L.I.F.E. @ LBC
L.I.F.E. @ LBC stands for “Leadership Institute For Everyone at Lakeview Baptist Church.” This initiative is deeply rooted in the Southern Baptist tradition of equipping believers for spiritual growth and ministry.
For many years, Southern Baptist churches held a program on Sunday evenings known as Training Union. The Southern Baptist Training Union (SBTU), originally established in the late 19th century as the Baptist Young People’s Union, was designed to provide church membership training and doctrinal education. Its primary goal was to deepen believers’ understanding of biblical truths and strengthen their commitment to the faith. The program served as a foundation for discipleship, helping generations of Southern Baptists grow in knowledge and service.
Over time, as church schedules and ministry formats evolved, Training Union became less common. However, its core mission—teaching, training, and equipping believers for service—remains essential. Dr. Crowder has long envisioned a structured, in-depth Bible study program, similar to a “mini” college experience, where believers could engage in rigorous biblical study and spiritual training. With that vision in mind, Lakeview Baptist Church merged the historical emphasis on training with a modern approach to discipleship and leadership development, forming L.I.F.E. @ LBC.
Structure and Schedule
L.I.F.E. @ LBC operates on a semester-based system, offering two sessions each year:
- Spring Semester: Begins in January
- Fall Semester: Begins in September
Most courses run for 13 weeks and are held on Wednesday evenings, beginning at 6:00 PM. These studies are designed to accommodate believers at various stages of their spiritual journey, from new Christians to seasoned church members seeking deeper theological understanding and practical ministry training.
Course Offerings
L.I.F.E. @ LBC provides a diverse selection of classes, focusing on biblical study, discipleship, evangelism, Christian foundations, and practical life application. Some of the key offerings include:
- Experiencing God – A study designed to help believers recognize and respond to God’s activity in their lives.
- Genesis – A deep dive into the foundational book of Scripture, exploring creation, covenant, and God’s redemptive plan.
- Foundations (What We Believe) – A doctrinal study that grounds believers in the core beliefs of the Christian faith.
- Agape Evangelism Training – A practical course on sharing the gospel effectively with love and intentionality.
- Life to Life (Discipleship Training) – A training program focused on equipping believers to disciple others in their faith journey.
- Financial Peace – A transformative study based on Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, teaching biblical principles for managing money, getting out of debt, and building financial freedom.
- Adult Bible Study – A comprehensive study of Scripture, designed for both personal growth and group discussion.
L.I.F.E. @ LBC is more than just a series of classes—it is a commitment to lifelong learning, discipleship, and spiritual growth. Whether participants are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, a clearer understanding of Scripture, financial stewardship, or training for ministry, this program provides a solid foundation for living out one’s faith with confidence and conviction.
For more information about upcoming semesters, course schedules, and enrollment, please contact Lakeview Baptist Church.
