“If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples.” John 8:31
Disciple Bible Study is a Bible study; a dynamic, exciting approach that was created by the United Methodist Church. But it's also about community, and the support and personal growth that comes from meeting weekly to talk about the intersection of life and Scripture. Disciple aims at transformation, not just information.
Students use both the Bible and the study manual to complete daily reading assignments, generally about 30 minutes of reading per day. The study book also includes commentary and questions for reflection and response. Weekly meetings of 2 – 2 ½ hours include video presentations with commentary by some of today’s leading Biblical scholars, class discussion and prayer. Classes are led by trained lay facilitators.
This fall, we will be offering Disciple 1, 2, 3, and a short-term study Invitation to John. Check out the descriptions below to learn more and sign up!
Short-Term Study: Invitation to John
The early church chose to keep four Gospel accounts of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Three of these Gospels are very similar to each other in both what they tell about the story of Jesus and how they tell it. However, the Gospel of John stands apart. In it, we find Jesus speaking not in parables but in lengthy discourses as he interacts with unlikely individuals. In the very first chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus issues two invitations, "Come and see," and "Follow me." They echo the invitations of this study: to come and see this Jesus--to hear him speak, to see his signs--and to consider anew what it means to be his followers. (9 weeks) Next class starts: Week of September 18, 2011 - Click here to register!
Disciple I - Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
This introduction to the Disciple Bible Study is truly transformational. Each week, you will gather with a group of people who will support and challenge you as you grow in your relationship to God, Scripture, and classmates. Daily readings will take you through selections from the entire Bible. Disciple I is the prerequisite for all the other long-term classes. (34 weeks) Next class starts: Week of September 18, 2011 - Click here to register!
Open up to really listen to Scripture. Connect readings to life experiences for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives. In the context of a small group, you will be encouraged to seek what Discipleship means for you personally. Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts will be read. (32 weeks) Next class starts: Week of September 18, 2011 - Click here to register!
Exploring Old Testament prophets asks that we take a look at our present circumstances and realize how much our actions impact the world. And in the letters of Paul, you will find instruction, inspiration, and renewed vision. Along with your small group, you will grow to understand that being a person of faith means joining a long tradition of fellow Believers. (32 weeks) Next class starts: Week of September 18, 2011 - Click here to register!
Sometimes known as “The Revelation Study,” this Disciple class will read Old Testament Writing in order to better understand the message and promise pictured in Revelation. Your group will seek to make sense of life’s experiences through the lens of this powerful text, and together, you will learn to live as community-strengthened Disciples. (30 weeks) This class will not be offered during 2011-2012
This Disciple Study invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, "Who is the Jesus that you see?" This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message. (30 weeks) This class will not be offered during 2011-2012
