Bible Studies and Special

Small Group Studies for Adults

Wesley Groups

Small groups that practice accountable discipleship. Groups meet weekly for fellowship, sharing and study. New groups can form at any time.

Bible Basics

An introduction to the Bible in which class participants become much more familiar with the Bible and with how to approach reading and studying the Bible so that God’s spirit can speak to them about their present-day lives. Topics include how the Bible came to be written and put together, the different parts of the Bible, tools that can be used to help find things in the Bible, different ways to study and read the Bible, different translations of the Bible, and major themes in the Bible. There is no class preparation and the only textbook is any Bible.

Disciple Bible Studies

Starting the week after Labor Day each year, these classes last from 32-34 weeks. There is also a class beginning early in January and continuing until August.  Members of the classes spend time each day reading and preparing for their weekly meetings that last from 2 - 2½ hours. During the weekly meetings, a facilitator guides the members of the class in discussion of the materials read that week, with an emphasis on the implication of what this means for how we are to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in the 21st century. There are four levels to Disciple Bible Study. The basic course, Disciple I, which is a pre-requisite for Disciple II, III, and IV classes, offers a survey of the Old and New Testaments taught in an interactive style that involves the learner’s faith in relation to the faith of other disciples. Disciple II and III offer in-depth study of certain sections of the biblical story, such as the Exodus, the early church in the Book of Acts, the Prophets and the Psalms. The culmination of this four-part study is Disciple IV, which includes an in-depth study of Lamentations, Proverbs, John and Revelation.

Christian Believer

Christian Believer concentrates on the classical doctrines of the Christian faith and explores beliefs that distinguish Christianity from other faiths. Members study for 30 weeks beginning in September each year, integrating Biblical study and the study of theological writers throughout the ages. An important aspect of the study is consideration of the impact of the doctrine/belief upon the way we are to live as Christians; it is a matter of beliefs and actions being in tune - of our hearts and our minds being in harmony. There is about 2 1/2 - 3 hours of preparation time each week and a 2 1/2-hour class. Although it is not required, it is recommended that participants have completed Disciple I.

General Bible Study

This weekly class considers the practice of living faithfully. It meets on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m., and Wednesday evenings from 6:45 p.m.-8:00 p.m., from September to May. A person can begin attending at any time and there is minimal or no preparation.

For more information concerning Adult Bible Studies, contact Becky Poor, Director of Christian Education, at 225-383-4777, ext. 231, or becky@firstmethodist.org.