Adult Education & Studies
Through adult education, webinars, and intentional book groups, continue your life-long spiritual growth
Discipleship calls us to engage both heart and mind. As Paul reminds us in Romans, we are to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” so we may discern God’s will—what is good, acceptable, and perfect. Peter likewise urges us to respond to questions of faith with reasoned, constructive answers.Yet faith is not a puzzle to solve but a mystery to live. Discipleship is more than study; it is a lifelong journey shaped by worship, strengthened in community, and expressed through love in mission. At St. Andrew, we seek to nurture this journey by providing welcoming spaces and quality educational opportunities for adults of all ages, helping each person grow into the fullness of faith.
Rev. Jerry Lee Butler combines a love for teaching and spiritual formation with a background of 33 years in telecommunications. He holds degrees from LeTourneau University (B.A., M.B.A.) and Perkins School of Theology at SMU (M.Div., summa cum laude). For the past 15 years, he has served United Methodist congregations as educator and pastor, with research interests in Early Church history, St. Augustine, Koine Greek, and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Passionate about interfaith dialogue, he helps people engage heart, mind, and soul in their journey of discipleship.
Featured Class
The Bible and Immigration – Webinar
Tuesday, November 4 | 6:30–8 pm
Led by Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith
There’s no question that immigration is one of the most important questions facing the United States these days and that it’s hotly debated in national discourse. At the same time, many people also argue that the Bible is a trusted and authoritative source for wisdom about how we should structure our lives. So what does the Bible say about immigration? If we go looking for a biblical perspective on immigration, what will we find? And, how has the Bible been used in recent debates about immigration?
Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith, Associate Professor of Early Christian Texts and Traditions at the Iliff School of Theology, will walk us through some of the key biblical themes and passages relating to strangers, immigrants, and migration.
Rev. Dr. Eric C. Smith, Associate Professor of Early Christian Texts and Traditions at the Iliff School of Theology, will walk us through some of the key biblical themes and passages relating to strangers, immigrants, and migration.
Must register to receive personal webinar link.
Current Offerings
Adult Education is an opportunity to grow deeper in faith, learn more about the Bible and spiritual connections, build community with one another, and learn about the world around us.
Book Club with Rev. Jerry
Thursdays | October 2, 9, 23, 30 & Nov. 13
6–7:30 pm | Virtual via Zoom
Book – Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution by Rainn Wilson
Best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, Rainn Wilson offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of today’s spiritual crisis. Drawing from his Bahá’í faith and personal struggles with addiction, anxiety, and grief, Wilson argues that political and material fixes cannot address the deep loneliness and lackof purpose in modern life. Instead, he calls for a “Soul Boom”—a spiritual revolution rooted in everyday practices, community engagement, and inclusive gatherings (with potlucks included!). Blending comedy with insight, Wilson reimagines God as the “Great Mystery” and provides practical tools for cultivating meaningful, compassionate lives. Participants will be provided with weekly study guides offering chapter summaries, key terms/concepts, discussion questions, and extra optional resources for further study. Join Rev. Jerry for arelaxed and thoughtful discussion. All are welcome!
Methodism 101
Sundays | November 2, 9, 16
10:30–11:30 am | In Person
Led by Rev. Jerry Lee Butler
John & John:
Two Pesky Anglican Priests
Tuesdays | November 4, 11, and 18
10:30–11:30 am | In Person
This course offers a historical and theological introduction to Methodism, tracing its development in England and its expansion into the early Americas. Beginning with the cultural, political, and religious transformations of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Europe, students will situate the emergence of Methodism within its wider historical context. Attention will then turn to the Wesley family, examining the formative influences of John Wesley’s parents, household, and early education at Charterhouse School and Oxford University. The course concludes with a study of the transatlantic growth of Methodism, its essential doctrinal foundations, and an analysis of the contemporary organization of the United Methodist Church.
Led by Dr. Robert C. Henderson, a graduate of Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.
This three-part series compares the lives and ministries of John Shelby Spong (1931-2021) and John Benjamin Wesley (1703-1791). To begin, Part I presents a biography of Spong and Wesley, highlighting specific events in their respective lives. Part II examines their ministry in the world, emphasizing common and dissimilar patterns of their engagement in the world. Attention in Part III is directed toward Spong and Wesley's theological beliefs relating to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, concluding with reviews of Spong and Wesley's approach to making the church truly the body of Christ in the world.
In each session, specific topics centering upon issues contemporary to our times and to the times of Spong and Wesley are opened for discussion. Those include such issues as the ministry to and inclusion of disadvantaged persons, seeking the civil rights of minority groups, polity of the church regarding ordination, particularly of women and LGBTQ persons of faith, and the future church.
In each session, specific topics centering upon issues contemporary to our times and to the times of Spong and Wesley are opened for discussion. Those include such issues as the ministry to and inclusion of disadvantaged persons, seeking the civil rights of minority groups, polity of the church regarding ordination, particularly of women and LGBTQ persons of faith, and the future church.
Advent Study: A Child is Born: A Beginner’s Guide to Nativity Stories
Four Sessions | Sundays | 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21
11:45 am – 1 pm | In-person Only
Four Sessions | Mondays | 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, & 12/22
6–7:30 pm | Virtual – Zoom Only
Led by Rev. Jerry Lee Butler | Author: Amy-Jill Levine
Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus in this captivating four-week Advent study. The study delves into the narratives of Isaac and Ishmael, Moses, and Samuel to reveal how they foreshadow and enrich the timeless Christmas story in the final chapter. Author Amy-Jill Levine brings her expert knowledge of Scripture and careful consideration of the Christian story to show readers how Scripture’s earlier birth stories anticipate the story of Jesus’s birth and how the birth resonates and gives new meaning to those earlier stories. Transform your Advent season with fresh insights and inspiration from A Child is Born.
2026 Economic Outlook During Unprecedented Times
Tuesday, November 18 | 7–8:30 pm
Sponsored by Legacy Ministry
2025 brought continued economic turbulence, an extension of tax cuts, Fed uncertainty and tariffs. Join us for this special evening with a top expert from Goldman Sachs discussing tariffs, the Big Beautiful Bill, and the overall 2026 economic outlook. This class is pertinent to every age group. We are living in unprecedented times, and it is critical that we keep our financial strategies up to date. Hosted by James LaFemina, a certified financial planner with Prudential.
Register at legacy@gostandrew.com.
