Adult Sunday Connect Groups
Connect Groups are what we, at Shades Crest, call our Sunday morning Bible studies. Connect groups are designed to help individuals be open to God’s transformation in their lives. During a Connect Group, you will have the opportunity to Connect with God, God’s word, and a community of faith.
Connect Groups begin on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM—between our two worship experiences. Class descriptions are below. You are welcome to go to any class you feel best fits you.
If you need more information or directions to a specific class, come to the Welcome Center, located off the Park Avenue entrance—on the right side of the building as you face the church.
Coed Groups
College/Career | Room 260
Robin and Mary Beth Schultz, teachers
Members: College-age students and young professionals
The primary focus of this group is making disciples. In addition to Bible study, this Connect Group provides opportunities to serve others and share the Good News of Christ locally and abroad.
Young Adults | Room 242
Treva and Bunker Medbery, teachers
Members: 20s and 30s
Designed especially with young adults in mind, (including those who are single, engaged, or married.) This group focuses on Bible study, building relationships with one another, and reaching out to the community. This class has an extension group that eats dinner together in a local home with Bible study on Tuesday evenings.
Coed | Room 245
Kyle and Ashley Goodwin, teachers
Members: 20s, 30s, and 40s
This class discusses the previous week’s sermon and important points from the text as they study God’s Word, with the goal of a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. Interested in visiting this class? Bring your Bible and sermon notes if you have them. Ministry opportunities and family worship are offered in a local home from time to time.
Coed | Room 244
Krista and Lee Surtees, Jon and Tammy Prell, teachers
Members: Nearly/Newly Weds
This group is focused on couples who are thinking about getting married through couples who have been married and want to grow in their relationship. It is a Bible study, built on connecting deeper with the Lord through not just reading scripture but applying it to life. The goal is to also help couples grow in their marriage journey as well as connecting with other couples who are in a similar stage of life. This group will build community outside and within their class.
Coed | Room 251
Abby Allen, teacher
Members: Multi-generational
This class will study individual books of the Bible in depth. While the focus will not be solely on Apologetics (defending Christianity), the class will often study that aspect in their discussions.
Coed | Room 259
Dr. James Strange, teacher
Members: Multi-generational
Most members of this group are married with children ranging in age from elementary school through high school. The class works through books of the New Testament from start to finish, using a mixture of lecture and discussion. Members support Backpack Buddies, an outreach to feed local children in need.
Coed | Room 252
Jerry Hughes, teacher
Members: 50s and 60s
Bible study in this group highlights life application through what is learned in Connect Group. In addition, there is a focus on missional living as the group connects with various local and worldwide ministries.
Coed | Room 254
Ben Byerly and Dr. Dennis Sansom, teachers
Members: 50s and 60s
This is a newer Connect Group that began in 2022. This class uses a variety of teaching styles from lectures to group discussions, then focuses on life applications.
Coed | Room 255
Monte and Janet Erwin, and John Reed, teachers
Members: Multi-generational
This is a multi-generational class with most members in middle age. Weekly lessons are presented in a conversational style by examining the Bible through topical and practical studies that relate to contemporary issues. This group focuses on spiritual formation.
Coed | Room 200
Bob Gray, teacher
Members: 60s
Lecture-based Bible study is the focus of this group.
Coed | Room 202
Ron Musgrove, teacher
Members: 60s and 70s
In this class, you’ll find a discussion-based Bible study group interlaced with humor and life application.
Coed | Room 204
Dr. Fred Kelley’s Class
Members: 60s – 80s
Bible study with engaging discussion is a highlight in this group, where members enjoy a warm, comfortable learning atmosphere (no tests or prerequisites required!)
Coed | Room 102
LaDonna Gibbs, teacher
Members: 70s – 90s
This group uses a variety of methods to study the Bible, and group discussion is always encouraged.
Women’s Groups
Women | Room 229
Amelia Breeze and Julie Buford, teachers
Members: Multi-generational
This class studies the Bible through topical and practical studies that relate to issues particularly facing women today. There are regular opportunities for fellowship and mission projects.
Women | Room 247
Linda Tucker, teacher
Members: 60s – 80s
Lectures and discussions are the typical ways this group studies scripture, along with occasional activities. This group enjoys sharing life on Sundays as well as throughout the week.
Women | Room 206
Sally Brinks, teacher
Members: 70s – 80s
In addition to Bible study, this is a mission-minded group that is focused on prayer and action.
Women | Room 101
Sally Turner, teacher
Members:
In addition to Bible study, this is a mission-minded group that is focused on prayer and action.
Men’s Groups
Men | Room 250
Jeremy Bearden, teacher
Members: Multi-generational
This group focuses on growing in faith through Bible study and developing community with one another. Being mission-minded is a high priority for this class. They regularly look for ways to serve together.
Men | Room 246
Dr. Raymond Thompson, teacher
Members: 60s to 80s
Bible studies in this class are discussion-based and focus on a specific book of the Bible. Each book selected for study is followed verse by verse to the book’s conclusion.
