Christian Foundations for Youth (Youth Group) is a program run weekly in school terms for young people aged 12-18 years old (year 6 - year 12). Over the course of 6 years it seeks to teach teenagers about the fundamentals of the Christian faith and basic Christian doctrine.

Curriculum

While the annual curriculum changes regularly, the overall teaching outcomes of Youth Group are:

1. The story of the whole bible

2. Understanding modern culture from a Christian perspective

3. Christian morals and ethics in the modern world

4. Bible reading skills

5. The doctrine of faith

6. The doctrine of grace

7. Working with God

8. Family implications of faith

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

Youth Group leaders will be participants of a Hunter Bible Church adult Growth Group for at least 3 months. Leaders should also demonstrate a good understanding of Christian theology. 

Leaders will also require a valid NSW Working with Children Check and will have completed the HBC Safe Ministry Check training and screening process.

Enrolment Process

Students can enrol onsite when they arrive.

Methods of assessment/correction

The primary method of engagement and learning is through facilitated small group discussions. Leaders will guide discussions, provide context, and address questions. There is no formal assessment, but participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning and engage actively in the discussions. 

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is recognized by other FIEC churches.

Christian Foundations for Children (Kids Church) is a program run weekly in school terms for young people aged 3-11 years old (preschool - year 5). Over the course of 7 years it seeks to teach children about the fundamentals of the Christian faith and basic Christian doctrine.

Curriculum

This Course uses LifeWay's Gospel Project for Kids material (see the 2024-2027 Teaching Plan)

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

Children Foundation leaders will be participants of a Hunter Bible Church adult Growth Group for at least 3 months. Leaders should also demonstrate a good understanding of Christian theology.

Leaders will also require a valid NSW Working with Children Check and will have completed the HBC Safe Ministry Check training and screening process.

Enrolment Process

Students can enrol onsite when they arrive.

Methods of assessment/correction

The primary method of engagement and learning is through facilitated small group discussions. Leaders will guide discussions, provide context, and address questions. There is no formal assessment, but participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning and engage actively in the discussions. 

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is recognized by other FIEC churches.

The Connect Series is a course for adults and older teens to learn about the Christian doctrine of ecclesiology and church membership. Depending on the season, The Connect Series runs over 3 weeks, 5 weeks or 8 weeks (aka The Tuesday Feed). 

Curriculum 

1. The Bible's vision of God 

2. The Bible's vision of God and His People

3. The Bible's vision of God and His People in the World

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

The Connect Series has Seminar Leaders and Discussion Leaders. 

Discussion Leaders will be participants of a Hunter Bible Church adult Growth Group for at least 3 months. These Leaders should also demonstrate a good understanding of Christian theology and some experience in leading group discussions. Discussion Leaders will also have completed the HBC Safe Ministry Check training and screening process.

Session Leaders will be appointed staff who have been working in Pastoral ministry for more than 6 months.

Enrolment Process

Participants are invited to enrol in the Connect Series via the online form at www.hunterbiblechurch.org/connect 

Methods of assessment/correction

The primary method of engagement and learning is through facilitated small group discussions. Leaders will guide discussions, provide context, and address questions. There is formal interview/assessment where participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning and it's implications. 

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is recognized by other FIEC churches.

Growth Group is a regular program for Adult Christian Instruction where participants meet in small tutorial groups to work through prepared bible text questions in a discussion format.

This course covers the following HBC programs; Womens' Growth Group, PrimeTimeGrowth Group, AllNations Gather.

Curriculum 

Groups learn about books, passages and themes of the Bible.
Various passages and themes are studied each year, and include training in skills for ministry and evangelism, with regular opportunities for personal and group reflection.

Previous Years Topics have included:
2023: 1Corinthians, Exodus 1-15, Other
2024: Mark, 1 Corinthians 12-16, Christian Unity
2025: Prayer, Romans 1-4, Exodus 16-40, God's love
2026: Mission Foundations, Amos, Romans 5-8, 1Kings 1-11

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

Growth Group leaders will be participants of a Hunter Bible Church adult Growth Group for at least 3 months. Leaders should also demonstrate a good understanding of Christian theology and some experience in leading group discussions.

Leaders will also have completed the HBC Safe Ministry Check training and screening process.

Enrolment Process

Participants are invited to enrol in a Growth Group after they have completed the Connect Series.

Methods of assessment/correction

The primary method of engagement and learning is through facilitated small group discussions. Leaders will guide discussions, provide context, and address questions. There is no formal assessment, but participants are encouraged to reflect on their learning and engage actively in the discussions. 

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of participation. This certificate is recognized by other FIEC churches.

HBC Train is a comprehensive training course designed for committed Christians seeking to develop and sharpen core ministry skills. It provides practical instruction and theological grounding for personal growth, evangelism, and leadership within the church community.

Curriculum/Units

• Personal Evangelism: Practical methods and biblical grounding for sharing the Christian faith with individuals in everyday life.

• Leading Small Groups: Skills and principles for facilitating effective, Christ-centered small group discussions and discipleship.

• One-to-one Bible Reading: Training in how to confidently read the Bible with another person for mutual spiritual benefit and growth.

• Systematic Theology: An overview of core Christian doctrines, organized by topic, to provide a clear and coherent understanding of the faith.

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

Trainers for the HBC Train course are typically appointed staff or experienced and trained leaders from Hunter Bible Church who have demonstrated proficiency and experience in the specific ministry areas being taught.

Enrolment Process

Details regarding the enrolment process will be made available when each series is launched. 

Methods of Assessment/Correction

The course focuses on practical application. Assessment often includes:

• Role-playing and practical exercises for evangelism and small group leadership.

• Structured feedback from trainers on one-to-one Bible reading sessions.

• Written or verbal reflection on the systematic theology material.

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of completion, recognising their engagement in core ministry training.

Harvest Leadership is a two-year, part-time, volunteer ministry leadership program designed to invest in and raise up mature leaders keen to serve other Christians within Hunter Bible Church (HBC). The program is a blend of education, training, and hands-on learning.

Curriculum

• Leadership Mentoring (Character): Bible reading and prayer with a mature leader of the same gender. (1.5 hours fortnightly).

• Group Training (Conviction & Competence): Teaching sessions on systematic theology (Christian doctrine), ministry principles, and practical pragmatics, led by a senior HBC team member. (1.5 hours fortnightly). Topics covered include: Doctrine of Redemption, Doctrine of Church, Leadership Pipeline, Intentional Ministry Reflection, Handling Conflict, Preaching, and more.

• Ministry Experience (Competence): An opportunity to continue in, or take on more, substantial Kingdom work, utilizing their gifts in leadership and service.

Teacher/Trainer Requirements

Harvest Leadership trainers are typically appointed staff or highly experienced leaders from Hunter Bible Church who are proficient in the specific ministry areas being taught.

Enrolment Process

Participants must be committed Christians who have demonstrated godly character (humility, teachability), submit to the leadership of HBC, attend church and their Growth Group regularly, and are currently serving in ministry at HBC with demonstrated gifting in leadership.

Participation in Harvest Leadership is by invitation for Christians who meet the program's eligibility criteria and are able to prioritise substantial ministry and training within their week.

Methods of assessment/correction

Learning is achieved through Leadership Mentoring (with a focus on character growth), Group Training (to deepen theological conviction), and Substantial Ministry Experience (for practical application and competence). Assessment is ongoing and often includes structured feedback on ministry work, role-playing and practical exercises, and personal reflection on theological and ministry principles.

Qualification

At the end of the course, participants are invited to receive a certificate of participation.