As the Tri-Cities Region Will Graham Celebration approaches, event organizers will offer a series of free classes to help local Christians develop their faith and learn to talk to others about their beliefs. The sessions are the latest in a lineup of Celebration-related events which will culminate with the three-day outreach at the Freedom Hall Civic Center, April 27-29.
“Many Christians don’t share their faith because they feel like they don’t know the Bible well enough or they aren’t sure what they’ll say,” said Bob Hickling, who is directing the Tri-Cities Region Celebration. “That’s why we’re so excited for these classes. Attendees will be equipped with the essentials that they need to step out and offer the hope of Jesus to others, and do it effectively!”
The series — called the Christian Life and Witness Course — is open to everybody. No registration is needed and there is no cost to attend. Classes begin Jan. 22 in churches across the area. The three-week training course is offered at various times, dates and locations to make it accessible to anybody who wants to participate. Different information will be presented each week, building on the previous week’s session. Therefore, it is important to attend all three weeks. However, attendees do not need to go to the same location every time.
Churches hosting the Christian Life and Witness Course are:
• Central Christian Church, Bristol — Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5
• Bethel Christian Church, Jonesborough — Jan. 22, Jan. 29, Feb. 5
• Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, Bluff City — Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6
• Central Baptist Church, Johnson City — Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6
• First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Kingsport — Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6
• Abingdon Bible Church, Abingdon, Va. — Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8
• Blountville Presbyterian Church, Blountville — Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8
• Antioch Baptist Church, Johnson City — Jan. 25, Feb. 1, Feb. 8
• Faith Miracle Sanctuary Christian Worship Center, Johnson City — Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10
• Antioch Baptist Church, Bristol, Va. — Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10
• Central Baptist Church, Kingsport — Jan. 27, Feb. 3, Feb. 10
In addition to the classes listed above, a special youth-focused version of the course — called FM419 — is available for young people ranging from middle school to college. FM419 provides an opportunity for youth leaders and students to learn how to live their faith and reach out to their friends. The three-week FM419 course will be held on Jan. 24, 31 and Feb. 7 at Highlands Fellowship, University Parkway Baptist and Celebration Church.
Those age 13 and older who complete the Christian Life and Witness Course or FM419 will have the opportunity to apply to volunteer as counselors at the Tri-Cities Region Will Graham Celebration.
For more information about the Tri-Cities Region Will Graham Celebration, including a full calendar of events, please visit www.TCRCelebration.org.
Will Graham is the third generation of Grahams to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the banner of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will is the grandson of Billy Graham and the oldest son of Franklin Graham. He has shared the hope of Christ on six continents since beginning his evangelistic ministry in 2006.