Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
The Disciple Bible Study Series takes you well beyond a simple, short-term
study of scripture. Disciple leads you into a deeper understanding about who you
are, who God is, and what your relationship with God may be. The Disciple series
enables you to grasp Biblical narrative and to understand the historical and social
context of the Bible’s development. While Disciple will inform you, its
primary purpose is to transform you into a biblically and spiritually based disciple
of Jesus Christ.
More than 400 persons have been participants in this excellent series of studies.
We invite every persons searching for a deeper understanding of the Bible and
their faith to share in this experience. Membership in this church or any other
United Methodist Church is not required.
 Invitation to the Old Testament
This course approaches the study of the Hebrew Scriptures by inviting participants to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Narrative, poem, history, and prophetic utterance all have their own distinctive characteristics and purpose, arising out of a particular historical, social, and cultural setting. To understand fully the story of God's covenantal relationship with Israel calls the listener to these various ways the story is told throughout the Old Testament
PREREQUISITE: None.
 Invitation to the New Testament
Using Matthew's Gospel as a starting point, this study explores how the New Testament writers and the early Christian community wrestled with the coming of Jesus - his life, actions, mission, death, and resurrection - and the implications of his arrival for their lives and their communities of faith.
Moving through the Gospel of Matthew sequentially, the overarching themes from this story of Jesus provide the conversation topics for each of the eight sessions. Each theme is then traced through other related passages in the New Testament.
PREREQUISITE: None
 Disciple
I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Disciple I is a 34-week study (17 weeks on the OT and 17 weeks on the NT),
covering most of the books of the Bible. The study is based upon a different theme
each week which is explored through reading of extended portions of scripture.
The learning process is accomplished through open discussion of Biblical issues
and working in smaller groups to examine the meaning of the scripture for our
discipleship. Disciple I serves as the basic study for those which follow in the
disciple series.
PREREQUISITE: NONE
 Disciple
II: Into The Word - Into The World
Disciple II is a 32-week study concentrating on Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and
Acts. Because the readings are less extensive than DISCIPLE I, there is more time
for personal reflection and an opportunity for greater depth of study. Also, there
is an added weekly focus on our personal spiritual discipline.
PREREQUISITE: DISCIPLE I
 Disciple
III: Remember Who You Are
Disciple III is a 32-week study which concentrates on the writings of the OT
Prophets and the letters of Paul.
PREREQUISITE: DISCIPLE I
 Disciple
IV: Under The Tree Of Life
Disciple IV is a 32-week study which concentrates on the writings of the OT,
the Gospel of John, other letters in NT, and Revelation.
PREREQUISITE: DISCIPLE I
 Christian
Believer
Christian Believer is a 30-week study that integrates Bible study and the doctrines
that are at the heart of Christianity. Christian Believer aims at addressing uncertainty
about the substance of the Christian faith and the connection between believing
and living. The study provides an excellent opportunity for open discussion on
what binds us and separates us within the Christian family.
PREREQUISITE: DISCIPLE I
 Jesus
In The Gospels
Jesus in the Gospels is a 30 week study of each of the four Gospels and how
they present the image and meaning of Jesus' life in a unique way. It combines
the best of historical study and how Jesus becomes the content of our faith as
Christians within the church. Participants engage in class discussion and small
group exploration of how the Jesus of the Gospels reflects the early church Gospel
communities with their roots in classical Judaism and the Hebrew Scriptures.
PREREQUISITE: DISCIPLE I, plus any other part of the Disciple
series.
DISCIPLE Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am not very well versed in the Bible, what is required for Disciple?
Disciple Bible Study was developed for this reason. This course will ground participants
in the discipline of studying Scriptures and relating it to their daily lives.
We seek to foster an environment where questions are welcome. Newcomers to Disciple are invited to try the shorter 8 week courses described above as brifer version of these studys as an introduction to Disciple and the move to Disciple I.
2. Will I be put on the spot to answer questions, which I may not know
the answer to?
During the weekly meetings, participation is strongly encouraged, but it is strictly
voluntary. It is the sharing and discussion that allows the group to grow and
as a result, we all grow as individuals in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ.
3. I know that during the group discussion, some comments or issues
might be of a personal nature. What about confidentiality?
Answer: From the very first meeting, the members of the group reach an understanding
that the issues and comments discussed within the group must remain there. Confidentiality
is an integral part of the group as we build a community based on mutual love
and trust.
4. I have a busy schedule. How much time is required for reading during
the week?
In today's society, busy schedules and time constraints are not uncommon. We may
have to give up television for 30 minutes a day. Or maybe make a commitment to
wake up 30 minutes earlier each day. Depending on the lesson for that week, daily
reading should not be more than 30 to 45 minutes per day. The lessons are conveniently
designed for a six day cycle. The best approach is to set aside the necessary
time each day to avoid "cramming" just before the class.
5. How long are the weekly meetings?
Each meeting is at least 1 1/2 hours, although some sessions may be longer. This
includes the video presentation, small and total group discussion and prayer requests
for the following week. Classes are encouraged to work out their own schedule
regarding breaks and ending time.
6. What happens if you miss a class?
Unfortunately, because of work schedules, vacations and/or business travel, sometimes
you may have to miss a class. That should not be a problem as long as you complete
any missed lesson. There may be a problem if you have to miss 3 or more classes
in a row. It may become too difficult to catch up with the rest of the group because
one lesson builds on the next.
7. I have a friend, who is interested in joining a Disciple group,
but she is not a member of our Church, can she participate?
Absolutely! Disciple Bible Study is a non-denominational study and it is open
to any member of the Christian community. All are welcome.
8. What Bible version is recommended?
The NRSV Study Bible is highly recommended along with the Disciple Study Manuel.
A well annotated New Revised Standard Version Study Bible is preferred due to
the significant amount of information, notes, maps and footnotes such Bibles provide,
such as historical, archeological, and cultural notes which further assist the
student in understanding and appreciating the Scriptures and the time and culture
in which they were written. NRSV editions published by Oxford, Harper Collins
and Abingdon (Cokesbury) are excellent choices and readily available. In addition
to the NRSV the NIV Study Bible is also a good version. Paraphrased or colloquial
translations generally are not helpful since the text frequently does not reflect
the best translations of the original languages and may make it difficult to follow
the class discussion. All of the texts printed in class workbooks are from the
NRSV.
9. When are classes offered?
Generally classes are offered on Wednesday evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m. In
addition other classes can be offered depending on the interest. For example,
we often hold classes on Sunday afternoon, and occasionally on weekdays. The optimum
class size is 12, although that may vary.
10. What about childcare?
Currently, childcare is provided for Sunday evening and Wednesday evening classes.
page updated
November 22, 2005
Contact Webmaster |
