Idlewild is investing in becoming a leadership factory and an equipping center for our members with a series of courses we call ‘the Institute at Idlewild’.

Wednesday nights will feature a number of scheduled, fixed-duration fellowship courses designed to equip and develop disciple makers.

The list of courses will grow and change each semester and will be a part of one of four tracks: Christian Theology, Christian Formation, Christian Living, or Great Commission studies. Offerings will include specific focuses like biblical parenting or faithfully strengthening your marriage – and we’ll always have our Wednesday night worship and Bible study here in the worship center as well.

Details for each semester like dates, courses, and even who the instructors are will be announced as they’re finalized.

Our church leadership continues to pray for you, to strive to serve you, and to seek to provide the best opportunities for you to grow in your faith in Jesus Christ and be equipped to share that faith.

Fall B 2026

14 October – 2 December

6:30 PM – 7:45 PM EDT

Living as a Church 2 — Chris Frye and Chuck Watford

Even if you missed part one of the class, this class is still for you. The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. The church is more than a place we attend—it is a people to whom we belong, a family where we worship, serve, encourage, bear burdens, and grow together in Christ. In this class, we will explore what it means to truly live life as the church, embracing our calling to love one another, build one another up, and faithfully live out the mission Christ has given us here at Idlewild in our generation. Come discover more about the beauty of biblical community and how God uses His people, together, to display the transforming power of the Gospel.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is one place you can find it: What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti Anyabwile

Theology 3 — Tommy Campbell and Brandon Barnes

What does it mean to think deeply and faithfully about the truths of holy Scripture? In Theology 3, we will continue exploring the great doctrines of the Christian faith from a distinctly Protestant perspective, seeking to understand how the whole counsel of God fits together. Building on the foundations of our first two courses, this class will deepen our understanding of Christ’s work, salvation, the church, the Christian life, and the hope of Christ’s return. Come grow in confidence, clarity, and conviction as we discover how sound theology not only shapes what we believe, but transforms how we worship, live, and serve.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is one place you can find it: Everyone’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul

Prayer — Dane Hardee and Isaac Iding

Prayer is one of the greatest privileges God has given His people—the opportunity to come boldly before His throne through Jesus Christ. In this class, we will explore the biblical foundations of prayer and discover what Scripture teaches about talking with God, trusting His character, seeking His will, and bringing our deepest needs before Him. Together, we will consider how prayer strengthens our faith, deepens our relationship with Christ, and shapes the way we live and serve. Come be encouraged, challenged, and equipped to cultivate a richer, more faithful, and more joyful life of prayer.

There are two textbooks for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase in the order listed below. Neither are required. You’re welcome to find them anywhere the books are sold, of course, but here is one place you can find them:

1. Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller
2. Praying the Bible by Donald S. Whitney

Women’s Sexual Integrity — Valeria PulgarCardozo and Catherine Corpus
***Women Only***

God cares deeply about every part of our lives, including our sexuality, and his word offers both truth and grace as we seek to honor him. This women’s class will explore what it means to pursue sexual integrity, grounding our understanding in Scripture and the transforming power of the Gospel. Together, we will consider how our identity in Christ shapes our thoughts, choices, relationships, boundaries, and desires. Whether navigating singleness, marriage, past wounds, or present challenges, this will be a gracious and encouraging space to grow in holiness, experience God’s forgiveness, and discover the freedom of living faithfully before Him.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is a place you can find it: The Path to Sexual Healing

Church in Context — Kevin Bagget and Friends

If you want to understand Idlewild’s church planting philosophy and strategy, this class is for you. Idlewild is committed to proclaim God’s Word, make disciples, and plant healthy churches. Together, we will explore how we, as a church, can be a faithful witness in diverse contexts from Lutz to Tampa Heights, from London to Kuala Lumpur.  This class is highly recommended for members who are considering or committed to Palm Avenue and future church plants.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is a place you can find it: Center Church by Timothy Keller

Evangelism — Robert Pinkston and Friends

Every Christian is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ, yet knowing how to begin the conversation can sometimes feel challenging. This class will equip you to practically, lovingly and confidently share the Gospel with the people God has placed around you—your neighbors, family, friends, strangers, and ultimately the world. Together, we will explore biblical principles and practical ways to engage people with truth, grace, compassion, and courage. Whether you are new to evangelism or simply want to grow in your confidence, this class will encourage you to see every relationship and everyday encounter as an opportunity to faithfully point others to Christ.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is a place you can find it: Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman

Introduction to Biblical Counseling — Jeanine Johnson and Wade Griffin

God designed His church to be a community where believers care for one another, bear one another’s burdens, speak the truth in love, and encourage one another toward greater dependence on Christ. Biblical counseling is one way the church lives out this calling. This class will explore how God’s Word equips ordinary believers to counsel, comfort, encourage, and gently restore one another with wisdom, compassion, and grace. We will consider how Scripture helps us understand both the struggles people face and the heart beneath those struggles, pointing people not simply toward changed circumstances or behavior, but toward lasting growth in Christ. Together, we will learn practical ways to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, apply Scripture carefully, offer hope in suffering, and walk alongside others through the challenges of everyday life. Whether you are encouraging a friend, discipling another believer, serving in ministry, or considering involvement in biblical counseling, this class will help equip you to minister God’s truth with grace, wisdom, and love.

There is a textbook for the class that we strongly recommend you purchase. It is not required. You’re welcome to find it anywhere the book is sold, of course, but here is a place you can find it: Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul David Tripp