About JEWEL Bible Institute
Jewel Bible Institute is a ministry of Eastern Star Church’s Christian Education Department. It functions as an institution of higher learning for the instruction of primarily adult students committed to the study of God’s Word and growth in their discipleship journey in Christ.
Classes
Jewel Bible Institute will offer classes starting Tuesday, January 14, 2025. All classes will be on Tuesday evenings, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Each course is 8 weeks long. Registration opens December 15, 2024 and will run through January 5, 2025.
How to Study the Bible
Offered at Fishers Campus. This course will help you learn to discover how to locate the Bible's major principles, promises, and commands, understand key verses and themes, and achieve an enriching, lifelong habit of Bible study. This method of study will open up the joy, wisdom, and excitement of the Bible to those who have been studying for years or anyone beginning to explore the wonders of God's Word.
Instructor: Larry Smith is President/CEO of Fathers and Families Center (FFC). FFC is Indiana’s premiere organization that serves fathers of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. From assisting with High School Equivalency completion, to expungement, to job placement, to strengthening bonds between dads and their children, FFC equips fathers and empowers families so that children thrive.
Among the honors Larry has received are being selected for the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” award, “Indy’s Best & Brightest Award” from Junior Achievement, and a Fellow at the Tobias Leadership Center. Larry also has served as a board member for roughly 20 organizations.
An ordained minister, Larry is the proud parent of three exceptional children and a wonderful son-in-law. He is also the grandparent of two grandchildren (who he doesn’t spoil at all). Larry earned a BA in History from Williams College, where he was a Lehman Scholar. He also earned an MS in Management from Stanford Business School, where he was a Sloan Fellow.
Biblical Studies
Offered at Cooper Road Campus. This course is designed to offer an examination of the gospel in the context of the entire biblical narrative; cultivating a gospel-centered life, and viewing ministry through the lens of the good news of Jesus Christ and the validity and authority of Scripture.
Instructor: Rev. Janai Downs is a proud native of Gary, Indiana and has lived as an Indianapolis resident for 26 years. She currently works for the Christian Theological Seminary with its Compelling Preaching Initiative.
Janai is a graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations and two minors; Religious Studies and Political Science. She graduated magna cum laude from Christian Theological Seminary where she earned her Master of Divinity degree and was a scholar in The Discipleship Project and earned the Biblical Studies Award. Janai is licensed and ordained under the direction and mentorship of Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr., Senior Pastor of Eastern Star Church, where she is a long-time member.
She has written and taught studies for Discipleship, Bible courses, and Biblical Black History. She enjoys singing, traveling, dancing, performing comedy, and spending quality time with loved ones. Her greatest passion is preaching and teaching God’s Word to God’s people.
Old Testament Survey
Offered at Cooper Road Campus. This course will provide an overview of the Old Testament’s pattern, unity, and progression, allowing them to better understand God's ways and His purposes in this age, as well as His plans for the future ages. It will provide some insight into the great doctrinal truth developed in the Old Testament, paving a way for the student to better understand the New Testament.
Instructor: Pastor Michael Bryant has devoted his life to ministry and education, beginning with his call to ministry in 1990. He was licensed in 1993 and ordained in 2013. For 18 years, he served faithfully under Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. at Eastern Star Church, where he held prominent roles, including Christian Education Director, Principal of JEWEL Christian Academy, and Associate Pastor.
A dynamic and anointed preacher and teacher, Pastor Bryant has combined his passion for ministry with a distinguished career in education. Pastor Bryant’s ministry has been transformative, leading many individuals to Christ and equipping servant leaders to excel in. their callings. He is deeply committed to advancing the Kingdom of God through mentorship and leadership development.
Introduction to Theology
Offered at Fishers Campus. This course will provide an overview of the major doctrines of the Christian faith (i.e., Trinity, Bible, person, and work of Christ (Christology), humanity, salvation, person and work of the Holy Spirit (pneumatology), Church, (eschatology) in the context of our Statement of Faith. It will also help students differentiate between essential core doctrines and those that are of a more peripheral nature in order that they can partner well with others in the Body of Christ.
Instructor: Dr. Michael Johnson is the senior pastor of Mount Pleasant Church with over 10 years of experience in congregational leadership. He was licensed under Dr. Carl M. Johnson at Friendship Baptist Church in Hopewell, VA and ordained under Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson, Sr. at Eastern Star Church in Indianapolis, IN.
Dr. Johnson is uniquely gifted by God in the area of congregational development. In his work at Mount Pleasant, he has developed strategic plans, created effective organizational processes, and trained new leaders resulting in a stronger congregation. In addition to this work, Dr. Johnson is also known for being an insightful minister of the gospel. His preaching gift is demonstrated through insightful revelation. He is also a gifted biblical teacher who can breakdown complicated doctrines to help believers increase their understanding of the faith. Through his preaching and teaching many people have become followers of Christ.
Dr. Michael Johnson earned his Doctor of Ministry (DMin.) degree from Bethel Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. He was awarded both the Dissertation with Distinction and the William A. Fretwell Thesis awards for the best dissertation of his graduating class. Dr. Johnson was also selected by the American Baptist Churches of Greater Indianapolis to participate in a 3-year cohort with the Nehemiah Leadership Network, which he successfully completed. To become even stronger at congregational leadership, Dr. Johnson enrolled in a second master’s program at Indiana-Purdue University (IUPUI) graduating with a 4.0 and receiving the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.