Adult Education

Ladue Chapel’s Adult Education Program offers a vibrant and welcoming space for lifelong learning, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Classes meet on Sunday mornings before worship and are typically offered in four-week sessions. Organized into four tracks—Bible & Religion, Contemporary Issues, Arts & Literature, and Personal Growth—these courses provide opportunities to explore faith, culture, and life’s big questions with the guidance of experienced instructors and the fellowship of others.

What you'll Learn and Experience

Bible & Religion

Explore Scripture, Christian theology, and world religions through engaging courses led by scholars from local seminaries and universities. This track invites thoughtful reflection and dialogue on matters of faith and spirituality.

Contemporary Issues

Connect your faith to the world around you. Classes in this track examine timely topics—from local community concerns to national debates and global challenges like climate change—led by experts and practitioners in the field.

Arts & Literature

Celebrate creativity through courses that explore religious and secular works of art, film, literature, and music. Instructors from local arts organizations and schools bring rich cultural insight and spiritual depth.

Personal Growth

Deepen your understanding of yourself and your relationships through classes on health, wellness, parenting, aging, and more. Sessions are taught by trusted professionals from the medical, counseling, and consulting communities.

Upcoming Series : September 7, 14, 21, 28 

"Fundamental Divine Truths that Will Change Your Life" (4 part series)

About the Presentation:
A 4-part series exploring universal fundamental Divine truths, including discussions on our Divine purpose in life, repentance, spiritual growth and free will.
About the Speaker: Rabbi Ze’ev Smason is the Midwest Regional V.P. for the Coalition for Jewish Values, and President of the Coalition for Jewish Values - Missouri. A former congregational rabbi and instructor in Jewish Adult Educationin St. Louis, Rabbi Smason studied in Jerusalem for eight years, and there received his rabbinic ordination. Originally from Los Angeles, Rabbi Smason received a BA in Political Science from UCLA -- thus, the Los Angeles Dodgers are his favorite baseball team. But the St. Louis Cardinals are his second-favorite team! Rabbi Smason is active in many pro-Zionist organizations, political advocacy, and writes a weekly newsletter, 'Spiritual Sparks', on various topics concerning spirituality. Rabbi Smason and his wife are blessed to be the parents of 9 children and many grandchildren.

Upcoming Series: September 7, 14, 21, 28

Personal Growth: Alzheimer’s

Session 1: Healthy Living for the Brain and Body
Discover how lifestyle choices around nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement can promote healthy aging. (Sept 7, 2025)
Session 2 – 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
Understand the difference between normal aging and early signs of Alzheimer’s, plus the benefits of early detection and diagnosis. (Sept 21, 2025)
Session 3 – Alzheimer’s Research & Treatment Advances
Learn about the latest scientific discoveries in prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. (Sept 14, 2025)
Session 4: Keeping the Care in Caregiving
Learn the foundations of caregiving, including person-centered care, building a supportive care team, understanding changing relationships, and managing caregiver stress. (September 28, 2025)

Upcoming Series: October 5, 11, 19, 26

Theology Today: Dr. David Greenhaw (4 part series)

About the Presentation:
A 4-part series on theology
About the Speaker: Dr. David Greenhaw is President Emeritus of Eden Theological Seminary, where he served as President for 23 years until his retirement in 2020. During his tenure, he guided the seminary through times of change with a vision for inclusivity, innovation, and bold Christian witness. Widely respected for his teaching, leadership, and ability to build strong relationships, Dr. Greenhaw continues to share his insight and passion for theological education, faith, and the public good.

Upcoming Series: October 11, 19, 26

Dr. Patrick Osborne: Our Trust in Science  (3 part series)

About the Presentation:
A three-part series on some of today’s most pressing issues at the intersection of science and society. His topics will range from Covid and the anti-vax movement, to phosphorus in detergents and its effect on lake ecology, to our changing climate. He’ll wrap up with a timely and important conversation on Our Trust in Science. Dr. Osbourn has a gift for making complex issues accessible, engaging, and yes—even enjoyable—you will not want to miss this series.Sunday, September 28, 2025 – Covid and the Anti-Vax Movement: Examine vaccine science and the social dynamics driving vaccine skepticism. Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Phosphorus in Detergents and Lake Ecology: Explore how common household chemicals influence water ecosystems. Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Climate Change: Our Changing Climate: Discuss the evidence, trends, and implications of a warming world. Sunday, October 26, 2025 – Our Trust in Science: Delve into the foundations of public trust in scientific institutions and how it's challenged.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Osborne brings decades of expertise in ecology, environmental science, and science education to this four-part series on Trust in Science. Through timely topics—including public health, environmental impact, climate change, and the societal role of science—he will foster both understanding and critical thinking around how science shapes trust in our communities.