Adult Sunday School Classes

Adult 3 (20s-30s)

College Class
Teacher: Brad Keaton
Location: Sanctuary Building, College Suite, Ground Level-East, corner of Walnut and Hill Streets
Description: College students from area colleges and universities meet weekly to discuss books and Bible topics and for fellowship.

Quarter Life Class
Teacher: Court Lewis
Location: Library Loft
Description: This group focuses on people who have completed one college degree and open to what's next. College grads, grad students, in betweeners, people almost finished, and others.

Nearly/Newlywed Class
Teachers: Alice & Ed Crook and Karen & Richard Smith
Location: Sanctuary Building, Young Adult Suite, Ground Level-East, corner of Walnut and Hill Streets
Description: Part of a new Young Adult Department and including the College and Young Professionals Classes, this class is been specifically designed for nearly wed & newlywed couples and presents a variety of materials and teaching methods.

Young Professionals/Butler Class
Teachers: Tom & Erica Butler
Location: Sanctuary Building, Room 120
Description: Open to single or married professionals and graduate students (mid-20s to mid-30s), this class curriculum draws from a variety of sources including books, short-term studies, and the lectionary. Students enjoy healthy discussions on popular topics and theology.

Coley Class
Teachers: Bill & Betty Coley and Clark Denton
Location: Education Building, Second Floor Children’s Wing, Room 207
Description: Originally a newlywed class, the Coley Class consists of couples with younger children. This class uses independent studies which are selected by the participants. An important component of this group is community—fostered by outside fellowship and mission work.

Adult 4 (30s-40s)

Blakely Class
Teachers: Russell & Julie Blakeley
Location: Sanctuary Building, Ground Level-East, Chapel Area, Studio Room 257
Description: Populated by single adults and couples (30s to 50s) with or without children, the mission of this class is to provide a safe place for committed Christians to question and explore matters of faith and journey together. The class uses a variety of materials that are selected by participants.

Money Class
Teacher: Bob Money
Location: Sanctuary Building, Second Level-West, Room 220
Description: This is a class where Scripture is applied to daily life for those who are seeking to effectively serve the community. Attendees can expect an atmosphere that is open, diverse, conversational, inclusive, and fun while studying Smith and Helwys’ Foundations Series.

Disciples Class
Teacher: Mike Cunningham
Location: Sanctuary Building, Ground Level-West, Chapel Area, Heritage Room 254
Description: The Disciples class is discussion-oriented and emphasizes community missions with fellowship and fun—at least one social activity every month! Ages ranging from late 20s to late 40s.

Adult 5 (mid 40’s-50s), 3rd Floor Education Building

Hall/Reed Class
Teachers: Bob Hall and Greg Reed
Location: Room 305
Description: This is a couples and singles class, ages 45 to 60, who are interested in Missions. Teachers make brief introductory presentations and follow with a group discussion. Independent literature is used.

Nelson Class
Teachers: Dianne Graybeal
Location: Room 304A
Description: Currently studying Smyth & Helwys' Formations Series, this class uses unique teaching methods specifically designed for its attendees: discussion, brainstorming, case studies, and stories and lectures, along with collaborative charts and maps. Prayer and the spirit of fellowship bind this class together.

Boswell Class
Teacher: Wade Boswell
Location: Room 304B
Description: Consists of men with ages ranging from mid-50s to mid-60s. With a lecture teaching style, this class is currently using LifeWay’s Explore the Bible literature.

Career Singles Class
Teacher: Tere Atwater
Location: Room 304C
Description: Formulated for singles, this class is based primarily on discussion and uses Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series.

Friendship Class
Teacher: Tom Hardin
Location: Room 304D
Description: This class is described by its members as a class of loving and caring individuals. Primarily lecture and discussion, the Friendship Class is open to single persons and married couples and recommended for those in the 50+ age group. This class uses Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series.

Pastoral Class
Teachers: Andy Edmondson and Cliff Shirley
Location: Room 306
Description: A co-ed class of mixed ages using Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series. Predominantly lecture-based but also open to discussion.

Shalom Class
Teacher: Ken Thornton
Location: Room 310
Description: Named after the Hebrew interjection meaning “peace, fellowship, and love,” the Shalom class is composed of adult singles and couples in a representative mix of First Baptist membership who are committed to learning and caring for one another. The format involves exposition of Scripture and discussion enhanced with Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series and other literature.

Adult 6 (57+) 3rd Floor Education Building

Burnett/Kessel Class
Teachers: Jon Burnett and Dwight Kessel
Location: Room 307
Description: This class is composed of men ages 65-80—some are life-long members of FBC Knoxville. At the present time, this class uses literature from various sources. The teaching format is part lecture and part discussion with frequent interruptions! Burnett and Kessel alternate teaching months with an occasional substitute. Visitors are always welcome and are well-received.

Faulkner Class
Teacher: A.C. McLemore
Location: Room 300
Description: Composed of those over 60 years of age who prefer a co-ed environment for Bible study. Currently using Lifeway’s Explore the Bible literature. The teaching format is part lecture and part discussion. The members of this class love Christ and desire a better knowledge of His Word.

Joy Class
Teacher: Edna Clark
Location: Room 302A
Description: The aim of the Joy class is to study the Bible, learn and understand Biblical truths, and become more like Christ through the conviction of these truths. The class currently uses LifeWay’s Explore the Bible literature using a lecture/discussion format. Includes married, single, and widowed ladies ages 65-80 who are striving to develop relationships through a ministry of love, care, and Christian fellowship.

Joe Goddard Class
Teacher: Ken Casey
Location: Room 309
Description: This class is designed for men over 65 who are interested in both Bible study and discipleship. The Goddard class is currently using Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series and is composed of lecture and discussion.

Rebekah Class
Teachers: Edna Hyder and Eleanor Luther
Location: Room 308
Description: The Rebekah class consists of Christian women who are 80+. This class uses lecture and discussion that center around LifeWay’s Life Ventures curriculum.

Ruth Class
Teachers: Mary Gilmore, Jane Hall, Gerry Jack, and Barbara Phillips
Location: Room 301
Description: The Ruth Class is composed of women who have each lived more than 65 years—loving, laughing, and struggling to take advantage of the safe-haven in trying to be more like Jesus. Some ladies are unable attend, but they still minister and are still ministered to by this loving and praying class. Each teacher brings a different style and approach to the classroom teaching by lecture, discussion, and experience. Currently using Smith and Helwys Formations Series.

Wynn-Ward Class
Teacher: Wynn Ware
Location: Room 302C
Description: Composed of 35 active ladies with ages ranging from late-60s to mid-70s—five of those are in-service members serving elsewhere. These women are a combination group of married, widowed, and/or those who have never married. Currently uses lecture and discussion based on Smyth and Helwys’ Formations Series.

Other Adult Classes

Mercy Class for Women
Teacher: Mercy Jeyaraja Rao
Location: Sanctuary Building, Room 240, Second Level-East
Description: Designed for single and married women who do not have a home for small group Bible study. The class seeks to bring those women together who want a place to study God’s Word, build relationships, and find avenues in which they can minister in the name of Christ. Open to all women of all ages in all stages of life. The teacher personally compiles the Mercy Class’s curriculum following the Lectionary year and weekly sermon passages.

Calloway Class
Teacher: Bob & Carolyn Calloway
Location: Sanctuary Building, Main Level-East Office Conference Room
Description: Using a curriculum that has been formulated by its teachers, this class is designed for couples in their mid-40s and older and follows the Lectionary year and weekly sermon passages in worship. The Calloway Class centers much of its life on community and connections and is open to all couples, especially those who have not connected elsewhere, at First Baptist.

Deaf Adults
Teacher: Greg Johannsen
Location: Sanctuary Building, Second Level-East, Rooms 241-242
Description: Designed for all hearing impaired adults who also worship together as a deaf congregation in the Chapel. Spanish Speakers Class Teachers: David & Jama Foster and Victor Perez Location: Education Building, Tretham Hall, Room Annex 2, Description: Designed for all Spanish-speaking adults and those who are interested in our Latino congregation.