3 Reasons to take a Vineyard FIT Class in 2018
January 2, 2018 | Jimmy Fleshman
Have you ever taken a Vineyard FIT class or workshop? If not, Vineyard FIT: Faith in Training exists to provide Biblical knowledge and foundational principles to live as a spiritually healthy, dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. Classes focus on Vineyard's values of Loving Jesus, Growing Together, and Giving Back. They are typically four weeks in length and occur on Tuesday or Thursday evenings. Subjects range from studies on books of the Bible to diving into topics such as prayer or leadership. Workshops equip believers to live out their faith in practical ways by offering 90-minute, one-time sessions focused on practical Biblical skills.
While I have been coming to The Vineyard since 2012, it wasn’t until September of 2017 that I came on staff. In the past, I participated in a few classes that The Vineyard offered, but I was unaware of how much FIT has expanded in the materials they cover and the depth at which the classes go. During the course of the past three months, I have had a front row seat to see how God has used FIT to impact the lives of those who participate. If you are looking to strengthen your faith, grow in your knowledge of God’s Word, and connect with others who are doing the same, Vineyard FIT is the place for you! Here are three reasons you should take a Vineyard FIT class this spring.
Studying God’s Word is important!
2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Whether you are a brand new Christian or you have been one for 40 years, studying The Word of God will be a vital part of any thriving relationship with Jesus. The Bible is constantly pointing to Jesus and giving us a glimpse into what the God of the universe is like. It shows us how He responded to the woman caught in adultery, embraced the outcast lepers, healed the sick and raised the dead. At one point he even flips the tables of the money changers at His Father’s house. As in any relationship, you grow closer to an individual by getting to know their tendencies, character traits, strengths, and weaknesses. It is through the “getting to know” process that a relationship will either flourish or flounder. A relationship with Jesus is no different. As you begin to explore the Scriptures, you get a clearer picture of who this Jesus really was.
Vineyard FIT was created to help people grow closer to Jesus, by studying His Word. I understand that reading the Bible can be intimidating and challenging. If you are unsure of how to read it, study it, or even wondering what in the world it is trying to say, join us in a class where you can dive into the Bible and ask questions along the way!
Building Community.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than
We weren’t wired to walk this walk alone. My relationship with Jesus has been filled with so many ups and downs. Without the support of other believers encouraging me, praying for me and challenging me, there is no way that I would be where I am at today.
Sometimes building relationships in a church with well over a 1,000 attendees on a weekend can be a challenge, especially if you are not an outgoing person. One great way to overcome that is to take a class. Vineyard FIT class sizes range from ten to fifty people, and for a duration of three to nine weeks. Our FIT classes always have discussion time, which allows you to ask questions or give insight. There is also a time at the end of the class to speak with the teachers, and potentially find more ways to get connected. So in the process of growing closer to Jesus, we are also growing closer to each other!
Life change happens!
Byron and Janet Hamacher are a perfect example of what can happen when you decide to dig into Vineyard FIT. Here’s a part of how their lives were changed by God through Vineyard FIT.
Byron never read the Bible before he came to the Vineyard. As he began to pursue a relationship with Jesus, Byron believes he was introduced to FIT at just the right time. He said, “It is exactly what you need when you are trying to learn more about the Bible and ultimately, grow in your relationship with Jesus.” After taking nearly 20 Vineyard FIT classes, Byron grew from spiritually insecure and uninformed to teaching others what relationship with Jesus looks like. He credits a lot of that maturation to the classes he took. It was by digging in and prioritizing time in The Bible that Byron was challenged and convicted by the Word of God. He and Janet then had the desire to step out of their comfort zones and became leaders at Young Adults and joined the prayer team. Byron says that reading his Bible and praying are now a part of his daily routine: tasks that once seemed confusing, overwhelming and uncomfortable. He gives credit to Vineyard FIT as an instrument used by God to help transform his life. Janet expressed how important it was for her to find community amongst the FIT students and teachers.
They both said they hope everyone will take at least one FIT class, as it could lead to life change for them too!
So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Vineyard FIT class today. Check out all of our Vineyard FIT classes by clicking on the button below.
Jimmy is the Assistant Director of Newcomers and Spiritual Development. He connects with newcomers, develops our Vineyard FIT classes, and grows the Spiritual atmosphere of Vineyard.