This class is one that is historical in nature and is designed for those who are interested in exploring the lives of the men and women, dynamically empowered by the Holy Spirit that God used to fuel the fires of revival across the nation in the 19th and 20th Centuries. As we take a biographical look at 12 pioneer leaders of the Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements, we will discover that the impact of their work and ministries can still be felt in the church today. We will take a look at God’s generals, both their successes and failures to learn from them. Some of the powerful figures that we will study are Rosa Seymour, an African-American son of a former slave, who started the Azusa Street revival in Los Angeles. We will look at Aimee Semple McPherson who founded the Four Square Church of the nation’s first radio station, Smith Wigglesworth who was a plumber who read no books accept the Bible, and Kathryn Kuhlman, the Evangelist,  whose miracle-filled meetings bought millions of skeptics to faith in Jesus Christ.

We will answer questions like what is an Evangelist? Who was called to be an Evangelist, and what does that look like in the 21st Century? How does one prepare to be an evangelist, and why are the miracles, signs and wonders that were so prevalent in the past centuries absent today? You might be thinking, I’m not called to be an Evangelist and are wondering the relevance of this course and if it's right for you. I’ll ask you to consider the following: every Christian believer is called to evangelize and lead on some level and if you want to fight the good fight of faith, then a study of  God’s generals, the men and women who did great things for God, is a good place to start. These heroes of the faith will encourage you to succeed in whatever God has for your life.

The Epistle of James  is great to help us Christians grow up. In case you are not aware of this, not everybody who grows old, grows up. There is a vast difference between age and maturity. One of the most practical books in the New Testament, James, is the how to book of the Christian life. In a few words, James explains the responsibilities of a Christian while giving instructions and exhortation to all Christians who are experiencing problems as we all are. We all have crosses to bear, situations that sometimes put us in a tailspin. As if the trials themselves are not bad enough, James points out the dangers that come with them. He warns of the pitfalls of failing to put our trust in God and not enduring. 

James speaks of prejudice, improper speech, judging one another, leaving God out of our plans, and even bitterness. A short letter of only 5 chapters, James is full of invaluable wisdom, understanding and lessons to help us as we navigate the vicissitudes of life. What does James really mean when he tells us to count it all joy when all hell seems to be breaking loose around us? Really James, it sounds easy, it sounds simple, but not realistic, then what is he really saying? Let’s find out. Let’s grow up together.