Bible Study Groups

 
The Disciple Bible Study, Jesus in the Gospels and Companions in Christ series give us wonderful opportunities to experience God through His Word and through the lives of class participants. Please take advantage of these challenging and rewarding programs.

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

Click here to view a current schedule of classes.

What is Disciple Bible Study?
Disciple Bible Study (DBS) is a series that can

• Deepen faith
• Activate leadership
• Create fellowship
• Vitalize worship
• Transform lives

This occurs through daily Bible readings, lesson materials and discussions in the weekly small group meetings. These meetings are led by two facilitators who guide the discussions and provide opportunities for questions, new approaches, and the sharing of experiences.

The objective of the program is easily summarized: "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."  (Ephesians 4:12)

Each year, some or all of the four disciple programs are offered at Lakewood UMC.  These course descriptions follow.

Disciple Bible Study Course Descriptions
Disciple I and Youth Disciple - Becoming Disciples through Bible Study: a 34-week study that moves through the biblical story from Creation to the New Jerusalem; focuses on transformation not just information; is a prerequisite to all other Disciple programs.

Disciple II - Into the Word, Into the World: a 32-week study of Genesis-Exodus and Luke-Acts; teaches study skills for going deeper into the Bible; emphasizes spiritual disciplines.

Disciple III - Remember Who You Are: a 32-week study of the Prophets and Paul's letters; sets the Prophets and Pauls writings in historical and geographical context; identifies Gods people as a community of memory.

Disciple IV - Under the Tree of Life: a 32-week study of the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation; addresses community and individual life; shows the distinctive character of the Gospel of John; provides a video-led worship experience of the book of Revelation.

Jesus in the Gospels
Jesus in the Gospels is a new study in the Disciple tradition, led by Pastor Jack Worsham. Class times are to be determined; please call Rev. Worsham for more information.

Companions in Christ
Companions in Christ is a small group exercise for spiritual formation. It is designed to create a setting where you can respond to God's call to an ever-deepening communion and wholeness in Christ - as an individual, as a member of a small group and as part of a congregation. You will learn how to focus on your experience of God and discover spiritual practices that will help you share more fully in the life of Christ. It will be an exciting and growing experience in your quest to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions
What commitments are involved in these studies?
Each participant commits to 30-45 minutes of daily preparation and weekly attendance and participation in group study sessions for the duration of the specific class. Each weekly group meeting will last 2-2 1/2 hours.

I am not a Bible expert - will I fit in?
Absolutely. What is required is a willingness to participate with an open mind and an open heart - the Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

What if I can't commit to making every weekly group study session?
Obviously, everyone won't make every session. However, it is very important that every effort is made to attend and participate, especially through the first couple of months. More than three or four missed weeks will seriously impact the value of the program for you and your group.

I go to Sunday School every week.  Why should I bother with these programs?
Most Sunday School classes are teacher-driven. These sessions involve a group, with each member prepared and actively exploring for the Word through the words of the Bible.

Short-Term Bible Study Opportunities

Throughout the year, classes are routinely offered that focus on specific works or topics. These classes can range from 3 to 16 weeks in length and cover a wide variety of issues. Specific information regarding these classes is published in the weekly worship bulletin, our quarterly Cornerstone, or elsewhere on this website.