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What is the Disciple Bible Study Program?

Disciple Bible Study is aimed at transformation, not just information. As we grow in biblical knowledge by spending dedicated time in Bible study, we find greater meaning in our lives, deeper faith, and sharper life priorities. In addition, we will develop deep and lasting friendships in the small groups where we study, pray, and grow together. In Disciple Bible studies, you can expect to grow in your knowledge of the Bible and its application to your life, to grow in your experience of Christian community, and to grow in your commitment as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

What are the different Disciple classes?

There are four classes in the basic Disciple program. The first, Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, is a prerequisite to all other Disciple studies. The subsequent classes may be taken in any order.   Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study During the course of 34 weeks, Disciple I groups move through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. The first half of the course focuses on the Old Testament and the second half on the New Testament. Disciple I participants will read more than 70 percent of the Bible. The Bible readings for each lesson follow the chronological movement of the biblical story. Groups consist of about twelve members and a leader, and meet weekly for about two hours. Each participant makes a commitment to daily preparation (30-45 minutes per day) and weekly attendance and participation in the group study sessions.   Disciple II: Into the Word, Into the World This 32-week group study encourages you to open yourself to hear what God has to say to you through the Bible and to be guided into your particular ministry in the world. The study selects specific portions of the Bible and goes more deeply into them. Equal attention is given to the Old and New Testaments, with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts (eight lessons on each book). Appropriate connections are made to other parts of the Bible, both through reading and study assignments and through the commentary in the study manual. Participants' commitments are similar to those in Disciple I.   Disciple III: Remember Who You Are This 32-week Bible study is also open to Disciple I graduates. The study includes the Old Testament Prophets (from Isaiah to Malachi) and the New Testament letters of the Apostle Paul, and focuses on the connection between memory and identity for the people of God. Major themes include the call to remember, the call to repentance, the need for renewed vision, and the place of community. Remember Who You Are understands Bible study as a call to turn our lives more and more toward God and encourages us to be a people who puts God first—a community of obedience. Participants' commitments to the study are similar to those for Disciple I.   Disciple IV: Under the Tree of Life "Being a faithful community, we freely choose to be bound together as the people of God." This is an example of one of the "Marks of Faithful Community" from this 32-week study entitled Under the Tree of Life. As the Writings of the Old Testament (books not in the Torah or the Prophets) and writings from the Apostle John (the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation) are read, participants are constantly reminded that life lived in community, faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ, is the answer to the "human condition."

What about course materials?

Each Disciple Bible study requires a study manual for each participant. The manual includes the daily assignments and material necessary to prepare for the weekly meeting. The cost for a study manual is $35, and participants are asked to cover that cost as they are able. Scholarships are available, so the cost of the course should not prevent anyone's participation at any level of the Disciple Bible Study program. For scholarship information, talk with your Disciple leader or with Pastor John Harman.

How large is a Disciple Bible Study class?

Disciple classes are designed for groups of about twelve, plus a leader. A minimum of ten is needed to make each class, and most are held to a maximum of fifteen.

Can a participant come in and out of a Disciple study, or join it late?

No.

Disciple studies are designed around the commitments of the participants to study for and to attend the class for the entire 32- or 34-week period. Every group develops into its own community, which is necessary for the learning and sharing experience of the group—one of Disciple's greatest strengths. Classes are normally closed after the first few meetings. Participants who will have difficulty maintaining the regular commitments are encouraged to explore other Bible study options at FUMC during the coming year. Disciple classes begin each year, so if it isn't feasible for you this year, pray and plan for next!

When and where do the classes meet?

See the Disciple 2008–2009 Schedule page for specific meeting times and places, facilitators, and the start date for each class.

How do I register for a Disciple class or direct further questions that I have?

See the Registration page to register online. You may also contact the FUMC discipleship staff for registration or other information at discipleship@sharingtheheart.org.