Center for Faith Studies

About the Center for Faith Studies

The Center for Faith Studies at Countryside Community Church was established in August of 2004 as a new initiative for adult education. Its mission is “to provide study of what it means to be the community of people through whom God is experienced.” The mission is anchored by the guiding principles provided below.

The Center provides classes and events in faith studies that

• Meet the faith formation needs and curiosity of
  the lifelong learner.
• Explore the shared history and culture of the
  “people of the book,” Jews, Christians,
  and Muslims, encouraging greater perspective and understanding of world situations today.
• Examine the history of the Christian faith and our Jewish heritage, Protestant history and
  history of the United Church of Christ.
• Seriously explore the life and teachings of the man called Jesus in whose name a faith was made.
• Cover a wide spectrum of academic disciplines and approach: theology, Bible study, Christianity in the visual arts and music,
  book discussions, archaeology, small group discussion and large group presentations.
• Promote faith development and discipleship.

Additionally, the Center

• Supports an annual lecture or preaching series, drawing from preeminent academicians, authors and theologians nationwide.
• Promotes social justice, peacemaking, biblical ethics and progressive conversation about religion.
• Welcomes the surrounding community to all studies, classes and events as a form of service and outreach.

The Center for Faith Studies and the Life Ministry Department together offer Christian Education for all ages of adults, and both report to the Board of Christian Education at Countryside Community Church.

The Lecture Series and adult education classes have drawn thousands of people from our own congregation and the wider Omaha community for presentations, dialogue and book-signing. Invitations are issued to various presenters in an effort to cover a wide range of topics and diverse interests. Great attention is given to fulfilling the mission statement and the Guiding Principles of the Center for Faith Studies and ultimately the mission statement of Countryside Community Church as well.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2