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 feature a number of scheduled, fixed-duration fellowship courses designed to equip and develop disciple makers. Offerings include specific focuses like biblical parenting or faithfully strengthening your marriage, and we’ll always have our Wednesday night worship and Bible study in the Worship Center as well.
Four tracks
Every course lives in a track
The list of courses grows and changes each semester. Each one belongs to one of four tracks.
Christian Theology
What we believe and why
Christian Formation
Being shaped into Christlikeness
Christian Living
Faith in home, church and daily life
Great Commission
Making disciples near and far
This semester
Fall B 2026 courses
Seven courses this term. Textbooks are strongly recommended but never required. Buy them anywhere books are sold.
Even if you missed part one, 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. We’ll 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 the beauty of biblical community and how God uses His people, together, to display the transforming power of the Gospel.
What does it mean to think deeply and faithfully about the truths of holy Scripture? In Theology 3 we 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 the first two courses, this class deepens our understanding of Christ’s work, salvation, the church, the Christian life and the hope of Christ’s return. Grow in confidence, clarity and conviction as sound theology shapes not only what we believe, but how we worship, live and serve.
Prayer is one of the greatest privileges God has given His people: the opportunity to come boldly before His throne through Jesus Christ. We’ll explore the biblical foundations of prayer and what Scripture teaches about talking with God, trusting His character, seeking His will and bringing our deepest needs before Him. Together we’ll 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 for a richer, more faithful and more joyful life of prayer.
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 explores what it means to pursue sexual integrity, grounded in Scripture and the transforming power of the Gospel. We’ll consider how our identity in Christ shapes our thoughts, choices, relationships, boundaries and desires. Whether navigating singleness, marriage, past wounds or present challenges, this is a gracious, encouraging space to grow in holiness, experience God’s forgiveness and discover the freedom of living faithfully before Him.
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’ll explore how we can be a faithful witness in diverse contexts, from Lutz to Tampa Heights and from London to Kuala Lumpur. Highly recommended for members considering or committed to Palm Avenue and future church plants.
Every Christian is called to share the good news of Jesus Christ, yet knowing how to begin the conversation can feel challenging. This class equips you to share the Gospel practically, lovingly and confidently with the people God has placed around you: neighbors, family, friends, strangers and ultimately the world. We’ll explore biblical principles and practical ways to engage people with truth, grace, compassion and courage. Whether you’re new to evangelism or want to grow in confidence, you’ll learn to see every relationship and everyday encounter as an opportunity to point others to Christ.
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 explores how God’s Word equips ordinary believers to counsel, comfort, encourage and gently restore one another with wisdom, compassion and grace. We’ll consider how Scripture helps us understand both the struggles people face and the heart beneath them, pointing people toward lasting growth in Christ. Learn to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, apply Scripture carefully, offer hope in suffering and walk alongside others, whether you’re encouraging a friend, discipling a believer, serving in ministry or considering biblical counseling.
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.
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM at the Lutz Campus, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd, Lutz, FL 33548. Wednesday night worship and Bible study continue in the Worship Center.
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