What is DISCIPLE?

DISCIPLE is a program of Bible study which seeks to transform the participant rather than just inform. But it seeks to transform differently than you might expect! You are...

NOT told how to think,
NOT told how to interpret the Bible,
NOT told what it should mean to you,
and NOT told what you should or shouldn't do.

Instead, through Bible reading and group discussion, you will come to your own conclusions about how to interpret the Bible, what it means to you, and what you will do with your new understanding of its message.

At St. Andrew's, classes of about 12 people under the leadership of a facilitator are formed in the summer, begin meeting weekly in September and usually conclude in May. Classes meet for a group discussion of the weekly material for 2-1/2 hours, with weekly reading requiring another 2-4 hours per week.

There are four different DISCIPLE Courses offered at St. Andrew's. In each course the first half concentrates on Old Testament material and the second half is devoted to the New Testament.

DISCIPLE I

DISCIPLE II

DISCIPLE II - Into the Word, Into the World - is an in-depth examination of Genesis and Exodus in the Fall, followed by a detailed study of Luke and Acts in the Spring. It gives the participant a good understanding of how the Bible interacts in their lives. Classes meet for 32 weeks.

DISCIPLE III

DISCIPLE III - Remember Who You Are - is an in-depth examination of the Old Testament prophets in the Fall, followed by the letters of Paul in the Spring. It emphasizes identity as a people of God, repentance, and community.

DISCIPLE IV

DISCIPLE IV - Under the Tree of Life - focuses on the Writings in the Old Testament, including Ruth, 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel. The New Testament scriptures include the Gospel of John; 1^st ,2^nd and 3^rd John; James; Jude; and Revelation. DISCIPLE IV emphasizes the ideas of being tested and refined, of moving toward fulfillment and completion.

What Disciple is Not!

DISCIPLE is not a study of Methodism or any other church denomination. Little or nothing about current-day church dogma will ever be part of class.

DISCIPLE is not a typical educational course since participation in class is entirely voluntary. You will not be asked to do anything you're not ready to do, such as reading scripture or praying publicly. Also there are no papers to write, no homework to turn in, no tests, and no grades.

DISCIPLE is not a study limited to church members. Any person, whether a member of a church or not, is welcome to take DISCIPLE. If you are not a member of St. Andrew's, you will not be pressured in any way to join our church. You may eventually decide to join our church, but that will be entirely your decision.

DISCIPLE is not a "drop-in" class like typical Sunday School classes or short term Bible study series. Rather, classes form and stay together as a group for the entire period of study. New people are rarely added after about the second or third week.

Who's Taken DISCIPLE?

If you're a member of our church, chances are good you know someone who's taken DISCIPLE since over 200 people have completed the course here. Nationally, approximately 500,000 people have taken DISCIPLE in the last ten years.

Many people from other Methodist churches, other denominations and people who are not members of any church have also taken DISCIPLE at St. Andrew's. All people, regardless of church membership, are welcome to take DISCIPLE courses.

Registration

Registration is usually held in August at the church. The final class schedule is formed during registration based on preferences of the participants, availability of space and leaders.

How much does it cost?

All the leaders are volunteers. The church supplies the videos, meeting room and sometimes child care at no charge to the participants. There is a small charge for the DISCIPLE manual which is offered at cost. The participant will also need a Bible, preferably a study Bible. If you don't already have one, a new one costs between $25-50, depending on the one chosen.

I want to start now!

Many people are eager to start DISCIPLE and ask to join classes already in progress. However, a trust dynamic develops in each DISCIPLE group as it proceeds, and adding new people would break that trust. It is the element of trust...being with the same group for 32-34 weeks, reading and discussing the Word...which leads people to self-transformation. Accordingly, new people aren't added after the first two or three weeks.

If there is a group of twelve or so who want to take a DISCIPLE course, the class can be started at any time, provided space and leaders can be identified.

While you are waiting for new DISCIPLE classes to begin in the fall, your best option is to get engaged in one of the many short courses that are offered throughout the year at St. Andrew's. These courses typically consist of four to six sessions of an hour or so and are a good way to become better informed about particular topics.

Need more information?

Contact Angia Snyder at (813) 689-6849, ext. 204 or call the church office.