The Beauty that Forms: Developing a Small Group Course on the Value of Timeless Beauty at Oaks Chapel Bible Church in Double Oak, Texas

The purpose of this project is to provide a church-wide small group course centered around our new value of timeless beauty at Oaks Chapel Bible Church in Double Oak, Texas. The course elevates the role of beauty as a theological construct in spiritual formation. Devalued by a shift in focus post-enlightenment, timeless beauty rooted in God’s character is integral to formation and to fully seeing God rightly. Chapter 1 introduces the ministry context of Oaks Chapel, along with the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodologies, definitions, and delimitations of the project. Chapter 2 provides the biblical and theological basis for beauty as a constant construct throughout Scripture. By focusing on select passages in Genesis, the Psalms, Revelations, and Philippians, the scriptures show how beauty is authored by God, a constant presence in all creation, is objectively defined by God, and is an integral aspect of sanctification and formation. Chapter 3 focuses on the power and purposes of beauty. Throughout time, beauty has captivated, motivated, and endured. Chapter 4 details the curriculum and lesson plans. Chapter 5 concludes with an evaluation of the project and suggestions for improvement and further development.

Grantor dc:publisher

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Ridenour, Charles Robert

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Pennington, Jonathan T.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10392/7622

OAI record oai:identifier

https://repository.sbts.edu/oai/request?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=dim&identifier=oai%3Arepository.sbts.edu%3A10392%2F7622