Disciple Classes - Adult Ministry - Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

The Disciple Bible Study Program: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study

Background and Philosophy

"If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples." John 8:31

Want to be a better disciple? Want a very enriching personal experience? Want to be in the midst of a small family of believers as you study together? Become a "Disciple" disciple!

Disciple is a nine-month Bible study running September through May that meets for two hours each week for thought-provoking group discussions on challenging Scripture readings and study manual questions. Classes include short video presentations by a variety of well-known theologians along with questions and discussion. Though there is a great deal of study involved, the heart of this program is about transformation rather than just information. Participants learn how to live their lives as disciples.

It is time to start thinking about signing up for the 2008-2009 set of classes. We must know how many are interested in taking the classes that begin in September in order to know how many leaders to send to training this summer.

There are four separate studies. The first one is an overview of about 70% of the Bible. This class is usually required before taking any of the upper-level classes that dig more specifically into certain books of the Bible. For example, Disciple 2 looks specifically at Genesis, Exodus, Acts and Luke.

Disciple Covenant

I covenant to:

Pray daily for fellow classmates
Prepare daily by reading and taking notes
Be present every week if possible but faithful to study even when absent
Participate in every session both by listening and discussing
Make a commitment to discipleship

Announcing the DISCIPLE schedule for fall 2008

Plans for 2008-09 Disciple classes are well under way and pre-registration has begun. You may contact Sherry Smith at sherry@shpc.org for more information. Also, refer to the May 2008 issue of the SHPC newsletter which focuses on Disciple.

This year's schedule will include:

Disciple 1 (Bible overview): Monday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Disciple 2 (Genesis, Exodus, Luke, Acts): Monday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Disciple 3 (Prophets, Paul’s Letters): Monday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Disciple 4 (Psalms, Proverbs, John, Revelation): Thursday evenings 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Other classes may be added if there are enough requests.

BASIC CLASS INFORMATION

Disciple 1 should be taken first, then the upper levels may be taken in any order.
All classes involve 30 to 45 minutes of reading or study each day except that Sunday is set aside for worship and rest.
Classes are led by trained lay leaders or ministers.
Study manuals cost is $25 before June 30 and $30 after that. Scholarships are available.

If you are interested in more information about Disciple please email sherry@shpc.org.