Equip Series

A two-year course in systematic theology and apologetics taught by the Awaken pastors

Next meeting: Monday, May 5, 2025 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM
Topic: Unit 1, Session 3: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions
Suggested readings: Tactics by Greg Koukl

  • The Equip Series exists to equip Awaken members with training in systematic theology and apologetics. Systematic theology, defined by theologian Wayne Grudem, is any study that answers the question, “What does the whole Bible teach us today?” about any given topic. Apologetics is the art of making a defense for the truth of Christianity. By combining these two disciplines, we hope that all who go through Equip are not only personally strengthened in their understanding of Biblical doctrine, but are also equipped with the necessary tools to defend these doctrines before others.

  • Equip is not only for current and aspiring leaders, but for any man or woman at Awaken who desires to grow in his or her knowledge of God’s truth. We aim to make Equip accessible for all adults and high school students, though younger students are welcome to join with their parents.

  • Equip meets in person at Awaken Church on the first Monday of every month from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. (The only exception to this is September, when we will meet on the second Monday of the month due to Labor Day.) Each two-hour lecture is followed by a Q&A session where participants can ask questions and discuss the material with one another.

  • The Equip Series is 22 sessions organized into seven units, following the order presented in Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem and closely aligned with the Awaken Statement of Faith. Each unit includes two sessions of theology followed by a related session of apologetics (except for Unit 1, which has two sessions of apologetics). The full schedule is posted below.

  • You will get the most out of the Equip Series if you purchase Systematic Theology and read the relevant chapters before each theology session. The book is $32.99 on Amazon. There are suggested books for each apologetics session as well, recommended for those who wish to go deeper than a two-hour lecture can allow.

  • You can just show up any time. To sign up for occasional text message updates and reminders about Equip, text equip to (614) 953-6501.

  • Yes. The entire course will repeat after two years. At whatever point you join the Equip Series, if you attend for two years, you will get the full course.

  • We will have snacks when possible, but please eat dinner beforehand. We will not have childcare available, but if your kids can play independently, you are welcome to bring them with you.

  • While attending in person is the best way to participate since you will be able to benefit from the Q&A, we realize this isn’t possible for everyone. We will record the audio and post a podcast episode online after each session.

  • Brandon Rohrig is the point person for the Equip Series. You can contact him at brandon@awakencolumbus.com.

2025–2026 Schedule

This schedule is subject to change as we teach the course for the first time, but we wanted to give you a prospective syllabus so you know what to expect.

Click on any past session to listen to the audio recording.

Unit 1: The Doctrine of the Word of God

Unit 2: The Doctrine of God

  • July 7, 2025 - Session 1: The Doctrine of God, Part I (Systematic Theology)

  • August 4, 2025 - Session 2: The Doctrine of God, Part II (Systematic Theology)

  • September 8, 2025 - Session 3: Arguments for the Existence of God (Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig)

Unit 3: The Doctrine of Man in the Image of God

  • October 6, 2025 - Session 1: The Doctrine of Man in the Image of God, Part I (Systematic Theology)

  • November 3, 2025 - Session 2: The Doctrine of Man in the Image of God, Part II (Systematic Theology)

  • December 1, 2025 - Session 3: Arguments for the Pro-Life Position (The Case for Life by Scott Klusendorf)

Unit 4: The Doctrines of Christ and the Holy Spirit

  • January 5, 2026 - Session 1: The Doctrine of Christ (Systematic Theology)

  • February 2, 2026 - Session 2: The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Systematic Theology)

  • March 2, 2026 - Session 3: Arguments for the Trinity (The Forgotten Trinity by James White)

Unit 5: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption

  • April 6, 2026 - Session 1: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption, Part I (Systematic Theology)

  • May 4, 2026 - Session 2: The Doctrine of the Application of Redemption, Part II (Systematic Theology)

  • June 1, 2026 - Session 3: Arguments for the Resurrection of Jesus (The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas & Mike Licona)

Unit 6: The Doctrine of the Church

  • July 6, 2026 - Session 1: The Doctrine of the Church, Part I (Systematic Theology)

  • August 3, 2026 - Session 2: The Doctrine of the Church, Part II (Systematic Theology)

  • September 14, 2026 - Session 3: Arguments for Classical Christianity (The Deconstruction of Christianity by Alisa Childers & Tim Barnett)

Unit 7: The Doctrine of the Future

  • October 5, 2026 - Session 1: The Doctrine of the Future, Part I (Systematic Theology)

  • November 9, 2026 - Session 2: The Doctrine of the Future, Part II (Systematic Theology)

  • December 7, 2026 - Session 3: The Story of Reality (The Story of Reality by Greg Koukl)