament
by Ellen F. Davis

January 14, 21, & 28
February 4 & 11

This is a book about getting, and staying, involved with God―what it takes, what it costs, what it looks and feels like, why anyone would want to do it anyway. It is at the same time a book about reading the Old Testament as a source of Good News and guidance for our life with God.

Session 4

Judas and The Gospel of Jesus: Have We Missed The Truth About Christianity?
by N.T. Wright

March 3, 10, 17, & 24

Joining many other recently found and publicized "gospels," the Gospel of Judas has found its way into the limelight as the subject of recently published books. The ancient manuscript is genuine-so what are Christians to make of the claims therein?

Session 5

Faith and Politics In A World Gone Awry
by Stephen Plunkett

April 14, 21, & 28
May 5

Do you ever wonder about the relationship between your theology and what's happening in the politics of our nation and world, or ponder how your views might change if the biblical narrative were formative for your political opinions and beliefs? If so, this book is for you.

Session 6

Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
by Anne Lamont

May 19 & 26

It is these three prayers – asking for assistance from a higher power, appreciating what we have that is good, and feeling awe at the world around us – that can get us through the day and can show us the way forward.