Shaun Patrick was my discipler, mentor and friend while I was in Off The Wall. He taught me many things about how to better my relationship with the Lord and other people, and things such as the importance of actually knowing the Bible. Not just having an understanding an of the books inside it and what they teach but to actually understand what they are saying and teaching. Shaun has a deep passion for knowing the Bible and he has a great knowledge of how to comprehend and learn what the Bible is teaching us.”

“Shaun and I met in the summer of 2016, he discipled me at Off The Wall for the 2016/17 semester. Believe me when I say that Shaun was the boots on the ground, as the Holy Spirit was doing serious heart work in my life. his ministry in my life has been instrumental in my growth and development as a husband, father, and disciple of Jesus Christ. And even now, as I’ve been out of Off The Wall program for several years and even outside of his direct community for some time, he still reached out to encourage me to “keep Loving Jesus” as he would say.”

“Shaun taught me the importance of both 1 on 1 meetings with someone and also the importance of reading the Bible. 1 on 1 meetings are personal allow for bonds to be formed… When I first came to Off The Wall 5 years ago I realize how important reading the Bible was. Shaun taught me both the importance and how to properly read my Bible in my free time.”

“Genesis class taught me to slow the heck down and read what the words actually say. Read between the lines. And to talk with others if you have a ‘Eurika!’ Moment. I have learned much throughout the year, whether it’s about themes, God’s love, or free will. I think that the biggest lesson God has taught me through class is humility. I always thought that when I interpreted a passage that my way was correct. But then I would hear what my other classmates would say, I would be totally caught off guard. Their insight was right of course. And I began to realize that there are multiple layers to scripture, not just the way I read into it. This is saddening to me, but also makes me determined to push away my prideful way of thinking. I do hope some day in the future I can accomplish this. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and everything I learned.”

“Taking Genesis deep dive class this semester has taught me so much about God, myself, and just general biblical knowledge. I’ve been able to practice observing and finding patterns and connections throughout scripture, and learn how that adds to the meaning of what’s being said. I’ve seen the importance of things like names, numbers, and word choices that I would have immediately overlooked before.

It’s also been helpful for me to be aware of “the lullaby effect” we talked about at the beginning of the semester. I’ve thought of this several times already when reading and it reminded me to ask questions and dig deeper even when I think I already know the answers.

This class has shown me so much about the character of God. I’ve noticed His artistry in creation, His intentionality in the way He designed humans to work together, and His incredibly merciful nature shown even when humans directly sinned against Him. It’s been so cool to see how strategically the Bible was written to intentionally make connections and point us toward Christ.

This class has also shown me a lot about myself and what God wants for me. I was reminded of the importance of rest and using the creation story as an example for that, which has proved fruitful in my personal life. And probably the biggest takeaway I’ve had from this class has been really looking at the way that God views His children. Shaun said something in one of the first weeks of class that really stuck with me. He said “God said that His creation was good before it had even done anything.” The idea that God thinks we have worth and loves us as we are, not based on works or accomplishments has been a helpful reminder that I’ve gone back to countless times this semester.

Overall, I’ve really enjoyed taking this class. It’s challenged me more than I expected it to, and honestly, I had to fight just shutting down so many different times when I got overwhelmed. But I’m very grateful for the things I learned along the way and for this group of people working through it together. “

“I used to think that I was smart. Not really, I knew I wasn’t smart, I just didn’t want anyone else to know it. I liked when other people thought I had all of the answers. But taking this class has, among so many other things, taught me intellectual humility. Not only did I learn far more than expected, but I came to a realization about how much I didn’t know.

I thought I knew the Bible. I grew up hearing the stories and I knew those by heart, but I’ve realized this year that I don’t know anything I wasn’t told. For so long I paraded around, wanting people to think I knew it all, but I know quite little I haven’t learned for myself. Seeing all of the intricate details woven throughout this story has taught me that I cannot teach what I do not know, yes, but also removed the shame of not knowing. Most importantly, however, it has given me a desire to know Gods word for myself because of the beauty and love in it that I had never seemed to notice before.

Some of my favorite parts were being able to recognize Gods love and mercy in every aspect of the story, the significance of every expectation put in new born males of the time, and the amazing ways that the story points to the Messiah.

I had a lot of preconceived notions coming into this class, and I’m not ashamed to say that they were all shattered and replaced with something so much more amazing and wonderful than I had expected. Most of all, this class has shown me skills to take into the rest of my life about how to study the Word, and how to respect it in a way that it deserves. This class wasn’t just a history lesson. It helped me deeper appreciate the Creator of the universe, and of me. “