Who comes to an Inquirers Seminar? Typically, a class will include people from a broad spectrum of experiences and traditions. Often one or two in the class will have not yet been baptized. Others, though baptized as infants, have never made a public profession of faith. Still others grew up in a Christian church, drifted away from regular practice, but have decided to renew their Christian commitments and are looking for help in doing that. Frequently classes will include people from Roman Catholic backgrounds who, because of personal circumstances are looking for a new church home, similar in worship pattern but more reformed in theology and practice. And we have people who have been lifelong Presbyterians, who come wanting to transfer their active membership from another congregation.

What happens in an Inquirers Seminar? The seminars begin by exploring the basic theological affirmation that all Christians hold in common: “Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior.” This question is also the only theological statement required for membership in a Presbyterian Church. Using contemporary, and more often than not, non-religious language the group peels back the layers of meaning behind the words “Christ,” “Lord,” and “Savior” and begins to make connections with contemporary life.

From there, the seminar turns to the question of what makes Presbyterians unique in terms of theology, mission, and church office and governance. We look at several major theological themes that have had special emphasis for Presbyterians since the Reformation. Then we examine how those theological commitments shape our historic sense of mission as a church, the activities that we have always felt are particularly important. Finally, we turn to the Scriptural basis for the Presbyterian understanding of ordination and (briefly!) the theological convictions that ground our system of government.

The final portion of the class explores life and membership at MAPC, introducing the major ministries of the church through a tour of our buildings where many of them take place. After a discussion of the responsibilities of membership, those who wish to unite with the church are received into church membership. Often, this includes making provision for baptism (which is required for membership in a Christian church), either for one or more of the inquirers or their children.

Membership, however, is not an expectation for those who attend a seminar. We welcome anyone who is truly “inquiring” about these various dimensions of the faith! And we welcome last-minute attendance; though we appreciate a phone call or e-mail to let us know you plan to attend, it is not absolutely necessary.

Seminars tend to take place every 6-8 weeks, last about 3 hours and are presented in three main formats: a Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:45 pm, a Saturday morning from 9 am – 12:30 pm, and three one-hour sessions on successive Sunday mornings at 10 am (during the Christian Education Hour).