Adult Education
Living & Learning Together
Discipleship Pathway
Consider this an open invitation to grow deeper, serve wider, and follow Jesus more fully.
Our Discipleship Pathway is designed to help both new visitors and long-time members grow in their journey with Jesus. Whether you’re just beginning or have walked with Jesus for years, this tool will help you prayerfully consider your next step—perhaps even one you hadn’t considered before.
First Time Visitors
We are so glad that you have found us here at First Lutheran! Whether you come in person to one of our four worship services (8, 9:30, 10:15*, or 11), or worship with us online, we are glad to have your join our church family this coming week!
If you come in person, don’t forget to grab a cup of coffee and some sweet or savory snacks. Stop by our Welcome Center or fill out a Connection Card and we will be happy to connect you with all that is going on at First Lutheran.
Newcomer Event
We know it’s hard to grow in community at a new church! That is why we offer twice a year newcomer events to help you meet others that are new to this community as well. Anyone that has visited First Lutheran since the last Newcomer Event is welcome!
Next Newcomer Event: August 23, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Brunch in the Peel House Parlor
Alpha Course
Explore Life’s Big Questions
No matter who you are or what you believe, there’s a seat for you at the Alpha table.
Alpha is an 8-week course that discusses topics like “Who is Jesus?”, “Why and How Should I Read the Bible?”, “How Does God Guide Us?” and many more. There is dinner, a video to watch together, and then reflective discussion after.
Our next Alpha Course will begin on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 at 6 p.m. in our Gathering Place right inside our glass front doors.
New Members Class
You have been attending First Lutheran for a little while, you have started to invest your time into our community, and we would like to formally welcome you into our church family! Membership can seem like a big step, especially if you have never been a member of a church before. However, becoming a member of First Lutheran truly means that the community makes a commitment to come beside you, to celebrate your joys, commiserate in suffering and everything in between. Our pastors become your pastors. And finally, you have chosen to give of your time and talents to our small piece of Christ’s mission in Colorado Springs. If you think it is time to make those commitments to First Lutheran, we would love to see you at our next New Member Orientation!
At First Lutheran you can become a member by attending the new member orientation class(es) of your choice and making the affirmation of baptism promises to the congregation. The next classes will be held in November 2025. The promises will be made on Sunday, November 16.
August 9, 2026 – Introduction to First Lutheran – Meet the staff of First Lutheran Church and get to know others looking into church membership. Noon in the Fireside Room.
August 16, 2026 – Lutheranism 101 – Pastor Travis will review what we “as Lutherans” believe and the promises you will make during the service of inclusion. This is a great time to ask questions. Noon in the Fireside Room.
Membership does require that you are baptized. If you have not yet been baptized into the Christian faith, we would love to be a part of that chapter in your discipleship journey. Please reach out to one of our pastors to get that conversation started.
If you are not yet ready to join our church as an official member, we would still challenge you to move forward in the discipleship pathway. One of the ways that you can continue to support First Lutheran without becoming a member would be to give charitably to the mission and vision that we have here at First Lutheran. We are transparent with our finances and you can view this year’s budget here.
Volunteering and Growth Groups
Now that you have started to explore your Christian Faith and have become a regular at First Lutheran either on Sundays or mid-week, we are going to challenge you to join a small group and volunteer regularly.
If you are musically oriented, we would love to have you join our Sunday Morning choir or one of our handbell choirs. For more information and practice times, head to our Music Ministry page.
For other volunteering at First Lutheran, we understand that it can feel intimidating to lock yourself into a schedule of responsibility. However, growing in your faith does mean giving of your time and talents to the Christian community. Check out the following volunteer opportunities based on your interests:
I’d Like to Help on Sundays!
I’d Like to Get Involved in Community Outreach
I’d Like to Support the Staff of First Lutheran
Our Growth Groups are casual and take place every week. You can join at any time. At our growth group we discuss the previous Sunday’s sermon, but if you haven’t been to worship you can still participate in our reflective discussion.
- Bible and a Brew – Thursdays at 7 p.m., Location varies. For the most recent schedule check us out on Meetup.com.
- Friends by the Firepit – Mondays at 6 p.m. Peel House Porch (only in the summer)
Find Your People. Grow in Community.
At First Lutheran, we believe that faith is meant to be lived in community. Whether you’re looking for study and support, ways to serve, or simply space to connect socially, there’s a place for you here. Explore our groups and discover where your gifts, interests, and faith can flourish—together.
Look through the list below to find a group. Try one, try many. Finding your community takes time and intention, don’t give up!
Study & Support Groups
Men’s Fellowship
Now in its 25th year, the Men’s Fellowship and Study Group meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. in Luther Hall to provide men of all ages with opportunities for spiritual growth, Christian fellowship, and learning from one another. Come join us on Thursday mornings for a shared breakfast. The coffee pot is always on.
MomCo
All moms and expecting moms are invited on the second and fourth Tuesday’s at 9:30 a.m. of each month in the Peel House Lounge. Join us for mom community, which encourages fellowship, coffee, food, conversation, and much more! More Info.
Wayfarer’s Group
A support group for women who have experienced the loss of a partner.
Women’s Circle Groups
The Circles meet monthly to include Bible studies, the nurturing of spiritual life, Christian education concerning God’s call to mission, along with fellowship, fun, and service.
- Lydia Circle, first Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 201 of the Peel House
- Rebekah Circle, second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in Luther Hall
Service Groups
Members refresh the activity bags that FLC provides at the back of the Sanctuary to help families entertain their children during worship.
Use your sewing skills to assemble tote bags for the Christian Care Giving Ministry. Meetings held the second Thursday of the month.
People of all ages and experience are invited to bring their carving tools to the Wednesday evening. Meetings in Joseph’s Workshop.
Restore stuffed toys and dolls and donate them to the Dept. of Social Services. Meetings held the first Monday of the month.
The Colorado Springs Faith Table is a multifaith, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing human dignity in Colorado Springs and throughout the state through faith-based community organizing. If you have a special interest in social justice on the local level, join their meetings on the third Thursday of the month from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meetings are held at various churches and faith spaces in the city. Contact us for this month’s location.
Make a no-sew fleece blanket to donate to Marian House and cancer treatment facilities. Meets the second Friday of the month.
Combine a caring heart with a love of fiber crafts on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. Open to beginner through advanced.
All are welcome and we teach beginners to quilt. We make quilts for charities, personal use, and make new friends. Meetings are every Thursday in Luther Hall.
Maintain flower beds on church property and host gardening seminars. Meets the second Wednesday morning of the month, spring through fall.
Donated children’s books are refurbished and provided to non-profits that address children’s literacy needs.
Social Groups
For those interested in a lively discussion of books selected by the group itself and the fellowship that comes from sharing related perceptions, ideas, and experiences. Meets the first Wednesday of each month. All are welcome.
An evening gathering for those who are familiar with bridge-playing basics and would like to play non-competitively. Meets every Tuesday evening.
Dinner for Eight
Four dinners held September, October, January, and February each year between eight people (couples and singles) to share food and fellowship. Dine with new people each month.
Dining Out with FLC
This group meets twice each month at various restaurants throughout the Colorado Springs area. This is a great way to get to know people from FLC who might attend a different worship service than you do.
Learn to play this variation of the card game Canasta. Adults of all levels are always welcome to join. Meets Thursday evenings.
Experienced players and newcomers are welcome. The group meets on Tuesday mornings at 10 in the Fireside Room. We do not play for money.
Retired persons’ group that meets at the church for luncheon with a presentation or travels outside the church for field trips.
Be inspired and enjoy fellowship with friends by attending theatrical events throughout the year. Meets semi-quarterly off-site.
Trail Trekkers
Group hikes every Thursday, April through December. Hikes vary 3 – 6 miles, easy to moderate in difficulty. Trekkers meet every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. April-August; 9:00 a.m. September-December. No scheduled hikes January-March.
Sunrise Walkers
Another hiking group that meets every Tuesday at 7 a.m. Start your morning off with a relaxing hike with new friends!
Did one of these peak your interest? Let us know!
I’m Looking for Fellowship and Community
Spiritual Retreat
Sometimes, the next step in your discipleship journey is to slow down. Our spiritual retreats offer intentional time to step away from daily distractions and reconnect with God and community. Whether you’re seeking renewal, clarity, or simply space to listen, these retreats create room for deeper reflection, meaningful connection, and spiritual growth. Come with an open heart—and see what God might reveal.
January Spiritual Retreat: 2027 Date TBD
August Spiritual Retreat: 2026 Date TBD
Regular Rhythms of Formation
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes rhythm, intention, and community. We invite you to establish a regular practice of formation by joining a Bible study, exploring spiritual direction, or participating in adult education classes. Whether weekly or bi-monthly, these rhythms create space to deepen your relationship with God, ask meaningful questions, and be shaped by Scripture and the Spirit over time. Look at our offerings below and consider where you will make intentional time for your spiritual growth in this season.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Join one of our Pastors at 10 a.m. on Wednesday mornings in Luther Hall for a lively discussion of the scriptures for next Sunday’s worship. (This group does not meet in the month of July).
Spiritual Direction
We are blessed to have Lori Duncan, our Minister of Spiritual Care, on our staff. She would love to meet with you regularly on your own schedule to help you deepen your relationship with God through Spiritual Direction.
Ignatian Imaginative Prayer
Three times a year, Lori Duncan, holds a four-week meditation practice of Ignatian prayer. Our next dates are in Lent.
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.(February 24, March 3, 10, 17, and 24)
Adult Education Classes
Quarterly we offer adult education classes on topics that help Christians to consider their faith in deeper and more relatable ways. Check out this year’s topics.
- “Faith and Science” Led by Ron Furstenau. Taught in-person January 2026. Online recordings coming soon!
- “Praying the Psalms” Led by Joanne Larson. Sundays from 12 – 1 p.m. in the Peel House Parlor. April 12, 19, and 26.
B.A.S.I.C. Training
This self-guided educational class allows you to learn one-on-one from our pastors and spiritual staff on a variety of Christian topics. B.A.S.I.C. stands for Bible, Adoration, Salvation, Imitation, and Church/Call. This class is currently being updated and re-recorded and will launch in Spring of 2026 with optional discussion small group groups. If you are interested in our first version, you can watch all our videos here.
Lead Others as You Follow Christ
If you’ve experienced the power of community and spiritual growth through small groups, consider stepping into leadership. Leading a group isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating space for others to grow, connect, and walk with Jesus together. Whether you’re facilitating discussion, offering hospitality, or guiding prayer, your leadership can make a lasting impact in someone else’s journey of faith.
It also might be time to consider volunteering in a larger capacity. Reach out to our Coordinator of Lay Ministries or one of our pastors.
Spreading the Word
As you head out into the world it is time to consider how you will share the Gospel, the good news of Jesus to others in our community. Evangelism isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s about sharing the hope you’ve found in Jesus through your own story. In this next step, we invite you to learn how to witness through storytelling and offering consolation to others. In community, we’ll explore how your everyday experiences and compassionate presence can become a powerful way to share God’s love with those around you.
“Sharing the Faith,” a two-part class led by Pastor Glenn Zimbelman will be held on Sunday mornings on March 15 and 22, 2026 at 9:15 a.m. in the Peel House, Room 201.
As you are sent out at the end of the discipleship pathway, we encourage you to take this next step of bringing someone new into the church community and experience the discipleship journey anew through the eyes of a new brother or sister in Christ!
Adult Groups
It is the mission of First Lutheran’s Group Ministry to provide an environment where people welcome and support one another as they grow in their Christian faith, enjoy Christian fellowship, and share their gifts through outreach ministry.
A trained leader guides each group and childcare is provided for groups meeting at the church. You can find detailed information here for all groups.
If you are interested in a group, please call the church or email us. A group leader will contact you.
719.447.6064 or email Cheryl at cheryl@flccs.net.
For specific group times and dates please check the calendar.
