Christian Education
“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20)
Jesus’ call to his followers is always one of discipleship, and a disciple is one who continues to learn the great teachings of God’s Word that are found in the Holy Scriptures (John 5:39).
Part of Christ’s call to his Church to fulfill his great commission of making disciples of all peoples is to provide for their ongoing Christian education. As Jesus made plain during the time of his own 40-day temptation period in the wilderness, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes forth from the mouth of God!” (Matthew 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3).
The sense of freedom and peace that Christ brings to his disciples comes to them to a large degree from their continuing to learn not only more about him, but to know him more intimately and personally as his followers. “Come to me all of you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 10:29-30).
When Peter had been reinstated into Jesus’ good graces again following our Lord’s resurrection, Jesus told Peter that he could best prove his love for the Risen Savior by “Feeding my lambs, tending my sheep and feeding my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
Sunday School Classes for All Ages
Sunday school classes at Mount Olive are offered on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Several Adult Bible study classes are also available.
New Member Classes
New member classes are taught by Pastor Sizemore at various times throughout the year during the Sunday school hour, for a six-week time period. Those who are new to the Lutheran Church, as well as lifelong Lutherans, are invited to attend these classes in order to review the basic Biblical teachings of Christianity and the particular emphases of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Church Nursery
A church nursery for children ages three years and younger is available during the Sunday school hour and the 10:30 service from 9:00 a.m. to noon. It is never too young to grow in one’s love and faith in the Lord.
Northeast Wednesday Night Bible Study
Members who live on the Northeast side of Columbia have formed a Wednesday evening Bible study group that meets in a member’s home from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. A light supper is followed by an informal discussion of the Biblical text. Currently they are studying an overview of the Old Testament
Vacation Bible School
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Every summer, Mount Olive holds a five-day Vacation Bible School in the evenings from Sunday through Thursday. A light supper at 5:15 p.m. is followed at 6:00 by class sessions that are fun yet informative, along with crafts and games. This year features the Big Jungle Adventure!
Youth Groups
Mount Olive offers two youth group gatherings each month: one for the middle school-aged children, and one for our high school youth. One primary objective of these gatherings is to foster spiritual growth in the lives of our young people, while offering them an opportunity to become involved in some type of service project, either in the church or local community.
Every three years, Mount Olive encourages and supports the high school youth in their endeavor to attend the LCMS National Youth Gathering that convenes in such places as New Orleans, San Antonio, Denver and Orlando.
Confirmation Classes
Parents of children who are baptized in the Lutheran Church promise at the time of their child’s baptism to provide for the further instruction of their children in the teachings of the Christian faith. To help parents with this important spiritual obligation, Lutheran churches have traditionally offered a two-year confirmation program. Mount Olive enrolls students in these classes as they enter the fifth grade. The main text, of course, is the Holy Bible as outlined in Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism of 1527.
Early Communion Classes
Children in the fifth grade may participate in a series of instructional classes about the doctrine of The Lord’s Supper. Parents who believe that their children are ready to receive Holy Communion with the Pastor’s consent may be admitted to the Lord’s Table prior to their confirmation.
