As Our Members
As early as the Second Century, the Christian church had established teachings to prepare new converts for the life in the church. The doctrinal instructions lasted from three months to three years and were designed as a safeguard to protect the church from wolves in sheep's clothing. These new disciples were expected to live out the teaching of the scriptures and exemplify a Godly lifestyle before they were admitted into the fellowship of the church.
At Joy Christian Fellowship we believe it is a sacred and important decision for a person to make the confession, "I am a Christian." It is equally as important to declare, "This is my church where the Lord has planted me." Relationships, worked out in the context of the local church, validate the reality of our faith.
Learning to Lead
In 1982, Pastors Steve and Kim Schmelzer arrived in Medford as young, idealistic Christians. They believed that given the proper guidance, education and training, people would understand their role as Christians and be better prepared to serve God.
After 25 years serving southern Oregon, Pastors Steve and Kim have proven that philosophy and established the Learning to Lead training center. Through Learn to Lead, Joy members are provided academic, spiritual and ministerial teaching. They are also given practical guidance in the areas of parenting, marriage, finances and recovery from addictions.
The Learning to Lead training center is made up of the following components:
*
Zoe Bible College
*
School of Leaders
*
Specialty Classes
*
Armor Bearers
*
Joy Homeschoolers
*
Solid Rock Road
Pastors Steve and Kim Schmelzer founded Zoe Bible College (formerly known as Siskiyou Bible College) in 1992. Kim acts as Dean of Academics and has a great team of teachers. Weekly college-level courses result in the equivalent of an associates or bachelors degree in theology.
For more information about Zoe Bible College please check out our
ZBC link.
The School of Leaders provides new and seasoned believers with the fundamentals of Christian faith and the principles of discipleship. With three levels to complete (after the Encounter Journey) and relatively small classes (up to 10 weeks each), students receive personal and inspirational instruction intended to turn them into leaders and teachers.
For more information please check out our
school of leaders link.
Parenting Class
The parenting class at Joy Christian Fellowship offers information, tips and strategies on raising children using Biblical principles. Headed by Steve and Lucille Trautman, the overall philosophy is to break a child’s self-will without breaking their spirit. Single parents, young adult couples, blended families and new believers are encouraged to participate in this 8-week course that offers practical, experiential and spiritual training and insight.
Marriage Class
Good marriages are made better and couples struggling with unity will enjoy renewal and rejuvenation with this 8-week course on the sanctity of marriage. Young adults preparing for marriage and older singles will also benefit from attending the series. Subjects include communication, intimacy, child rearing and Biblical instruction on the proper roles within the marriage.
Finance Class
The ability to handle money wisely is an absolute necessity for building a successful life.
In this 8 week class, students are taught God’s principles concerning money and given practical as well as spiritual training on how to apply them. Christian stewardship, basic budgeting and financial planning are just a few of the topics covered.
Life Management Class
This 10 week class is designed to help you focus on life’s main priorities, and help manage your time more effectively.
Prayer Class
Want to learn how to pray more effectively. This 8 week class teaches on how to have a more effective and efficient prayer life. By taking this class you’ll grow in intimacy with the Lord as well as learning how to partition the Lord for what is needed to accomplish His will.
Evangelism Class
As Christians we are all called to accomplish the Great Commission by reaching the lost and training up disciples. To train them we must first reach them. This 8 week class will equip you with the necessary information and boldness to be an effective evangelist.
Armor Bearers is a post high school program designed to equip and train young men and women into the disciplines and skills of practical servant ministry. Two years are set apart for focused training including Zoe Bible College, 12 – 16 modules covering a wide range of subjects and practical internship in various areas of ministry. A third year program is available for selected students that enables them to earn a bachelor level certificate as well as hands on training in specific areas of ministry. For more information on Armor Bearers, and a printable brochure,
click here.
For more information please contact the church office: 541-779-7029
In a society whose foundations are shaken, Joy is committed to helping parents educate their children in a way that will produce future world changers. Various classes, field trips and other group activities are provided to enhance parent's individual educational plans. More information on
Homeschooling.
Pathway to Radical Recovery
The Solid Rock Road is based on 10 Bible-based principles that take people on a 12-week journey of spiritual awareness and self-discovery. Along the way, participants seize opportunities for change, find themselves in the presence of God and receive spiritual tools and weapons to fight and win the battle for their souls. Along the Solid Rock Road of recovery, eyes are opened to truth, strength is restored and the fire of God successfully transforms lives.
The Solid Rock Road gathers weekly for 12 weeks. Its mission is “to serve those battling with drugs and alcohol by calling on the Holy Spirit to lead people to the path of righteousness, and by promoting an intimate and interactive relationship with God.”
For more information about the Solid Rock Road,
click here