Disciple Bible Study Groups Forming Now

Six years ago, Westminster offered its first Disciple Bible Study program: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. Since then, four groups of disciples...more than 30 Westminster members...have undertaken and completed this remarkable 34-week study...and been both informed and transformed by it. Another group of eight has also gone on to complete the 32-week Disciple: Into the Word, Into the World study. As the number of members expressing interest in the study grows, we're considering offering this life-changing study it again.

What IS Disciple Bible Study?
In a nutshell, Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is a 34-week study in which students spend 30-40 minutes a day in guided bible reading and study for six days a week, then meet together for a 2 1/2 hour meeting on the seventh day each week. The emphasis of the study isn't on a specific interpretation of the Bible, but rather on what the Bible has to say to you, today. The study guide that accompanies the study is wonderfully well-organized, focusing each of the 34 week's lessons on a distinct mark of discipleship. In the end, disciples will have read a little over 70% of the Bible (17 weeks Old Testament, 17 weeks New Testament) and developed a deeper, more personal understanding of God's word, what it means to be a disciple, and how God has blessed each of us with unique gifts of the spirit.

It is, quite simply, a deeply personal and richly rewarding experience.

When Will It Begin?
We'll be holding informational and organizational meetings at the church beginning in early March. The exact dates haven't been been set yet, but it's anticipated the new Disciple group(s) will begin study in early April and conclude in mid-December, 2004, with a 2-4 week break in during the summer.

Who Can Participate?
Disciple is open to all adult and older youth (10th grade or higher) church members and regular attenders, including those who've already gone through the study and would like to take it again. If space is available (groups are limited to 7 to 12 disciples and 1 leader), members' and attenders' friends are also welcome to participate.

The number of groups we have will depend on two factors: (1) how many leaders we're able to recruit and (2) how many people want to take part in the study. Leaders must have either participated as a student in a previous Disciple group and/or gone though the Disciple training program. Ultimately, it's our hope there will be sufficient interest to start two or more Disciple groups involving regular Westminster members and attenders, as well nonmembers.

(Note: Priority will be given to Westminster members first, then regularly attending nonmembers, then other nonmembers.)

What's Required of You?
There are two key things you need to succeed as a Disciple: time and commitment. The program calls for 30-40 minutes daily preparation which cannot be skimped on. It also calls for a commitment to complete all 34 weeks' study. It's not uncommon to miss a week or two or even three due to illness or scheduling conflicts. But each disciple is vital to the group and each must covenant with the others to complete the study. Any group member who misses more than four meetings is asked to withdraw from the group and retake it again when they're better able to meet the time commitment. To date, this has never happened.

What Does It Cost?
We ask that each Disciple participant pay $33 to cover the cost of his/her materials. This can be paid either in a single payment...or by bringing a dollar to each meeting, whichever is easier. If, due to a fixed income or financial difficulty anyone is not able to pay, the church will gladly cover the cost. We want everyone to experience Disciple, and don't want finances to stand in the way.

In addition, every Disciple is asked to provide his/her own (new/unmarked) copy of the New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, New Revised Standard Version. This is a wonderful study bible with extensive, easy-to-follow notes, essays and maps. The best price we've seen for this Bible is $31.50 on amazon.com and if sufficient people are interested, we can order these as a group online. Again, if you're not able to afford a new Bible, the church will provide one for you.

What About Other Disciple Studies?
For those who have completed Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, Disciple offers three additional 32-week studies which may be taken in any order. One Westminster group has already completed Disciple: Into The Word, Into The World, a 32-week examination of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts The other two studies are Remember Who You Are, an examination of the Old Testament prophets and the 13 letters of Paul, and Under The Tree Of Life, a study of Old Testament writings and the Gospel of John; 1,2,3 John; James; Jude and Revelation in the New Testament.

If there is sufficient interest by Disciple graduates, one or more of these groups could also be formed.

Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions about Disciple, keep an eye out for additional information in the church's newsletter, Sunday bulletins and here, online. Or, contact J.R.Richardson at 882-8009 or via email.