Pacesetters Bible School

What is

Pacesetters Bible School?

About Henry and Jody Neufeld | Pacesetters Board of Directors and Staff | Request Information Form | Email Us

Pacesetters Bible School was launched by Pine Forest United Methodist Church. Building on this foundation in the United Methodist tradition, it is designed to serve people of any denomination who wish to: *study the scriptures seriously, *learn to understand their faith better, *learn to articulate their beliefs clearly and *minister to their fellowman. Read an open letter from Director Henry Neufeld.

Purpose of Pacesetters

Pacesetters Bible School is dedicated to equipping both laity and clergy for the ministry of the Word. Just as God's word was made effective and concrete (Ps. 33:6-9) so we emphasize the effective use of the word. Classes will prepare participants to:

Defend the word and their faith
Understand the word in depth
Build on the material they learn through personal study
Minister the word to others.

We must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.
We must keep our eyes on Jesus,
who leads us and makes our faith complete.
- Hebrews 12:1

Doctrinal Position of Pacesetters

Pacesetters will be an inclusive organization. It is not a church or a denomination. We will emphasize those teachings that tend to unify the body of Christ. We will encourage open discussion, both of the issues that divide denominations and those which separate Christians from non-Christians. We do, however, share a common body of basic beliefs. These are not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to provide the basis for Pacesetters policy. Each member of the staff and each student will be expected to interact with and understand the confession of faith of their own denomination.

We believe:

1. God

In God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the saving mission of Jesus Christ through His

life (John 1:1-3;14;18)

death (John 3:14-17)

resurrection
(1 Corinthians 15:12-14).

That the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, functions in opening the mind, will and understanding whenever the word is studied with an open mind and sincere heart. (John 14:16,17,26)

2. Man

That man was created in the image of God with the power to reason and investigate the world in which he lives. We believe he is called upon to study, understand and choose the way of life laid out by God in all forms of His self-revelation: scripture, nature, and the living Word (Genesis 1:26-29, Psalm 8:3-6, Luke 10:27).
That the reason and experience of the individual aid him in understanding God's word (1 Peter 3:15, Isaiah 1:18).

3. Scriptures

That the scriptures are the foundation of Christian belief and practice (2 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 19:7-11).

4. The Church

That the collective experience of the Christian community, commonly known as tradition, can enlighten our understanding of the word; that no single individual should create a new message without studying and understanding the history of Christian belief concerning the matter (Acts 15:1-22).

5. Mission

That the church's function is to bring about change in its members, in its community and in the world in preparation for the final judgment of God (1 John 2:3-11).

Note: While this doctrinal statement guides Pacesetters Bible School policy, instructors are not required to affirm the statement, and the school may use instructors who do not adhere to this doctrinal statement. The standard for instructors is appropriate academic qualification in the area in which he or she teaches and a willingness to work within the structure of Pacesetters Bible School.

Accomplishing the Mission

The school offers one time classes and weekend programs designed to meet the needs of the individual groups. We also have semester classes. Our publications and resource recommendations are made with prayerful consideration and personal review.

So run to win!
- 1 Corinthians 9:24

Classes:

Our classes are taught by qualified instructors and emphasize serious content. Some of the classes we offer regularly are:

History of the Bible (6 hours)
How to study the Bible (4 hours)
Understanding the Search for the Historical Jesus (2 hours)
Prayer and Intimacy with God (4 hours)
So You're an Intercessor (6 hours)
Counting the Cost of Discipleship (2 hours)
Intro to Greek

Classes are offered in local churches and communities with the Pacesetters faculty usually available to come to your church. Contact the school for more information.

Weekend Seminars:

Taking a class and expanding it into a weekend seminar that allows personal training and/or community outreach, depending on the focus.

So You're an Intercessor - a weekend of teaching and participation in prayer for others.

Experiencing God's Presence - building a foundation of prayer and Bible study in your church that has life and a hunger for more.

'Dem Bones' - Transforming Your church into God's Church! A study of Ezekiel and its practical application. Great for pastors as well as lay leadership!

Support

Pacesetters Bible School does not receive budgeted support from any church. We are dependent on individual donations for our support. Pacesetters Bible School accepts donations via PayPal and through US mail.

Organization

School policy is determined by a board of directors that include pastors, teachers, and businesspersons from various denominational and nondenominational backgrounds.

Pacesetters is a Polite Guest

Pacesetters will offer classes that are appropriate in places other than Christian churches. When we put on a program hosted by another church or organization we:

Check all material and plans with those in authority
Undertake to be supportive of the organization
Do not steal sheep or proselytize
Present our views positively rather than attack those of others
Are constructive and supportive.

Feel free to discuss any issue with our speakers or Pacesetters Bible School President, Henry Neufeld, prior to scheduling a class or seminar.

Proselytizing and Sheep-Stealing

Speakers from Pacesetters Bible School never attempt to move members to their own church or to any other church of their choice. They act in support of the local church that invited them. We want people to find the best fit in a home church for them, and so we encourage churches to be open and welcoming.

We do not support of manipulation or pressure in the work of evangelism. We ask our speakers to present a clear, positive witness, and through our educational programs, we encourage individual Christians to build relationships and share their faith in a friendly and respectful way. When speaking or teaching to groups of mixed faith, we also refrain from urging people to change their faith or from behavior designed to convert people or drive them to conversion.

This does not mean we are not committed to evangelism. It simply means that we present the good news through our positive witness and by carrying out the second law, to love our neighbors as ourself, by treating them with respect.

Pacesetters Bible School
P.O. Box 843
Gonzalez, FL 32560
Phone: (850) 525-3916
Web: http://biblepacesetter.org
E-Mail: bible@biblepacesetter.org

For more information about any of the above, please call, email us, or fill out our Request Information form. If you would like to make a donation to Pacesetters Bible School using PayPal, click here.