Disciple Product

The leader guide provides two kinds of information: (1) suggestions for weekly group sessions; (2) information to enhance leadership skills, to support group building and maintenance, and to make effective use of the CHRISTIAN BELIEVER components.

A one-page session plan for each of the thirty weeks follows a set procedure with an amount of time indicated for each step.  Each session plan provides guidance for group activities that make use of the daily preparation members have made, and questions for discussion.  Group activities are designed to focus on content and help persons connect Scripture, doctrine, believing, and living.

The leader guide assumes that:

• The leader makes the same preparation for the weekly group session as the other members of the group.
• Study and discussion in the weekly session is done mainly in small groups.
• The leader both guides the process and participates with other group members in the small-group study and discussion.
• The leader is not an information-giver or lecturer.
• The leader and the group members have access to the same content for study and discussion—the assigned Scripture, selections from the book of Readings, the study manual, and the video presentations.
• A study of CHRISTIAN BELIEVER can renew lives and congregations.

COVENANT IS A 24-WEEK, IN-DEPTH GROUP BIBLE STUDY in which people read and discuss the Bible together. COVENANT is based on the understanding that we can best discover the Bible's transformative power through shared study, reflection and engagement.

THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF COVENANT, which serves as the study's unifying theme, speaks to an enduring commitment between God and God's people. This comprehensive study covers both the Old and New Testaments. COVENANT is organized in three 8-week modules, each dealing with a different aspect of covenant-Creating, Living, and Trusting the covenant-thereby underscoring the unique relationship that God chooses with us as God's people.

The goal of COVENANT BIBLE STUDY is to deepen understanding of scripture, build community, and develop church leaders through small group study. It embraces a learning experience that builds trust in others and confidence in scripture for each participant-leveraging not just scriptural examples but also personal memories of God's faithful love. It helps participants apply the Bible to their personal story, cultivating a life-long trust in God and a love of scripture.

The Covenant Bible Study Kit contains everything a leader needs.
- Leader Guide Contains comprehensive and detailed direction for the group leader to use in each meeting experience. Options are provided so that leaders can adapt to a group's unique characteristics.
- Participant Guides Walk participants through daily Bible readings and offer space to interact personally with the prayers, the group experience, and the weekly Covenant meditations.
- Meditations Contains 66 meditations to supplement those in the participant guides because many participants find great personal benefit and contentment in an intimate connection with God through "praying scripture."
- DVD Videos (Set of 3): Feature two pastor cohosts who engage 23 prominent biblical scholars in the 24 video episodes. The cohosts meet around the Covenant table with the scholars, asking questions about the week's scripture readings that participants would likely ask the scholars. The conversations serve as a model for the kind of learning dynamic that is central to this study. There is one DVD for each Covenant module.

This beautifully packaged set in a tri-fold folder includes Creating, Living and Trusting Participant Guides. The Participant Guides have a lay flat binding making it easy to take notes in the generous space provided on each page.

This Covenant experience will guide participants in a comprehensive, in-depth study of the Bible over twenty-four weeks. Unlike the learning participants may have experienced in other groups, this in-depth study of the whole Bible emphasizes the biblical concept of covenant as a unifying pattern through all the books in the Old and New Testaments. It underscores the unique relationship that God chooses to have with us as God’s people. This relationship is grounded in the faithfulness of God’s love and on our ongoing commitment to stay in love with God while we share signs of that love with others.

Each episode connects to an aspect of this covenant relationship, which is summarized in the heading of each participant guide. The three Covenant participant guides show you what to read and offer space to interact personally with the daily Bible readings, the prayers, and the weekly covenant meditations.

Each participant in the group needs the Participant Guides and a Bible. The CEB Study Bible is preferred.

Creating Participant Guide: GOD ESTABLISHES THE COVENANT to be in relationship with us. So the first eight weeks,Creating the Coven ant, examines how the covenant community is created and established, by focusing on several books of the Bible.

It discusses the story of our origins in Genesis, the Exodus narrative, the teachings of Moses, the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, as well as other books from each Testament that focus on the foundation of Christian faith. In doing so, it lays out the framework for a life lived in concert with God and others.

Living Participant Guide: COVENANT TRANSLATES INTO ACTIONS—into how we behave in our everyday lives. That’s why the second eight weeks, Living the Covenant, focuses on how the community lives out their covenant in faithful love—how it’s applied to actual relationships in daily life.

The books included in these eight episodes examine the practical challenges of faithful covenant life. We explore leadership problems among tribal chieftains, kings and prophets, and spiritual and political crises. They look for practical wisdom and guidance in the teachings of Israel’s sages, the letters of Paul, and more.

And by demonstrating how people of vastly different cultures came together in a common purpose, they show how faithful love is the root of the covenant life.

Trusting Participant Guide: LIFE, AS WE ALL KNOW TOO WELL, IS IMPERFECT. Difficulties are inevitable. That’s why the final eight-weeks, Trusting the Covenant, looks at the crises that sometimes call covenant life into question, and how we are restored to trust in God when troubling things happen.

This module discusses the loss of hope, and how it is restored by faithfulness in the midst of suffering. From the story of Job, to the Hebrew exile, to the apocalyptic visions in Daniel and Revelation, we learn how faithful love is at work in everything—to restore hope, freedom, and wholeness to our lives.

DISCIPLE is a program of disciplined Bible study aimed at developing strong Christian leaders.
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.

The first study in the program is DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY, a thirty-four week overview of the entire Bible.

Commitment and time involved:

• Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings.
• Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings.

DVD SET
Video presentations for DISCIPLE: BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY reflect our changing world, with a new and diverse team of expert commentators tailored to the study manual’s proven format. DISCIPLE I video set was revised in 2004 for more contemporary, inclusive presentation without altering the Bible scholarship. The host for these presentations is Dr. Emerson B. Powery – Associate Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department of Theology at Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee.

Transformed by Scripture to change the world

This 12-week study will immerse you in the books of Genesis and Exodus.

Disciple Fast Track Into the Word Into the World is an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study Into the Word Into the World. The study is ideal for busy people who want to fit an in-depth Bible study into their schedule. The study retains the familiar Disciple format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer.

Into the Word helps readers deepen their understanding of Scripture and make connections between what they already know and what they are reading. Each week you will encounter three spiritual disciplines, learn what they are, and how you can engage those disciplines. The first discipline varies from week to week, then moves into Sabbath and prayer. In every session, you commit to how you will respond to Scripture in terms of ministry in the world.

Into the World identifies some needs in the world for which ministry is needed and suggests possible responses, then invites participants to summarize the scripture message that will shape their ministry and to decide what response and commitment to make to that message. Each week you will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal. Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks, studying Genesis-Exodus and Luke–Acts for 12 sessions each. Daily preparation is manageable, with 3–5 chapters of the Bible to read each day.

Minimal additional preparation is needed for the leader—just follow the Guide. Weekly sessions last 75 minutes. Four hosts will provide 3–5 minute video insights related to the week's session. Flexible for use with small groups of 8–14, or for large groups of 15–100.

Transformed by Scripture to change the world.

This 12-week study immerses you in the books of Luke and Acts.

Disciple Fast Track Into the Word Into the World is an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study Into the Word Into the World. The study is ideal for busy people who want to fit an in-depth Bible study into their schedule. The study retains the familiar Disciple format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer.

Into the Word helps readers deepen their understanding of Scripture and make connections between what they already know and what they are reading. Each week you will encounter three spiritual disciplines, learn what they are, and how you can engage those disciplines. The first discipline varies from week to week, then moves into Sabbath and prayer. In every session, you commit to how you will respond to Scripture in terms of ministry in the world.

Into the World identifies some needs in the world for which ministry is needed and suggests possible responses, then invites participants to summarize the scripture message that will shape their ministry and to decide what response and commitment to make to that message. Each week you will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal. Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks, studying Genesis–Exodus and Luke–Acts for 12 sessions each. Daily preparation is manageable, with 3–5 chapters of the Bible to read each day.

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.

Each member of the group needs a study manual 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 session. The study manual also includes suggestions for individual research and study-related activities. Space is provided for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session.

The titles of the sessions along with theme words and theme verses, and major persons, events, and topics will set the sequence of the biblical story in the minds of the participants. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.

Commitment and Time Involved

• 32 week study
• Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings.
• Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings

Disciple: Into the Word Into the World is the second study in the four-phase Disciple program and is prepared for those who are graduates of Disciple: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. This study proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives. The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. This study understands the growing Christian as under discipline in community and in ministry to the world. Disciple: Into the Word Into the World approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

The Disciple III Remember Who You Are: DVD Set contains ten-minute video segments for each of the 32 weekly study sessions and serves as the starting point for the weekly group sessions to provide biblical and historical background for the prophets and the letters of Paul.

Biographical information about each presenter appears on the back of the video case. The set for the videos features photographic backdrops of Jerusalem, Samaria, the Tigris River in Babylon, Corinth, Ephesus, the Mediterranean coast, and Rome, lending variety and creating a sense of "being there."

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."

Commitment and Time Involved

• 32 week study
• Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings.
• Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings

Hear the call to return to God and a community "set apart."

Everything you need to plan and lead your Disciple Fast Track group.

Includes one each of in a tote:
The Prophets Study Manual
Letters of Paul Study Manual
Leader Guide
DVD
Maps and Timelines USB Flash Drive
Access to online promotional materials you can personalize

This Disciple Fast Track is an adaptation of the original, bestselling Disciple Bible Study: Remember Who You Are. The study is ideal for busy people who want to fit an in-depth Bible study into their schedule. The study retains the familiar Disciple format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer.

This study examines the connection between memory and identity as the people of God. Participants will find common themes, including calls to remember, calls to repent, calls for renewal, and calls for community.

In this study, there are 12 sessions on the Old Testament Major and Minor Prophets (except Daniel) and on the 13 New Testament letters traditionally attributed to Paul. 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." Daily reading assignments are designed to establish the historical context in which the Prophets and Paul worked. Readers will encounter "The Word of the Lord," with comments on Scripture and amplification of meaning, as well as "Marks of Obedient Community," which identifies beliefs, attitudes, and actions of the obeying community. "Marks" is the faith response to "Our Human Condition.";

Classes meet for a total of 24 weeks, studying the Prophets and Paul's letters for 12 sessions each. Daily preparation is manageable, with 3–5 chapters of the Bible to read each day.

Minimal additional preparation is needed for the leader—just prepare handouts and follow the Leader Guide. Weekly sessions last 75 minutes. Hosts will provide 3–5 minute video insights related to the week's session. Flexible for use with small groups of 8–14, or for large groups of 15–100.

The Disciple III Remember Who You Are: Study Manual combines direction and information enabling study of the text – the Bible.

Two titles in the commentary section of the manual reflect ideas central to the prophets and Paul's letters. "The Word of the Lord" picks up a familiar phrase from the prophets – a clear statement of their calling: They spoke (and speak) for God.

Each member of the group needs a study manual 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 session. The study manual also includes suggestions for individual research and study-related activities. Space is provided for taking notes while reading Scripture, for recording thoughts and questions arising out of daily study, and for notes during the weekly group session.

The titles of the sessions along with theme words and theme verses, and major persons, events, and topics will set the sequence of the biblical story in the minds of the participants. The principal Scripture for each session follows the chronological movement of the biblical story.

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."

Commitment and Time Involved

• 32 week study
• Three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for weekly group meetings.
• Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings

DISCIPLE IV UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE is the final study in the four-phase DISCIPLE program and is prepared for those who have completed BECOMING DISCIPLES THROUGH BIBLE STUDY. The study concentrates on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the Prophets), the Gospel of John, and Revelation.

Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel's hymnbook and prayer book leads natural to an emphasis on worship in the study. Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion - toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in Revelation.

The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures for DISCIPLE IV: UNDER THE TREE OF LIFE. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest - home at last.

Four of the five videos in this set contain video segments of approximately ten minutes each that serve as the starting point for discussion in weekly study sessions. The fifth video is the unique component that guides an interactive worship experience of the book of Revelation.

Under the Tree of Life Scriptures lend themselves to videos with spoken word, art, dance, music, and drama.

Set decorations differs from segment to segment depending on the related Scripture and its time period. Set decoration for video segments related to the Writings generally has a Persian theme. Set decoration for the New Testament video segments emphasizes the simpler life of New Testament times.

Study Manual content illuminates some aspect of the Jesus in the Gospels each week and connects Scripture to daily life and Jesus' call to discipleship.

The overarching aim is to deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message.  The study helps group members understand that Jesus is rooted in Judaism and the Scriptures of Judaism and that Christianity and the New Testament are rooted in the Scriptures of Judaism—our Old Testament.

The Study Manual guides daily study and preparation for the weekly group meeting. The main elements in the format are designated by scriptural phrases:

• “They have no wine” (John 2:3) is a brief statement about the human condition and alerts the reader to some aspect of daily life that Scripture can shed light on.
• “Beginning with Moses and all the prophets” (Luke 24:27) is a way of referring to Scripture as a whole and signals the fact that we can understand Jesus in the Gospels better by understanding the Old Testament better. 
• “Do you want to become his disciples, too?” (John 9:27, New International Version) is designed to stimulate thoughtful reflection so readers can come to their own conclusions about what their own discipleship calls for.

Accompanying each day’s Scripture reading assignments are suggestions of things to look for that take the reader deeper into Scripture. As readers become aware of detail in Scripture, they might ask themselves repeatedly, What am I to make of this? The study manual provides space for writing notes on insights, observations, and questions related to the Scripture, and for putting into words personal perceptions of Jesus from the week’s Scripture.

Comparisons-Selected Gospel portions from the New Revised Standard Version are printed in a multicolumn format to facilitate comparison of similarities and differences in Gospel accounts. The printed selections follow the sequence of Scripture covered in the study manual. This component is a companion to the study manual and functions both in daily study and in group study. Every participant needs a copy of both the study manual and the Gospel Comparisons.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS takes participants deeper into Scripture as they look up and compare passages and make notes on them. Examining different accounts of the same or similar material brings richness and texture to study. Occasional words, phrases, or sentences printed in different colors will aid quick visual comparison of similarities and differences in Gospel accounts.