Discipleship
Disciple Bible Study develops strong Christian leaders through an in-depth study of the scriptures. Through these studies you will strengthen your faith as a disciple of Christ.
What is the Disciple Bible Study Program?
- Enriching – Spending dedicated time in God’s Word gives greater meaning to your life
- Informational – Learn the overarching Biblical themes that tie the Old and NewTestaments together as well as the stories of the Christian faith
- Transformational - Priorities of heart and life will be changed by those who invest themselves in this Bible study
- Faith deepening – Even those who have been Christians for many years experience a deepening of faith unlike any other Bible study
- Fellowship – Develop deep and lasting friendships in these small groups that meet weekly to study, reflect, pray and grow together
Whether you are a new believer or have been a Christian for many, many years, the Disciple Bible Study program is designed for all who want to grow in their understanding of Scripture and of what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. Each class is a pre-requisite for the following class.
Disciple 1 - Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
Disciple 1 is a 34-week overview of the Bible. Beginning with Genesis and continuing through Revelation, participants will read approximately 80% of the Bible during this life-changing study. Students have daily assignments in the Bible and study manual and they discuss these assignments in their weekly group meeting. Each of the 34 chapters in the study manual has a theme word and a theme verse that provides a perspective from which to read and think about the Scripture readings of the week. Come to this study prepared to spend thirty to forty minutes in discipline daily study as you prepare for the two-hour weekly class meeting. Come also prepared to dialogue and interact with a group of people who are just like you - who are seeking to go “higher up and further in” on their journey of faith.
Disciple 2 - Into the Word Into the World
Disciple 2 is an in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. Genesis and Exodus are foundational books of the Bible that cover creation, Noah and the ark, the call of Abraham, the stories of Moses, the Ten Commandments and much more! The writings of Dr. Luke, who wrote both Luke and Acts, cover more of the New Testament than any other single author including Paul. From the first chapter of Luke through the last chapter of Acts, the Holy Spirit is active in a very powerful way. These writings are very readable and convey information and an excitement about the early church that are not to be found anywhere else in the Bible. The emphasis of this 32-week study is both to understand the text (Into the Word) and to allow the text to challenge and inspire the student to respond in practical ways (Into the World). In addition to the Bible study, each lesson identifies one spiritual discipline to experience during the week.
Disciple 3 - Remember Who You Are
The Prophets in the Old Testament, from Isaiah to Malachi and the Letters of Paul in the New Testament are the books read in DISCIPLE 3. By studying the prophets and learning of the mistakes made by God’s people in the past, we can hopefully avoid making those same mistakes going forward as the church of Christ. The writings of Paul are instructional, challenging and thought provoking for the serious Bible student. A 32-week study.
Disciple 4 - Under the Tree of Life
“Being 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 DISCIPLE 4. As the Writings in the Old Testament (Esther, Nehemiah, Psalms, Proverbs and more!) and the writings of the apostle John in the New Testament are read, students are constantly reminded that life lived in faithful community is the answer to the “Human Condition.” A 32-week study.
Disciple 5 -Jesus in the Gospels
This 32-week study is written by Dr. Leander Keck and is designed for those who have completed the first four levels of Disciple Bible Study. Each Gospel has its distinctive way of portraying the mission and message of Jesus. This study is designed to help readers listen more attentively to each witness.
Christian Believer - Knowing God with Heart and Mind
Christian Believer is a 30-week study of the classical doctrines of the Christian faith. These doctrines include God’s Providence, Atonement, Judgment, Eternal Life and many more. Structured like the Disciple Bible program, Christian Believer participants daily read both Scripture and writings of early and modern church leaders and theologians. Once a week, individuals meet together to watch a video and discuss what they have learned. All deeply committed Christians should take Christian Believer to understand more fully what the Church has believed and taught over the centuries and to learn the concepts and images that unite us all as Christian believers.
