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The Galileans: A Church Within the Church
By Leah Stanley
Wanted: people in search of just the right Sunday School class; benefits include giving glory to Jesus Christ in a family-like atmosphere with Biblical teaching and class fellowships throughout the year. But that's what all the Sunday School classes at Central Church offer, so how is Gene Sauls' Galileans class different from its peers?
"This class is like a mini-church within the church," Gene said. "We have couples, singles, widows and widowers intermixed, and we range in age from 30 to 75!"
Gene, along with his wife Amy and their son, Barry, have been at Central for more than 16 years. Twelve years ago, Gene took over teaching what was then called the Berean's class. In 1999, feeling the need to make some alterations to get beyond where they were, Gene decided to change the class name to the Galileans. Since that time the Galileans have moved ahead to glorify God by upholding each other and the church in prayer as well as through their support of various missionaries. They meet at 9:25 in Room 1136. Each Sunday, one of its members opens the class in prayer and then Gene starts teaching, most recently undertaking a study of the book of Acts.
"I don't teach on topics," Gene said. "I have an expository style and I like to incorporate discussion and feedback into the lesson. I want to hear their thoughts and their questions."
At the end of the class they make announcements and then join together in a time of prayer.
"Sometimes we're able to break into small groups to pray more specifically for each other and that's very special," Gene said. "We're not so large that a person gets lost in the crowd, but we're not so small that you can't enjoy fellowship."
The class averages attendance between 40 and 50 people each week, and they actively support the Calvary Rescue Mission and the Eighth Street Mission through their monthly offering.
"They are a very giving class," Gene said, "they love to help and give."
The Galileans also love to get together for a class fellowship once every quarter, and on the first Friday of each month the "Galilean Gals" get together to enjoy some fun and have a time of prayer for each other and the church. The "Galilean Guys" also like to get together with an eye toward building one another up spiritually. Class member Sue Zinkel said she loves being one of the Galileans.
"They're family," Sue said with a smile. "My husband has had some health issues and this class has been incredibly supportive. And Gene's teaching is just superb!"
Gene believes the Galileans have something very special to offer people at Central who aren't presently involved in a Sunday School class.
"This group is so loving and caring and supportive," he said. "They act according to Christ; they really are my second family."
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