Julie Bennett

david.julie.bennett@gmail.com
I am married to David Bennett and have two boys, Austin and Luke. I have attended Salem Alliance since 1995, a member since 1996. I graduated from Biola University with a B.A. in Sociology (Bible minor) and a Masters of Arts in Special Education from Cal. State, L.A. Currently, I teach PE and math and am the head Volleyball Coach at Crosshill Christian School. My teaching style is a balance of lecture and discussion questions designed for interaction with the material and application of Truths into daily life. I love learning something new and with application in my daily life and relationships.

Topics

First Century Look at Discipleship
Getting a sense of what it means to be called a disciple during Jesus' life on earth and how to relate it to today.
WIN Statement: Understanding the call of the 1st Century disciple and the background of a rabbi can lead us to desire to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, our Rabbi; to live not for ourselves but to be just like Him.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: In/Up
Categories: Community  Discipleship  
Truth: Is it Yours or Mine?
Where do we get our truth from? Encouragement to see Truth with a capital 'T' from God's word. It is not to be watered down with a worldview truth.
WIN Statement: Truth is not based on our perspective or our experience, but rather is based on God's reality, God's Truth. Look at life through the larger lens of God rather than on our own narrow vision.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  

Gordon Bergman

gbergman@salemalliance.org
I grew up in the church and developed an appreciation for God’s people and His Word. I have served in pastoral ministry for almost all of my adult life. We began attending Salem Alliance in 2008, and I came on Staff in 2010. Teaching in our Community Groups is enjoyable and engaging. I have found that our groups want the opportunity to look at Scripture and discuss its meaning and implications for today. My style is to facilitate Bible text conversations. We read the text and then launch into a discussion of what we see there. I have additional questions prepared to help get at its present day meaning and application. I have a number of Bible books as well as a number of thematic topics that can be used in our Groups.

Topics

Custom
Customized facilitation on a passage of scripture or book that meets the needs of the Community Group. Call Gordon to discuss.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: (call to discuss)
Focus: In/Out/Up
Categories: Customized Presentations  

Sam Brown

sambrown@salemalliance.org
If you’re looking for a British accent, I’m your guy 🙂 I grew up in England before moving to America to do the School of Biblical Studies with Youth With A Mission in Montana. I came back on staff to teach and over the next 3 years taught over 20 different books of the Bible. Since then I’ve moved to Salem, along with my wife Steph, and we now both work for Salem Alliance. I currently serve with our Alpha groups, Community Groups and Young Adults ministry. I love to have meaningful conversations centered around faith and hope to engage in one with your community group soon!

Topics

The Future of Sharing the Gospel (in a post-Christian culture)
How do we talk about truth in a culture that doesn’t recognize “truth”? How do we have respectful conversations about faith in a society that is so hostile to religion? How can we help those in our lives who we’d like to explore the claims of Christianity in a post-Christian culture? With the help of Tim Keller, Barna Group research and some of my own insights taken from my experience with Alpha, we will explore the future of sharing the gospel and how we can best participate in it.
WIN Statement: Proximity, trust and curiosity are essential ingredients in our efforts to see those in our spheres of influence come to know Jesus.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Evangelism  

Brad Coleman

home: 503-581-4962office: 503-370-9326
brad@wbradcoleman.com
I am a practicing attorney. Mary Anne and I have been at Salem Alliance Church since 1966. With all due apologies to Socrates, my style is Socratic in nature. I ask questions that hopefully lead to meaningful discussion about how to live the life of a believer. I try not to answer questions but to deflect it back to the group or to Scripture for the answer. My topics are usually chosen because I have questions in that area. I use Scripture in every class. I believe God has a sense of humor, and so should we; so I like to have fun in class.

Topics

“Sinning Believers”
A look at how and why we continue to sin after being saved and what we can do about it.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Christian Ethics
Living right in a world gone wrong. How to survive with your integrity intact.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Out
Categories: Following Jesus  
How to be a Christian Without Being Religious
Romans
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Knowing God
A look at His attributes, nature and character.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Attributes of God  
Soul Care
A discussion about keeping and caring for our souls
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Listening  
Surviving (and thriving) in a non-Christian world (Colossians)
A discussion of how we can and should be salt and light to this world we live in.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Evangelism  Bible Passages - N.T.  
Walking the Talk (1 Peter)
Standing up for our beliefs in a non-believing world.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: World Views  Bible Passages - N.T.  

Ross & Allison Collingwood

rosscollingwood@gmail.com   kiwiallison@gmail.com

Topics

Discovering more - Becoming an Apprentice of Jesus
Jesus calls us to discipleship. But that is more than following. He invites us to adopt his ways – to become his apprentice. This three part series will serve as an introduction to a transformational experience - learning to really know the God that Jesus knows. It will give group members a sense of what they might experience by engaging in the full 30 week Apprentice Series.
WIN Statement: The Group will be challenged with the call to a deeper walk with Jesus, along with exposure to the training that encompasses the Apprentice Series.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Who needs God
This short series is intended to help us all better understand and connect with friends, relatives and peers who have de-converted, or walked away from faith in Jesus. Based on Pastor Andy Stanley’s sermon series “Who Needs God” we will confront some of the false narratives of who God is. As Andy says: “Who told you that is what God is like?” “Maybe, maybe you have the wrong god!” “What if the god you’re walking away from never existed to begin with?” For some it is moving beyond their “Sunday school god”, for others the “family god” has not stood up the rigors of education and life. Together we will affirm the God whom Jesus knows, who loves and accepts us.
WIN Statement: The group will wrestle with some of the “elephants in the room” – the false God narratives, while building an understanding of why so many have abandoned a faith in God. Together we will build a better base for both our faith and our understanding of others.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Evangelism  Hope & Healing  

Steve Conway

stephendconway@gmail.com
Steve Conway and his wife Beverly have recently moved back to Salem and are enjoying attending Salem Alliance. They have two grown children who attended youth group at SAC and now live in the Portland area, along with four grandchildren. Steve graduated from Simpson College and Golden Gate Seminary and also complete a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2000. He has served in a variety of roles with the Alliance: youth pastor, lead pastor, district staff member and intentional interim pastor. Steve enjoys fishing, golfing and traveling with his wife.

Topics

Behold Your God
“Those who know his name will put their trust in him.” (Psalm 9:10). We will be exploring the names of God to gain a deeper appreciation of his identity and character. In addition, we will delve into the attributes of God, both those he shares with us and those which are exclusively his. The aim is to enrich our worship of and devotion to the One who made us and loves us.
WIN Statement: Participants will expand their understanding and wonder of the magnificent God they know and serve.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Attributes of God  
Finishing Well: Making Your Maximum Contribution in the Second Half of Life
“The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” (Job 42:12) In this workshop we will explore together: Common characteristics of God-honoring finishers; Ways of reinvesting the deposits God has made in our lives over the years; Shifting from the “sage on the stage” to the “guide by the side”; Melding together being and doing, who we are and what we do; and Essential shifts in our attitudes and perspectives as we anticipate the future. This workshop is for people who want to be more in love with Jesus, more passionately committed to His mission and more sacrificial with their resources at the end, than they were at the beginning.
WIN Statement: Identify what God has deposited into each person’s life, with whom they could share it and how they could best pass it on.
Sessions: 4-6
Focus: In/Out
Categories: Gifts - Spiritual & Personal  Serving Others  
Holistic Coaching: Strengthening the Soul and Sharpening the Skills of Others
“The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out” (Prov. 20:5). Mentoring pours in, coaching draws out. Coaching can take the form of casual, informal conversations or structured, formal appointments. We will explore the essential skills of prayerful three-fold listening and asking high-yield questions as we seek to be used by God to empower others to step into their unique, God-given destiny. Special attention will be given to the melding spiritual dynamics into the ministry of coaching. Opportunity will be given to explore your questions and peruse resources.
WIN Statement: Participants will be equipped to begin practicing basic elements of holistic coach within their circle of relationships.
Sessions: 4-6
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
Sacred Rhythms: Growing through Spiritual Practices
“Train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 1:7). Growing toward Christ likeness entails exercising our spiritual muscles in the power of the Holy Spirit. This involves not merely trying but training—what we might call spiritual conditioning. Little by little we expand our capacity to experience God in new and deeper ways. We will be exploring together the process of spiritual morphing (2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 12:2) as we collaborate with God through the exercise of spiritual disciplines or practices. The practices we will sample will include:
  • Solitude and Silence
  • Scriptural Intake
  • Listening Prayer
  • The Prayer of Examen
  • The Art of Slowing
WIN Statement: Participants will deepen their intimacy with God through practicing some spiritual disciplines.
Sessions: 4-6
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  

Steve Dangaran

day: 503-581-2129 x240eve: 503-361-2586
sdangaran@salemalliance.org

Topics

Authority of the Scriptures
5 steps from God to man.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: Up
Categories: Education  
History of the C&MA
Defining moments in the history of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: Up
Categories: Education  
Marriage and Family
What I have been learning. Personal testimony.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
RTI Update
Stories from Steve and potentially students regarding their experience and their future.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Missions  
Sharing your Faith
Tools for everyday life.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: Out
Categories: Evangelism  
Show & Tell
What the scripture says about evangelism. How do we apply those principles?
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: Out
Categories: Evangelism  

Cory Folkert

folkert.cory@gmail.com

Topics

Prayer and the Psalms
Learning to pray through scripture.
WIN Statement: The group would understand how scripture and the Psalms can lead us into a deeper prayer life.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Purpose and practice of reading scripture
Why do we read the Bible? What are some different ways of reading scripture?
WIN Statement: The group would be inspired and equipped to dive into scripture.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Technology & Christian Spirituality
How does Technology shape and affect us?
WIN Statement: Your group will be better equipped to live as disciples in a digital world.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In/Up
Categories: Technology  Discipleship  

Melissa Garner

moseylissa@gmail.com

Topics

Prodigal God
Based on the book by Timothy Keller, this is a look into the Father heart of God toward two sons who try to win his favor. Learn about the ways we try to relate to Him and how He calls us.
WIN Statement: Shed false relationship and fall in love with the Father again.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Safe & Healthy Communities: 1. Safe Groups
An essential component of safe & healthy communities are the ground rules that the community upholds to keep both group and participants safe. What are these guidelines and how do we practice them? They are:
Confidentiality
Responsibility
Acceptance
Respect
Openness
Encouragement
In two interactive sessions, your community group will explore, learn, and adopt successful practices as their own.
WIN Statement: Keep people in and attract them to your community by creating and maintaining a safe group.
Sessions: 2
Focus: In
Categories: Community  
Safe & Healthy Communities: 2. Internal Freedom
When we are wrapped up in performance, people pleasing, and/or control, we cannot begin to love ourselves or others well. How do we overcome this problem? In three highly interactive sessions, adopt a set of skills and outlooks that break the unhealthy patterns in our lives.
WIN Statement: When we get clear about what and who we can control and make happy, we are free to love ourselves and others with God’s love.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up/In
Categories: Community  Hope & Healing  
Safe & Healthy Communities: 3. Getting Beyond the Waltz of Life
Using a framework that has been called “remedial Christianity for those of us who couldn’t get it any other way,” discover how doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results is truly insane. And then learn what we can do to grow and change in new ways. Becoming more like Christ is the heart of this framework.
WIN Statement: With confidence that God is for us, we take courage in hand and let go of the things that hold us back.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up/In
Categories: Community  Hope & Healing  
Tools for Relationships
Building Stronger Relationships through Personality Types (Call Melissa to review approach to fit your group dynamics and potential problems)
WIN Statement: Participants will understand themselves better and learn tools to help them relate better with each other.
Sessions: 2-3
Focus: In/Out
Categories: Gifts - Spiritual & Personal  Evangelism  
Visual Notetaking
Tired of taking notes that you never remember? Not even sure if notes are even worth taking? We've all heard that pictures are worth 1000 words. Use visual notetaking to help you remember and connect more fully to what you hear. This session is highly interactive.
WIN Statement: Easily remember what God is saying to you by adding a visual element to your notes.
Sessions: 1
Focus: In
Categories: Technology  

Jocelyn Glaze

jglaze@salemalliance.org
I am currently working as the RTI coordinator which entails the following: Admissions Director, practicum coordinator, and academic advisor. I am passionate about equipping and empowering leaders for kingdom service.

Topics

Reach Training Institute
RTI's program and vision including questions such as how long is our program, what kind of classes do you offer, how is it different/similar from a traditional degree program, and etc. This session would also include a student panel (3 students) led by myself. I would be asking students the following questions: What was your reason for choosing RTI? What has been a struggle you've encountered so far? Do you know where you're going to the neighborhoods or to the nations? Has anything about this journey surprised you so far? The end of the session I would give the community group an opportunity to pray and bless the students at each table.
WIN Statement: The class will gain a better understanding of RTI and its people, and be equipped to pray for and support this wonderful ministry.
Sessions: 1
Focus: out
Categories: Missions  

Doug & Anya Holcomb

dholcomb@salemalliance.org
Anya and I have most recently been part of the Salem Alliance church family since 2016. We have 2 kids, Micah and Lucy. Anya has her master’s in Social Work from Portland State University and Doug has a Master’s in Business Administration from Concordia University. After serving on the Pastoral Staff at Mosaic Church in Portland for 10 years, we spent a year with Compassion and Mercy Associates (the relief and development arm of the Alliance) in Gjilan, Kosovo. We returned to the Salem area in 2016 and began our roles as Pastors of Refugee Ministries at Salem Alliance. We are amazed at the ways God is bringing unreached people and also incredible believers to Salem from all around the world. Our vision is to see refugees, churches and the community engage in mutually transformative relationships that draw people to Jesus. We love sharing about the work God is doing among refugees here in Salem with community groups, and giving community groups opportunities to get involved.

Topics

Refugee Ministry
God is at work through the movement of people around the globe. We have the opportunity to share Jesus with the nations at our doorstep.
WIN Statement: Hear exciting stories of God at work and learn how your group can participate.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  

Ken Jewett

ken.jewett@gmail.com
I am married to an amazing woman, Robin. I am father to two incredible kids adopted from the D.R. Congo. I am a Canadian and yes, I love to talk hockey with anyone who will listen. I have been a pastor for over two decades. Now I am a retirement adviser with CFP. Our family has been coming to SAC for one year. I love watching that “aha” moment that happens during group discussion. I enjoy blending current events with our ancient faith.

Topics

Incredible Moments with the Savior
See how God uses his awesome power in a mercifully tender way to help others, and they are challenged to help others in similar ways.
WIN Statement: Gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ sovereignty and power.
Sessions: 4-6
Focus: Up
Categories: Following Jesus  
Soul Shift: The measure of a life transformed
Soul shift is a clear and measurable way of defining the target of spiritual transformation. It’s a study of seven shifts that will change your life, and keep changing it.
WIN Statement: Participants will know if their life is aligned with God’s desire.
Sessions: 4
Focus: In/Out/Up
Categories: Community  Following Jesus  Discipleship  

John Lehmann

day: 503-884-8277eve: 503-393-1511
ljlehmann@msn.com

Topics

Genesis 1-4
The first four chapters set the bases for the rest of the Bible. We will look at some of the themes.
WIN Statement: What have you learned that is deeper than the immediate story?
Sessions: 4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
Matthew 24, 25
Jesus gave us a description of what will happen in the future. Do you know how to read the seasons?
WIN Statement: Are you eager or dreading the future after learning what Jesus taught about in the end times?
Sessions: 4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Pray the Lord's Prayer
Learn how to practice praying though the Lord’s prayer.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  

Ammon Poage

ammon.poage@comcast.net

Topics

Financial Peace University Highlights
Topical Biblical Finance with a focus on getting on a budget. These sessions can be tailored to fit your group demographic.
WIN Statement: How to put a budget together, language for spouses to discuss finances.
Sessions: 3-5
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
Goal Setting
Using the SMART goal setting methodology apply Biblical principles for goals.
WIN Statement: Biblical goal setting
Sessions: 1
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  

Larry Polvogt

day: 971-240-7241eve: 503-873-9474
lpolvogt@gmail.com

Topics

1 John
God's Word, truth applied to our daily living.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Colossians, Ephesians & Hebrews
WIN Statement: God's word, truth applied to our Daily Living
Sessions: 4-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Healthy Christian Responses
Healthy responses to government, politics and cultural changes
WIN Statement: Biblically guided and practical responses to what is happening in America. Passive response or activism? Prayer and other ways to make a difference.
Sessions: 2-3
Focus: Out
Categories: Evangelism  
Jesus' First Discourse
Matthew 5-7 and its impact
WIN Statement: Can the sermon on the mount really be lived out - how can I be what Jesus wants me to be?
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Jesus’ Last Discourse
John 13-16 and its impact
WIN Statement: What was Jesus' last message to His followers--and why they are so important for us - disciples as well.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Marriage, Growth & Enrichment
Bringing help and hope to marriages - improved communication, dealing with conflict, the covenant understood and lived out.
WIN Statement: Deepening relational intimacy - growing Godly, satisfying marriages and families.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
Parenting Issues
Relationship building, healthy discipling of our children.
WIN Statement: Strategies to balance work and other priorities
Sessions: 2-4
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
Worldview
Examination – Do I have a truly Christian worldview?
WIN Statement: Does it influence my choices and my lifestyle? Will God be pleased with me and say well done my Good and Faithful Servant?
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Out
Categories: World Views  

Travis Ratzlaff

day: 503-581-2129 x237eve: 503-428-0713
tratzlaff@salemalliance.org
Since graduating from Azusa Pacific University, I’ve worked in small business and overseas with our international partners in the Middle East. While I have attended Salem Alliance for over 20 years, I’ve been on staff in the role of Pastor of Community Groups for over 4 years. My preferred style of teaching is a bit more of a facilitated discussion role with short teaching sections followed by group interaction and table discussion.

Topics

Biblical Passage by Design
Customized teaching on a passage of scripture that connects directly with the group's culture and direction. Call Travis to discuss.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In/Out/Up
Categories: Customized Presentations  

Steve Reischke

shreischke@gmail.com
I am a native of Salem and a graduate of North Salem High School, Biola University and Denver Seminary. I've been in full-time ministry for 36 years, serving in pastoral roles in Oregon and Alaska. My wife Marilyn and I have been at Salem Alliance since 2010. We have served in the Broadway Life Center's English Language Learning program and in preschool ministries. I also serve on the board of Mid-Valley Fellowship in Albany, a ministry dealing with sexual brokenness. I am open to facilitate a variety of learning experiences suited to your group's needs.

Topics

Dealing with Loved Ones Involved in Sexual Sin
Facing the truth of Sexual brokenness from biblical and cultural perspectives. How to talk to others about sexual brokenness, biblical responses to common questions about homosexuality.
WIN Statement: Aligning our responses to God’s heart.
Sessions: as needed
Focus: Out
Categories: Following Jesus  

Randall Roth

whtevrtru10@gmail.com

Topics

Looking into Jesus' statement "Life more abundantly"
Delving into these scriptural words and phrase as they relate to this umbrella statement of Jesus: "Life Abundantly". Ideas discussed include freedom, bitterness, power, testing/trials.
WIN Statement: Understanding and living out Jesus' promised gift of the abundant life.
Sessions: 4
Focus: In/Up
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Bible Passages - N.T.  

Don Sappington

don@remembernhu.org

Topics

Remember Nhu
Hear about what God is doing around the world through an organization called Remember Nhu. With 27 million enslaved around the world and 80 percent of them being women and children, Remember Nhu is committed to ending child sex slavery through prevention. Remember Nhu staff holistically focuses on meeting physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of the children, and even their families, as opportunities present themselves.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Missions  

Laura Scharer

lscharer@salemalliance.org

Topics

Recognizing God’s Voice
WIN Statement: God desires relationship with us, and in that relationship He desires to share His heart, His wisdom, His insights, His Love and so much more. But, many of us find ourselves simply talking to or at God when we pray, leaving little room for Him to even respond. Listening to God takes practice and intentionality, but some of us feel ill-equipped or frustrated with this part of the journey of faith. Simply entering into conversation and practice with other Christ followers can be a great starting place.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Listening  

Rick Stein

day: 503-580-5137eve: 503-581-1450
5stein4dei@comcast.net

Topics

A Thorough Apology
WIN Statement: Participants will practice how to make an effective apology that has a greater chance of bringing forgiveness and reconciliation.
Sessions: 2
Focus: In
Categories: Conflict Resolution  
Peacemaking for Couples
Inter-generational conflict and personal peacemaking.
WIN Statement: Participants will have knowledge and practical basic skills to deal with conflicts in a manner that honors God and follows Biblical principles.
Sessions: 4
Focus: In
Categories: Conflict Resolution  
The Roots of Conflict
WIN Statement: Participants will explore the primary sources of conflict in their lives.
Sessions: 3
Focus: In
Categories: Conflict Resolution  

Ken Stott

day: 503-792-4485eve: 503-508-7508
stottk@gervais.com

Topics

Advocating For Others
A study of the book of Philemon
WIN Statement: Group members will use Paul’s model of intercession to examine how we can be advocates for others.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: In
Categories: Community  
Faith Markers
Preparing to tell others our faith stories by remembering what God has already done through us
WIN Statement: Group members will reflect upon God's past faithfulness to them as a springboard for telling others.
Sessions: 3
Focus: In
Categories: Community  
He is the Vine
A study of John 15
WIN Statement: Group members will reflect upon what dependence upon Christ looks like and how to model that to the world
Sessions: 3
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
It’s All About Christ
A study of Colossians 1-2
WIN Statement: Group members will reflect upon the centrality of Christ and His preeminence in all things.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Opposites in the Kingdom
A study of opposites between heavenly and earthly things.
WIN Statement: Group members will explore how God’s ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
The Ever Present God
A study of God’s abiding presence with us as reflected in Psalm 139.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  

Diane Sturdivant

diane@jdtkor.com
Though I graduated with a BS in business, my minor in Bible is where my passion lies. I love to study the word, to seek God and his mysteries. Over the years he’s blessed that time with some fascinating insights that I enjoy sharing with others. Though my gifting is not teaching, he has gifted me with speaking truth to the best of my ability, and encouraging my brothers and sisters in their journey.

Topics

Book of Job “It’s not what you think”
I used to hate the book of Job. If a righteous man such as Job could suffer in such a horrible way, then who is safe? The answer is, no one. Though I’ve heard many sermons attempting to redeem this story, they’ve always left me with more questions than answers. But, then God showed me something most people miss in this incredible tale and suddenly my questions were finally laid to rest. If you struggle with God’s mysterious ways, this study is for you. Join me in this fast-paced study of my all -time favorite book of the Bible.
WIN Statement: This lesson takes a deeper look into the mystery behind Job’s suffering, his misguided belief about God, and a timeless truth relevant to all believers.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
David and the 5 Discouragement Stones
The story of David and Goliath might just be one of the greatest unlikely hero stories of all time, pushing us to trust in God in impossible situations, but did you know that David, just like us, faced opposition long before he ever faced Goliath, and this from people who should have been his allies? In this short study, we'll look at those oppositions so that we can be more prepared to face the battle before the battle ever comes.
WIN Statement: This study looks into the spiritual realm reminding us that discouragement preludes success.
Sessions: 1
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
Holy Vessels of God Part 1
We are the temple of God, set apart for great things, but sometimes we get lost and lose sight of who we are, ending up in chaos and turmoil, instead of having the peace that God promises even when we travel uncertain terrain. Our goal is to become Holy Vessels, but there are things that hinder us from becoming that vessel. If we want to have the Peace of God in a chaotic world, we must be diligent in guarding three areas of our lives.
WIN Statement: This study uses the writings of Ezekiel, Proverbs, and Paul to show how to find peace and rest in our journey to become sanctified vessels.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up/In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Discipleship  
Holy Vessels of God Part II
God created us to be powerful and holy vessels, with unique purposes….so why then does the church live as if it’s less? This study is designed to promote self-reflection as we look deeper into the things that hinder us in our race, such as wrong motives, pride, and validation that comes from erroneous sources. The goal of this study is to build sanctified vessels with the sole pursuit of holiness by reminding us of who we truly are.
WIN Statement: This study uses the words of Paul from 1 and 2 Corinthians and Philippians to take apart our nominal Christian lives and rebuild them from the foundation up.
Sessions: 3
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Following Jesus  
My two natures
As humans, we typically fall into one of two categories, introvert…or extrovert. We either find energy in being alone….or find it in others. Often, we find ourselves at extreme ends of the spectrum. But what if neither are what God intended? What if both are separated from the Holy Spirit and through his Spirit we can move toward the center? This study takes a look at the war between our souls and God, between the nature that wants to kill us and the nature that wants to live.
WIN Statement: WIN Statement: This study uses my personal testimony of transformation while looking at Paul's words found in Romans.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Serving Others  Bible Passages - N.T.  
Parable of the 10 Virgins
The story is of 10 virgins, 5 wise and 5 unwise, a long night, and not enough oil to keep their lamps alight. Several years ago, the Holy Spirit asked me a question regarding this passage. “Diane, what is the oil?” Meaning, what does the oil stand for in the lamps? One year later, he revealed the answer in the oddest way. Join me in a two-week study of what God revealed about this incredible passage, and how he used the answer as to what the oil symbolizes to unlock a hidden treasure.
WIN Statement: This lesson looks into the symbolism behind the wise and foolish virgins, the oil, and the message Jesus hid.
Sessions: 2
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
The Heart of Generosity
Would you believe it if I said generosity has nothing to do with money? The most generous person to ever walk this earth never gave a dime…at least not in any of the stories passed down to us. In this study, we'll take a look at the difference between generosity and giving, and why "anyone" can give, but few are generous.
WIN Statement: This study digs into 2 stories in Genesis, the fall of Adam and the story of Cain and Abel to show how the heart of generosity is founded in trust.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Serving Others  Bible Passages - O.T.  

Winslow Thurston

pastorwinslow@gmail.com
After serving as a pastor for over 30 years, my wife and I moved to the Salem area in 2017 feeling led to a new chapter and a different kind of ministry. I now serve as a spiritual director meeting with people and encouraging them in their spiritual journey. I still love to teach and share what I am learning and seeing in God’s Word. I have a passion for spiritual transformation and the long slow process by which the Spirit of God moves us to become a little more like Jesus. My teaching style is humorous dissemination of information with some discussion.

Topics

Abiding in Christ
John 15 says repeatedly that we are to abide in Jesus as the true vine. What does that kind of relationship look like and how do we live that out?
WIN Statement: Jesus calls us to a transforming relationship as we learn to be at home with Him.
Sessions: 3-5
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Introduction to Hebrew Parallelism
Most of the Bible is written in poetry but Hebrew poetry is very different than Western poetry. This class gives some very basic tools for better understanding the parallelism that Hebrew poetry is based on. This can be presented in 1, 2 or 3 sessions and they do not have to be on consecutive Saturday/Sundays.
WIN Statement: By learning something of the parallel nature of Hebrew poetry we can better understand both the OT and the NT.
Sessions: 1-3
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
Introduction to Spiritual Formation
We are formed by the Spirit as we walk together in community and practice disciplines that serve as a conduit to the work the Spirit is doing.
WIN Statement: We are meant to draw near to God together.
Sessions: 5
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship  
Metaphors in the Bible
Should we read the Bible literally or as literature? That is an important distinction, especially when it comes to metaphors. A metaphor is something that is literally not true. So how do we deal with all the metaphors in Scripture? This class gives some very basic tools for understanding biblical metaphors. This can be presented in 1 or 2 sessions and they do not have to be on consecutive Saturday/Sundays.
WIN Statement: By better understanding metaphors we can better relate to the God who uses metaphors to describe himself.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  Bible Passages - O.T.  
Paul’s Prayers in Ephesians
When we don’t know how to pray we can look at examples of prayer in Scripture. Paul gives us several wonderful examples in Ephesians.
WIN Statement: Paul’s prayers give us some practical patterns that we can use in our own prayers.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - N.T.  
Risking Community
We live in an age where more is known about people than ever, but people are less known than ever.
WIN Statement: How we can risk being known in a transforming way.
Sessions: 2-5
Focus: In
Categories: Community  

Judy Tuttle-Zollner

jtuttl@aol.com
I am the co-director of Salem Pastoral Counseling Center, where I also serve as a marriage and family therapist. I have taught classes and Bible studies, and led retreats and workshops for over 35 years. Most of my classes are topical, with scriptural foundation. I've been attending Salem Alliance for almost 25 years. My husband Morrie and I have five children and eight grandchildren.

Topics

Characteristics of a Healthy Family
Raising children these days is hard- one needs to have the right focus spiritually and relationally in order to teach healthy traits to our children.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
Clothing Ourselves with Gladness
The thread of joy, laughter and suffering - How do these connect? You'll be surprised.
WIN Statement: All of life has joy and sorrow. Trying to understand the connections and how God is essential in this process is a critical key to handling life as God would want us to.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Hope & Healing  
Discovering your Spiritual Gifts
Assessing your giftedness and how God can use these gifts for ministry.
WIN Statement: Understanding your giftedness so you can minister and be used by God. (Also a retreat topic)
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Gifts - Spiritual & Personal  
Equipped for Compassion
Principles of Caregiving
WIN Statement: This is designed for people who are ministering in care giving situations such as hospital ministry, care team etc.
Sessions: 6
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
Forgiveness
Is it necessary? How do I do it? How do I forgive myself?
WIN Statement: God calls us to forgive - ourselves and others. How do we practically do this?
Sessions: 2
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
Grief and Loss
How do we deal with the losses in our life and how do we help others deal with them as well?
WIN Statement: Grief will either come knocking on our door or we will hear about others we know experiencing pain. How do we handle it? What do we say to others?
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In/Up
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Hope & Healing  
How Do We Know God's Will for our Lives?
Is God's will a dot on the map? How do we know for sure what God's will for our lives is?
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Listening  
How to Help a Friend in Crisis
General principles in care-giving. Can include specific areas of crisis: death and dying, trauma, divorce, terminal illness/cancer, suicide, depression and grief.
WIN Statement: So often we avoid helping or showing care because we don't know what to say or do- learning these principles helps us effectively minister as God would want us to.
Sessions: 1-4
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
How to listen to others and to God
Following up on the sermon series on the Holy Spirit and also trying to learn how to listen to others and communicate more effectively.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Listening  
Joy & Laughter
Where has life's fun gone? How to rekindle this very healthy and necessary piece of life.
WIN Statement: There is a time for laughter and joy. It transcends the circumstances of our life yet many of us miss out.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Up
Categories: Hope & Healing  
Loving Ourselves as God Loves Us
Where does our self worth come from? We need to recognize the importance of loving ourselves so that we can then go out and love others.
WIN Statement: Love others as you love yourself" - What does this scripture verse really mean and how do we fulfill it in our everyday life?
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
Managing Stress in our Lives
Stress can greatly impact our relationship with God, others and our own quality of life. Finding healthy ways to manage stress from a Biblical perspective is important.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  
Ministering to Hurting People in the Church and in the Community
Practical teaching of what to say and do in order to effectively minister to hurting people.
WIN Statement: This would be appropriate for church workers to help them develop/learn skills and tools to minister effectively to at-risk children.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
Qualities that Make a Marriage Successful
Examining our marriage and developing the qualities that create closeness and connection are very important.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
Raising Christian Kids in an Age of Challenge
Parenting is a very difficult job these days. Ways to be more effective in this role.
WIN Statement: Our children will only be as strong spiritually and emotionally as we lead them to be. These are challenging times but there is much we can do as parents to help our kids grow up healthy.
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Marriage & Family  
Speaking the Truth in Love
How do we communicate truth in a way that is loving and respectful but also honest?
WIN Statement: God says that we are to "speak the truth in love." - How do we do it?
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: In
Categories: Conflict Resolution  
Suicide Prevention
How do we recognize the signs of suicide? How do we help surviving family members? Can God use us to help in this difficult work?
WIN Statement: Understanding how to help our own family, others and realizing God's presence during times of suicide is essential - this is a topic we avoid but it needs to be addressed.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
The Gift of Love
Loving ourselves, loving others, loving God and love and forgiveness.
WIN Statement: God calls us to a life of love. What areas need improvement and how does God help us and equip us to carry out His command?
Sessions: 1-3
Focus: In/Out/Up
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Following Jesus  Attributes of God  
Whatever Happened to Compassion?
God calls us to a life of compassion- how do we practically follow this calling in our lives?
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 1-2
Focus: Out
Categories: Serving Others  
Where is God in my Pain?
Understanding this is fundamental to our faith and necessary for us to help others.
WIN Statement: An understanding of pain and suffering from God's view is essential to spiritual growth and caring for others.
Sessions: 2
Focus: Up
Categories: Hope & Healing  

Dave Votaw

dave@votaws.com
I am a retired state worker, and my wife Karen and I have been at Salem Alliance since 2002. I was trained for pastoral ministry, and have been teaching Bible classes since I was in college. My style has changed a lot over the years! I am not usually a lecturer. Instead, I prefer an interactive session, with class members making comments and asking questions. My teaching content is usually a topic or a book from the Bible, and we use the Bible in every class.

Topics

Critical Decisions
This class will explore stories from the Old Testament in which an individual, or a group, was faced with a critical decision. Sometimes the right decision was made; sometimes not. We'll discuss the reasons and motivations behind the decision, and explore our own decision-making processes. What drives our decisions? Why do we (sometimes) make bad decisions? How can we learn to make good decisions more consistently?
WIN Statement: The class will learn more about what causes them to make bad decisions, and how to improve our decision-making processes.
Sessions: 1-4
Focus: in/up
Categories: Health - Soul, Mind & Body  Bible Passages - O.T.  
Ezekiel: Prophet, Dreamer, Bringer of Hope
Ezekiel was God's man, with God's message, living in a culture that was not really interested in God (sound familiar?). His fellow believers were without hope, feeling that God had abandoned them. Ezekiel brought a message of hope and a future to a people who were desperate to hear from God. In this class we'll explore Ezekiel's visions to learn more about God and the hope that we have in Him.
WIN Statement: People will see that they have much in common with Israel in exile, and understand God's plan and the hope that it brings.
Sessions: 4
Focus: Up/Out
Categories: Following Jesus  Bible Passages - O.T.  
God of the Old Testament
How do we reconcile a God who wipes out entire nations with a God of grace and love who gives His own Son to die for us?
WIN Statement: People will understand why God said and did some difficult things in the Old Testament. They will have a deeper understanding of His purposes and His plans. They will see the unity of God's character and actions through the whole Bible.
Sessions: 6
Focus: Up
Categories: Education  
Heaven: Sorting Out the Truth
Christians have a lot of conflicting visions of heaven. How can we sort out truth from error? And what difference does it make, anyway? The Bible points the way, with assistance from C.S. Lewis.
WIN Statement: People will learn to evaluate views of heaven, and know what is true and what is speculation. They will learn more about God’s heart for bringing people to salvation.
Sessions: 5
Focus: Up
Categories: Education  
Life of David
We study 4 stories from 1-2 Samuel and learn why David was known as a man after God's own heart.
WIN Statement: We can learn how to recover from our own sins by following David's example. Also we learn about things that please God and things that displease Him.
Sessions: 4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
Music and Worship
I will bring a selection of hymns for us to sing and some music videos for us to watch. We’ll discuss the words and their associated scriptures. The result will be a time of worship together, using traditional music.
WIN Statement: It is a time of comfort and joy. People will be blessed.
Sessions: 1
Focus: Up
Categories: Hope & Healing  
Psalms
This course can be taught for any length of time, up to 6 weeks. Each week, we'll briefly discuss some ways to read and understand Psalms, and then we will take a close look at one or two specific Psalms. I choose the Psalms based on how meaningful they are, and I look for Psalms that can be understood in new ways. In each class we have a worship element and/or music based on the selected Psalm.
WIN Statement: Attenders will learn various ways to read Psalms, and opportunity to worship using the Psalms.
Sessions: 1-6
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
The Apocrypha
What is the Apocrypha? Does it have any value for us who attend Salem Alliance? Can we trust it? Is it dangerous? In this class we'll define the Apocrypha, and explore how the books of the Bible (the canon) were approved. We'll survey the books of the Apocrypha, read some of them, and evaluate their helpfulness. In some sessions Dave will bring along a co-teacher, Rob Bohall, who is a member of the Catholic Church.
WIN Statement: People in the class will have a better understanding of these books which appear in Catholic Bibles, but not ours, and what's in them.
Sessions: 3-4
Focus: Up
Categories: Bible Passages - O.T.  
The Christian and Politics
What is the connection between faith and politics? How should Christians think and talk about current political activities? How can we best represent God’s view on politics to our family, friends, and co-workers? This session will revisit Steve Fowler’s message “The Politics of Jesus” from last year’s “Culture Shock” series and open its points up for discussion.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2
Focus: Out
Categories: Following Jesus  

Jane Wolf

503-949-8855
jmwolf.steps@gmail.com

Topics

“Prodigal” Young Adult Children
How to deal with yourself when your young adult children walk away from Christian faith and/or become involved in destructive habits.
WIN Statement: Prodigal children are as hard to deal with as it comes but provide soil for great spiritual growth.
Sessions: 2-3
Focus: Up
Categories: Hope & Healing  
Making Space for God
Learning to practice spiritual disciplines – lectio, reading, journaling, prayer – that result in knowing and walking with God versus knowing more information about God.
WIN Statement:
Sessions: 2-3
Focus: Up
Categories: Discipleship