Curriculum for a PC(USA) New Members’ Class

What’s Up With That?

In this five-week series, participants will explore Presbyterianism by asking “what’s up with that?” on a range of topics. All congregants—whether they’re long-time Presbyterian or relative newcomers—will find something inside to learn.


Five weeks of exploration

History: Who came up with this Presbyterian stuff? How did we get here? Did Presbyterians create a country in Africa?

Theology: What is theology? Is there Presbyterian theology? What are sacraments?

Worship: What makes something count as “worship?” Do we have to listen to a sermon every week? Why does accessibility matter for Reformed worship? Why are Presbyterian buildings so austere inside?

Government of the PC(USA): What’s up with the Session? What are the “rules” of being Presbyterian? What does it mean to be part of a denomination?

Wrap up and Q&A: What are our takeaways? What do we think is spot-on, and what do we think Presbyterianism misses?

 
Pages of the curriculum with vibrant colors and images
 

How to use the curriculum

You can use this curriculum in a few ways:

  1. Individuals: Pastors can hand this curriculum over to members and let them walk through the course at their own pace.

  2. Small groups: At the end of each week, there are reflection questions to facilitate discussion for small groups.

  3. Classes: This curriculum sketches out your five-week membership series and includes hands-on learning activities.


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Michael Cuppett

Michael is a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the installed pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Newton. He holds Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and Master of Arts in Christian Education and Formation (M.A.C.E.F.) degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary.

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