Soteria University
Soteria University is our adult education program that explores the Bible and Christianity on a deeper level.
Jesus gave his followers the mission to make disciples, and in order to make disciples, Jesus said we must teach people to observe all that he commanded. Thus, one aspect of discipleship is lifelong, ongoing learning. No one will ever be able to say in this life, “I’ve learned to observe all that Jesus commanded.”
The goal of Soteria University isn’t just head knowledge; the goal of instruction is love (1 Timothy 1:5). Jesus summed up the whole Christian life like this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31 CSB).
The goal of Soteria University is to help students love the Lord with all their mind, heart, and strength.
Fall at Soteria University
SIX-WEEK CLASSES
Starting Point
Steve Cox • Room 108 • 6:45 pm
If you are new to Christianity or Soteria this is the class for you. At Soteria we believe your worldview influences your thoughts and decisions for all of life. We want you to build a strong biblical worldview that will allow you to confidently answer questions like, where did we come from? Why are we here? How should I live? Starting Point takes us back to the beginning and builds the biblical foundation every one of us needs whether you’re new to Christianity or have been a Christian for 50 years.
Mapping My Life Journey: Trusting God with My Story
Roy Knicely • Room 101 • 6:45 pm
This class has a prerequisite you must meet: You must be 55 years old or older. That’s right, you must have already traveled a few miles on your life journey. Join us as we map out some of the twists and turns we have experienced in our journey so far. We have important stories to tell family and friends that show God’s faithfulness and explain why we trust God to write our life stories.
Killing Giants and Serving Tables
Josh Smith and Tony Whitty • Room 107 • 6:45 pm
“Killing Giants and Serving Tables” is a course for men designed to explore the principles of biblical leadership in different spheres of life. This class emphasizes the dual roles of spiritual leadership: confronting challenges with faith and humility while nurturing others through selfless service. Participants will delve into scriptural examples, practical applications, and discussions on how to embody Christ-centered leadership in every aspect of life, learning to lead with both strength and compassion.
Experiencing and Enjoying the Christian Life
Pastor Mike • Room 207 • 6:45 pm
The Christian life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. But how does that work? What does that look like? Pastor Mike’s class will discuss foundational principles for the Christian life and then apply them broadly to topics like Bible-reading, finances, and marriage.
12-WEEK CLASSES
Women’s Study: Colossians: Rooted in Him
Sherry Fiscella • Room 105 • 6:45 pm
Dig deep with us into the book of Colossians as we strengthen our faith so that it is firmly rooted in Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency. This study will challenge us to grow in godliness and personal peace as we discipline our hearts and minds to think on things above and choose to “put to death” the old nature and “put on” the new self. The workbook provides six weeks of verse-by-verse personal study, and the class will offer bonus content, group discussion, and engaging activities as we apply the truth we are learning in practical ways including scripture memory, building habits of gratitude, and intentionally encouraging fellow believers as Paul did. Cost: $10 per book.
Praying Together
Walt and Zelda Davis (Pastor Mike’s Study) • 6:45 pm
Soteria wants to follow the example of the church in Acts that met together to pray. Join Walt and Zelda Davis for a time to spend time in praise and prayer, share prayer requests, and be encouraged in your own prayer life.
Wednesday Night Childcare
Newborns—two-year-olds.
Free for parents participating in a Soteria University class.
Sunday Morning Classes
Young Adults
Sundays • 9:30am • Room 102
College students and young adults have multiple opportunities to connect throughout the week. During class, they spend time studying through books of Bible. We also have multiple young adult groups spread out from Ankeny to Norwalk.
“Don’t Mention Age”
Sundays • 9:30am • Room 107
The DMA or “Don’t Mention Age” class is the most long-standing class at Soteria. In more ways than one. They love singing together, studying together, and serving throughout the church.
Catch-all Class
Sundays • 9:30am • Room 106
The catch-all class began as a young families class but has grown to encompass people from all ages and stages who study God’s word and try to spur one another on in our love for the gospel.