Fall-A-Palooza Information & Registration Go To Events Page

The Woodland Academy

FOR ADULTS

Classes Start Wednesday, Sept 13  2023

Learn with Passion to live with Purpose.

Starting Wednesday, Sept 13 @ 6:30pm

Course durations are 6-8 weeks (check Course description)
Classes are 1 hour Only

Our mission is to impact our community in a transformative way. To equip adults to live spiritually, mentally, and physically healthy lives through teaching, and networking in the context of families, community, and work settings.  

Meet the INSTRUCTORS

FINANCE

Dewayne McFarlin
Dewayne is the Executive Pastor at Woodland Community Church. Prior to going full time on church staff in 2008, Dewayne spent 20 years in Christian Publishing.  He led the business aspects of two significant multi-million dollar Bible translation projects.  1) The Holman Christian Standard Bible which was a 4 year, $12 million dollar project to create a readable Bible in contemporary English from reliable early manuscripts in an effort to equip serious Bible students with an accurate translation based on optimal equivalence.  Optimal equivalence is the balancing of word for word translation and thought for thought where an English word might not exist.  When a literal translation exists it is used.  When clarity and readability demand it, an idiomatic translation is used. 2) Holman Mandarin Translation which was a 4 year, $10 million dollar project using the same methodology to create a translation from early Greek and Hebrew manuscripts into Mandarin without first converting into English.  

PARENTING

Molly Biggs & Sarah Chavous
Introducing Molly & Sarah - two friends who have a heart for walking alongside parents as we navigate our greatest calling - parenthood. Molly, a mother of four, and Sarah, a mother of two, are by no means parenting experts but are fiercely devoted to “getting it right” in parenting. Whether we’re sharing parenting hacks, parenting tips, or parenting fails - we’ve learned to rely on God’s grace (and iced coffee!) as we joyfully journey through the phases of parenthood.
This class is for moms, dads, grandparents, single, or married, parents of littles or grads - ANYONE desiring to define their parenting goals and feel confident about the direction they are walking in parenthood. Join us as we support and encourage each other as we dive into Andy and Sandra Stanley’s new study, Parenting: Getting It Right. 

Marriage

John & Rochelle Ward
John & Rochelle have been married for 26 years, and have 3 daughters, a wonderful son in-law and 3 gorgeous grandkids.  They have led the Marriage Ministry for 3 years at Woodland. They are passionate about healthy marriages and how they can transform families and build legacy. Their testimony starts with being very young and newly married when their circumstances moved them in with Rochelle's grandparents.  The Grandparents poured so much into them at that time, if they had not lived with them they would not have had the experience of seeing a healthy and loyal marriage walked out on a daily basis. Witnessing that daily walk turned out to be one of the biggest blessings God has given to their marriage.
They are excited to go on this journey of marriage with you!

LEADERSHiP

Bryan Lingle
Bryan K Lingle is the Pastor of Adult Ministries for Woodland Community Church. He is married to his high school sweetheart Michelle and they have been married for 30 years. They have 7 children, way too many to list! Bryan is a graduate of Lancaster Bible College with a B.S. in Christian Life and Ministry, with a focus on Biblical Counseling. Bryan has been in adult education ministry for 20 years, focusing on Biblical Counseling, Financial Coaching and Leadership Development. Bryan is a Dave Ramsey trained financial coach, offering one on one budgeting basic coaching and leading Financial Peace University classes over the past 15 years. Bryan is John Maxwell certified leadership coach and a Arbinger Institute certified facilitator. Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife Michelle and traveling, now that the 7 kids are grown adults.

LIFE SKILLS

Tim Passmore
Author Dr Tim Passmore knows what it is like to experience unhealthy emotions and the challenges we face because of them. He has struggled with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Bipolar Type II Disorder since childhood. His journey has taken him through formal training in psychology, counseling and
treatment by medical professionals. As leader of The Woodland Community, he has committed himself to helping individuals thrive in all areas including their emotional lives..

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Josi King
Josi has a formal education in Psychology and was a teacher at Dunn Prep/Woodland Academy in the elementary school for 8 years. For many years, Josi has sought out answers for her own chronic health conditions and childhood trauma. She believes that by making small shifts in our mind, body, and spiritual health we can feel our best and live intentionally in our God-given purpose. You can find her on social media under Live More Naturally, which seeks to educate on the root cause of what ails us and encourage change with Biblical truth. Josi is excited to empower others about their health and wellness by teaching the WAFA Wellness Course. She wants everyone to know it’s never too late to learn something new and break old habits that don’t suit us anymore. She loves to chat about all things related to our nervous systems, trauma, health, and God’s goodness.

BIBLICAL STUDIES

Daniel Elias
Daniel Elias serves as the Executive Pastor of Worship here at Woodland.  Daniel is originally from El Salvador and came to the United States in pursuit of higher musical education. Daniel has a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from BIOLA and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from California State University Fullerton. As a matter of fact, it was at BIOLA University where he met Christine, his wife, and married her the day after their college graduation. They have two daughters, Joy and Hope who keep them young and busy!  Daniel is not much into titles but one he proudly "wears" is Pastor because he has been called to shepherd people to become all God has made them to be in the building of His Kingdom!

BIBLICAL STUDIES

Greg Art
Greg Art holds a master’s degree in theology from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He served the Lord in full-time Christian ministry for 21 years as a Pastor and as a Minister of Evangelism/Discipleship. He currently teaches algebra to special education students at Sarasota High School. He is a native of Bradenton. He has been married to his wife (Joy) for 39 years. He has three daughters (Kim, Rebekah, and Hope), plus
grandkids.

WAFA Director:

Danielle DeJesus

Spiritual Formation Director
Danielle serves as Woodland’s Spiritual Formation Director. She is using her leadership, business, and ministerial skills to lead the Woodland Academy for Adults.  She has a degree from Temple University in Public Relations with a minor in Psychology. She has over 20 years of experience working with adults and students of all ages in a variety of settings. Danielle spent 8 years growing a children’s fitness franchise where she led a staff of certified instructors and sports coaches to positively impact a community of childcare facilities and families in the area of health and fitness education. 

Also, Danielle  was a part of a curriculum development team for a non-profit organization, F.Y.I Framing Young Individuals. She co-wrote and taught character development classes in elementary, middle, high schools and to community leaders. She has served in children, youth, and worship ministries for many years. She has a passion for developing relationships with people and leading them closer to abundant life in Christ.  

Danielle is a wife and mother of two children. She believes that education is endless and that we should never stop learning.

Courses:

Leadership

Course Title: Basic Training For Home Groups

6 week Course

Course book will be provided in class.
In this next year Woodland is relaunching our (Home) Community Groups and we're looking for Leaders! You Matter in God’s master plan for this earth. That’s why you are here— to be fully engaged with Him and people. We all play a vital role, and each one of our roles is different. Some are Leaders, some are Gatherers, some are Caretakers —- who are you? What do you do best? How is God asking you to co-labor with Him?
Please Note: To Lead a Woodland Home Group, Ministry Partnership is required. 
Instructor: Bryan Lingle

The Ten Steps in this short book by Banks Corl will give us specific step-by-step guidance on what to do as a Community Group Leader. It's not a lot of theory but a game plan for effective and intentional group time. Come and learn more about your uniqueness and step into the next season of your walk with God and His family.  

FINANCE

Course Title: Financial Peace University 

6 week Course 

Course materials will be provided in class.
Do you have stress in your life related to money or the lack thereof?  Then this is the class for you.
Jesus talks about money in 11 of the 39 parables he used to teach people.  You know why?  Jesus didn't always use the subject to teach us how to use our money but He taught us that money can be a blessing or a curse.  Because He knew that it has the potential to dominate our lives (cares of this world) rather than us spending our time pursuing and following what God has for us.  Hence, the topic of this study is Financial Peace.  How many times have you felt that nudge from the Holy Spirit to help someone, but you were unable to due to financial bondage?  We all want to be in a place of being able to say YES when God asks us to do something!  Don't we? .
Instructor: Dewayne McFarlin

You will learn the following:

-  Budgeting: Take control of your money by creating a budget and building your starter emergency fund.  
- Debt: Discover why debt is holding you back from the life you want—and how to pay it off with the debt snowball.
- Get ready to handle emergencies worry-free by saving up a fully funded emergency fund. - Here’s where your hard work pays off. Learn to build wealth, give generously, and leave a lasting legacy.
- Outsmart the marketing tactics trying to bust your budget and gain power over your spending.
- Ready to build wealth and retire with dignity? Learn how to invest for the future with confidence.
- Make sure your home’s a blessing, not a burden. Discover the right way to rent, sell, buy and refinance. Outrageous Generosity
- Generosity is the most fun you can have with money—and it’s the ultimate goal of reaching financial peace.
Please join us on this journey toward Financial Peace!

PARENTING

Course Title: Getting It Right 

6 week Course

Am I getting parenting right? Most parents, at any and every stage, find themselves asking this question.

Whether you're sleep deprived with a colicky newborn or navigating the emotional roller coaster of a teenager, parenting has its ups and downs, its confusion and clarity, its big blowups and small victories. And no matter our family makeup or our children's personalities, many of us experience anxiety over our children's futures and often fear making a mistake.  In the six-session study, Andy and Sandra Stanley combine their experience and wisdom to help parents identify and embrace their “it”—their win as parents. Parenting: Getting It Right is large group video lead with a small group discussion. Homework will be assigned to deepen the concepts being taught. Each participant needs a Study Guide or one guide per couple.  The book, Parenting: Getting It Right, is an optional resource.
Instructors: Molly Biggs & Sarah Chavous

Topics covered:
  • Learning the four distinct stages of parenting
  • Clarifying the primary goal of parenting and developing a parenting orientation around that goal
  • Identifying and adapting their approach--not their rules--to their children's distinct personalities
  • Deciding on their shortlist of non-negotiables and learning to stick to it

You don’t have to constantly wonder whether you’re getting it right as a parent. Start here and feel confident about raising children who will enjoy being together and with you even when they no longer have to be.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Course Title: Be Well 

6 week Course

Course materials will be provided in class.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

God wants us to thrive. Mind. Body. Spirit. Come take a journey to learn about how your body works and what the latest scientific research says  about nutrition. We will also learn about the important factors that impact the nutrition our body needs, all while learning Biblical truth about who God says we are and why our body is a temple designed to glorify Him in all we do.
Instructor: Josi King

Session 1: God’s Perfect Design: Our bodies & how they are designed to work.
Session 2: Nutritional Foundations & the  science of eating for Immunity.
Session 3: Factors that Impact Nutritional Needs.
Session 4: More Factors that Impact Nutritional Needs.
Session 5: How our Mind is Connected to Eating.
Session 6:  Making safer swaps: the why and how.

LIFE SKILLS

Course Title: A Journey Toward Self Discovery and Emotional Success

8 week Course

Course book will be available in class for purchase.
Do you struggle with your emotions? You’re not alone! During this study, you will learn why we feel what we feel emotionally - along with practical ways to manage our thoughts that can produce healthy emotional responses. You will discover how our unhealthy thought habits produce such challenges as anger, anxiety, depression and stress and how these unhealthy emotions can be transformed into a sustained feeling of emotional wellbeing.
Course book will be available in class for purchase.
Instructor: Tim Passmore


MARRIAGE

COURSE TITLE: FROM THIS DAY FORWARD

6 week Course

Whether you are engaged or have been married for 60 years the encouragement from this study will energize your relationship. We will focus on five commitments that are the keys to a lasting Christ-centered marriage which we will highlight with a short video and discussion time. In addition to the class we will have each couple join in an interactive devotional through the Bible app to stay connected throughout the week. No matter where you are at in your relationship, from this day forward you can decide how you want your marriage to be. 
Course Book (Not Mandatory)
From This Day Forward: Five Commitments to Fail Proof Your Marriage by Craig & Amy Groeschel. 



Instructors: John & Rochelle Ward 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you. Matthew 6:33

Week 1: Intro to the study
Week 2: Seek God
Week 3: Fight Fair
Week 4: Have Fun
Week 5: Stay Pure
Week 6: Never Give Up

BIBLICAL STUDIES 1

COURSE TITLE: LEARN TO STUDY THE BIBLE; Methods and Practices through the book of Colossians 

6 week Course

Since God used words to give us a book of absolute truth, truth we need to know and understand -- what could be more important than understanding this book?  Sadly, many Christian people see the Bible as a confusing book shrouded in mystery and requiring some secret insight if it is to be understood.  The Word of God IS KNOWABLE.  

In this class, we will learn simple steps to know and apply God's Word to our lives.  We will develop the three-part method of Observation, Interpretation, and Application and put it right into practice as we study together the book of Colossians.
We will also study how the Bible ought to positively impact our three spheres of change: Head, Heart, and Hands. And last, but certainly not least, we'll study the unity of the whole Bible as we delve into the correlation of texts, experiencing firsthand that the Bible is the Grand metanarrative of God's story.
Instructor: Daniel Elias

We will use this short and accessible book, "Knowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn to Study the Bible" (2nd Edition) by Peter Krol.  

Please let us know if you need assistance in purchasing this required book. 

BIBLICAL STUDIES 2

Course Title: Every Day Matters
Sowing Seeds of Faith Daily, Sharing The Gospel With Ease, and Reaping a Harvest.

6 week Course

In this class you will learn how to:
1) overcome your fear of talking to others about God,
2) sow seeds of faith in your daily life,
3) watch for and recognize divine appointments,
4) share your personal testimony,  
5) share the Gospel message in a non-threatening way,
6) lead others to pray to receive God’s gift of eternal life,
7) what to do when they become Christians.
Instructor: Greg Art

We will be using the book titled "Sharing The Gospel with Ease" by Thom Rainer. Please purchase the book by tapping on the button above to follow along in class. 

We have the kids covered Too

Our AWANA program meets on Wednesday nights 6:15pm - 7:30pm, during the school year, and is open to children from ages 3 through 5th grade. Through a new theme each week, Awana teaches children about Jesus by learning memory verse, Bible teaching, game time, and fun! With our faithful volunteer leaders, the goal of Awana is to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him. Mandy Hinton is our Awana Commander mandyhinton2@gmail.com
Childcare is available for preschool/nursery age during this time.

Indicate Kidz needs on registration form for Academy!