Let’s grow together! Look over the Bible study class opportunities below for 2022-2023, and when you’re ready to sign up for a class click the blue “Register” button. Once you’ve registered be sure to purchase your needed class materials using the red “Purchase Materials” button. 

Disciple I Fast Track 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. This adaptation of the original Disciple 1 course is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedule. Classes cover the entire Bible—from Genesis to Revelation—but in a shorter time. The Bible readings for each lesson follow the chronological movement of the biblical story. Groups meet weekly. Participants commitment to personal daily preparation (30-40 minutes) and weekly group meetings (24 weeks).

DISCIPLE II Fast Track: Into the Word, Into the World (In-person & Zoom)

This 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 and witness in the world. This adaptation of the original Disciple 2 course is ideal for busy people who want to fit a comprehensive Bible study into their schedule. Equal attention is given to the Old and New Testaments, with concentration on four books: Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. 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 commit to personal daily preparation (30-40 minutes) and weekly group meetings (24 weeks).

Day             Time          Start Date             Location                          Leader                         Length

Tuesdays   9:30 am   September 6    The Hub (youth bldg.)      Monty Forrester            32 weeks

This study is the final study in the four-phase Disciple program. The 32-week study concentrates on Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude, and Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads naturally to an emphasis on worship in the study. Participants commit to personal daily preparation (30 minutes) and weekly group meetings.

Day             Time             Start Date             Location                    Leader                         Length

Sundays    3:30 pm       September 11            TBA                 Dr. James Woods            10 weeks

Make a deeper connection to the world of the Psalms so that these well-known scriptures can help you give voice to all aspects of our human experience. During two weekly video segments, experience a varied presentation of individual psalm texts, with insights from biblical scholars, plus an informal roundtable format. It is an ideal experience for adults interested in the practice of prayer and worship and connecting prayer practice with Scripture. The study is accessible for adults with little prior Bible experience.  Participants commit to daily preparation of 30 minutes and weekly group meetings (10 weeks).

In January 2023, this group will begin Invitation to Romans, an 8-week exploration of Paul’s letter to the early church in Rome.

Day             Time             Start Date             Location                    Leader                         Length

Tuesdays   9:30 am       September 6            TBA                    Sam Peacock                 6 weeks

This is a six-week study on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s book of honest conversations about the Bible. It addresses some of the often-misunderstood biblical themes, leading participants to a deeper appreciation of the Bible so that we might hear God speak through it and find its words to be life-changing and life-giving.

Day             Time             Start Date             Location                  Leader                     Length

Mondays   7:00 pm      September 12            TBA                    Gary Clay                6 weeks

This six-week study by Rev. Adam Hamilton guides us to really know-and really pray-the Lord’s Prayer. It explores each line and meaning in the Bible, showing what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. Learn how to use it as a pattern for your own prayer life.

Day             Time             Start Date             Location             Leader                         Length

Sundays   11:00 am      September 11          B205        Dr. Andrew Clifford         11 weeks

Beginning September 11, the class will spend 11 weeks exploring Christian Spiritual Formation and Discipleship using the Enneagram Personality Model. The class will involve discussion, and contemplative prayer practices that enhance our experience of Jesus Christ and the Divine Trinity in all life, events and deep within ourselves. The class also has fun with social events and supports members in their day-to-day life.

This class is offered through First UMC’s Center for Transformative Prayer.