DISCIPLE

DISCIPLE is a four phased Bible Study programme that aims to transform lives, not merely to be informative of God’s Word. Living transformed lives means we grow from the infancy of just being believers to the maturity of becoming disciples. After all, Jesus commanded us to “make disciples of all nations”, and to do so requires of us to become disciples ourselves.

Truly, “If you make my word your home, you will indeed be my disciples.” (John 8:31, NJB)

The DISCIPLE Bible Study series comprises the following studies/phases:

DISCIPLE I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study
This study gives the Old and New Testament equal emphasis, focusing on the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. It is a 34-week study in which the principal scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem. This study covers 80 percent of the Bible and is also the foundation for the other three modules. The study aims to develop biblically nourished people committed to live as disciples of Jesus.

DISCIPLE II: Into The Word Into The World
This study is a 32-week in-depth study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts, which emphasises the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world. Participants are encouraged to practise spiritual disciplines that arise out of Scripture, for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives. They are encouraged at every session to make decisions about how they will respond to Scripture in terms of ministry in the world. Each week, participants will also be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal.

DISCIPLE III: Remember Who You Are
This study is a 32-week in-depth study of the prophets and the letters of Paul, focusing on the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. There are several themes that weave their way in the study — the call to remember; the call to repentance; the need for renewed vision; and the place of community. These themes reflect the scriptures wherein the prophets and Paul are continually calling hearers and readers back to their God and to a sense of who they are as a people “set apart”.

DISCIPLE IV: Under The Tree Of Life
This study is a 32-week in-depth study of the Old Testament writings, the Gospel of John, and the epistles of John, James, Jude and Revelation. The emphasis on the Psalms in the study as Israel’s hymn and prayer book leads participants to a sense of worship. Present throughout the entire study is a sense of living toward completion — toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in the book of Revelation.

Requirements
The groups in each phase meet once a week for two- and-a-half hours. Participants are expected to complete their independent study each week and to spend about 30 minutes daily in preparation for the weekly group meetings. Each member of the group would need a study manual, which would be provided to participants at the orientation or first meeting of the study, and a Bible. The Bible is the text for the study and the study manual will guide group members in their study and preparation for the weekly group sessions. There is space in the manual for taking notes while reading Scripture or during the weekly group discussion, and for recording thoughts and questions arising out of the daily study.

Participants need to complete the DISCIPLE I foundation study before they can register for the other studies.

Facilitators
The DISCIPLE Agency has a pool of dedicated volunteer- trainers who conduct training, share the ethos of DISCIPLE, and help churches fulfill the Jesus’ commission. The facilitators for the above modules in Wesley Methodist Church have been trained and are a dedicated team who believe in the transforming work of the Bible that only the Saviour can enable.