New Classes forming in September! Send us an email if you are interested in one of the classes!
Disciple 1: Thursdays, 7:30 PM, at the church. Sandy Stegall and Marjorie McFann. Begins Sept. 16.
Disciple 2: Wednesdays, 4:30 PM, at the church. Rev. Kathy Rollings. Begins September 22.
What to Expect
The purpose of DISCIPLE Bible study is “to equip the saints
for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” ~Ephesians 4:12
What you can expect from the DISCIPLE Bible Study program is biblically
nourished persons committed to live as disciples. Persons taking part in this
study will learn the meaning of servant leadership.
DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information.
Why Study DISCIPLE
DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at
developing strong Christian leaders. It focuses on the disciple as learner,
believer, follower, proclaimer, and servant while providing the fellowship of a
small group for study, prayer, preparation, support, and servanthood.
DISCIPLE assumes that the Bible is key to renewal in the church and affirms
that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. The study
gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the
Bible as a revelation of God and draws upon the work of scholars to aid
understanding of the Bible.
The DISCIPLE Group
DISCIPLE is based on the model of Jesus and
the twelve disciples. This small-group study works best with 8-14 members
including the leader. Having fewer members can limit the discussion, and if a
member or two leaves the group, it becomes much harder to continue. Having more
than 14 members can also limit discussion, with too many people involved, and
make it easier for persons to be less prepared and committed to the study.
Group members may come from all walks of life, may or may not be members of the
church, or may be first time or experienced students of the Bible. Regardless
of their background, groups covenant together in terms of commitment of time,
daily and weekly preparation, and attendance at all weekly sessions.
Groups may be led by anyone, but it should be the same one or two people for
the entire study. Training seminars are held nationwide and are highly
recommended for those planning to lead a DISCIPLE group. Even those who have
completed an entire DISCIPLE study may want to consider training for additional
ideas and support. People generally lead as they were led. DISCIPLE graduates
who lead other studies of DISCIPLE but have never been to training usually
approach the DISCIPLE materials and group process in the same way they first
experienced it. Training offers hands-on experience with the resources and the
additional components used with each study and provides understanding and
practice of small-group leadership skills, the philosophy, the format of the
material, and the weekly group schedule.
The greater the commitment of the group, the more fulfilling the experience.
Commitment and Time Involved
DISCIPLE can reach its fullest potential when
group members prepare, attend weekly sessions, and participate fully.
The leader’s commitment will include:
· Inviting group members and forming the study group.
· Studying about forty minutes daily in preparation for the weekly study
sessions.
· Guiding an orientation session and all the weekly study sessions of two and
one-half hours each.
The group members’ commitment will include:
· Studying about thirty minutes daily in preparation for the weekly study
session.
· Participating in an orientation session and all of the weekly study sessions.
The successful, productive group will covenant together for full commitment to
study and prepare and to attend and participate. We recommend following the
biblical pattern of Sabbath rest after six days of study.
A Disciples Bible Study
witness
When I decided to join Kathy’s Disciple I Bible
Study Class, I had two goals in mind: I wanted to learn exactly what
Revelations was realy all about, and I wanted to explore the connections
between the Old Testament and the life of Jesus. I wondered, “Is the Old Testament truly
important tome as a Christian? Doesn’t
my belief begin with the Gospel? Didn’t
the New Covenant that Jesus introduced simply ‘erase’ everything that happened
in the Old Testament?”
Now, with what I’ve learned in Disciple I, I have
a new respect for the Old Testament: the original Covenant that God made with
the people of
And as for th ereadings? When you’ve completed Disciple I, you’ll have
shared your views and opinions of Biblical verse with others in your class, and
you’ll have gained a priceless understanding of the foundation of our
beliefs! I heartliy recommend Disciple I
for every Fairvie wmember interested in the early roots of Christianity. – Mark
Chambers
For More Information
Send an email to Kathy Rollings, Minister for Christian Formation
Disciple I Sample Lessons Disciple I Video Segment Summary Video Presenter Biographies