Disciple Bible Study

Disciple is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders. We are currently organizing classes for 2023-24. If you are interested in participating please take a moment to fill out the below form so we can create groups. Descriptions of each year are below.

Not sure? Questions? Email Dr. James Johnson at JamesJ@NorthsideUMC.org. Registration will be available soon.

Disciple I: The first study in the program is DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY, a thirty-four week overview of the entire Bible. The study gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. DISCIPLE draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible.

Disciple II: The Disciple: Into the Word Into the World Study Manual retains the familiar DISCIPLE format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer for daily use. At some point in their study of every lesson, readers make decisions about how they will respond to Scripture in terms of ministry in the world. Each week persons will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal.

Disciple III: Remember Who You Are is the third study in the four-phase DISCIPLE program. The driving idea in this study is the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. The word You in the title is meant to be heard both in its singular form (the individual) and its plural form (the community). We are a community of memory. Participants in this 32 week study will read the major and minor Old Testament prophets, with the exception of Daniel, and will read the thirteen Letters traditionally attributed to Paul. To establish the historical context in which the prophets spoke for God, daily reading assignments draw also on the books of Deuteronomy through Chronicles.

Several themes weave their way through the study – the call to remember; the call to repentance; the need for renewed vision; and the place of community. 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: Participants in Under the Tree of Life will recognize the familiar rhythm and requirements of daily Scripture reading and note taking in preparation for the discussion in the weekly group meeting. The study manual guides daily study of the biblical text and calls for written responses that become grist for discussion in the weekly group meeting.

Two new elements in the study manual format represent special emphases in this study – the Psalm of the week and the radical disciple. The Psalm of the week will lead people into a deeper life of prayer using Psalms as a guide. It is to be prayed aloud both daily and weekly in the study group session. Study manual suggestions on experiencing the Psalm of the week pay attention to feelings as well as words.

The radical disciple focuses on thoughts or actions relevant to the weekly theme. Whether praying or taking steps toward radical discipleship, participants know they are not alone – the community is there.

Disciple V: The Christian Believer program focuses on classical teachings of the Christian faith—presenting, explaining, and interpreting them in a way that participants can understand, using words, symbols, and hymns. Over a 30-week period, participants will examine the writings of ancient and modern Christian commentators and view video presentations by leading Bible scholars.