Disciple is a vibrant program at our church with ten classes currently underway involving over 150 committed people.

What is Disciple?

Disciple is a program of Bible Study which seeks to transform the student rather than just inform. But it seeks to transform differently than you might expect! You are

NOT told how to think,
NOT told how to interpret the Bible,
NOT told what it means to you,
and NOT told what you should or shouldn’t do.

Instead, through Bible reading and group discussion, you will come to your own conclusions about how to interpret the Bible, what it means to you, and what you will do about your understanding.

At First UMC Richardson, classes of about 12 people with two leaders are formed in the summer, begin meeting weekly in September and usually conclude in May. Classes meet for a group discussion of the weekly material for 2-1/2 hours with weekly reading requiring another 2-4 hours per week.

There are four different Disciple Courses offered at First UMC Richardson. In each course the first half concentrates on Old Testament material and the second half is devoted to the New Testament.

Disciple I

Disciple I Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study, covers most of the Old and New Testaments (about 70% of the Bible). It provides the student with a good understanding of what the Bible says, what it means to be a Disciple of Christ, and also an opportunity to know what the Bible means on a personal basis. Classes meet for 34 weeks.

Disciple II

Disciple II Into the Word, Into the World, is an in-depth examination of Genesis and Exodus in the Fall followed by a detailed study of Luke and Acts in the Spring. It gives the student a good understanding of how the Bible interacts in their lives. Classes meet for 32 weeks.

Disciple III

Disciple III Remember Who You Are, is an in-depth examination of the Old Testament prophets in the Fall followed by the letters of Paul in the Spring. It emphasizes identity as a people of God, repentance, and community.

Disciple IV

Disciple IV - Under the Tree of Life, focuses on the Writings in the Old Testament – Ruth, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Lamentations, and Daniel. The New Testament scriptures includes the Gospel of John; 1,2,3 John; James; Jude; and Revelation. Disciple IV emphasizes the ideas of being tested and refined, of moving toward fulfillment and completion.

Youth Disciple

Youth Disciple Bible Study covers much of the same material as Disciple I, covering most of the Old and New Testament books. Youth Disciple has been adapted by reducing the amount of daily Scripture reading, shortened the commentaries of the Scripture and simplified the language. The weekly group meeting has been reduced to 2 hours Youth Disciple encourages youth to bring their experiences and struggles to the Scripture. Thirty-four weeks of study will result in biblically nourished youth committed to live as disciples.

What Disciple is Not!

Disciple is not a study of Methodism or any other church denomination. Little or nothing about current-day church dogma will ever be part of class.

Disciple is not a typical educational course since participation in class is entirely voluntary. You will not be asked to do anything you’re not ready to do such as reading scripture or praying publicly. Also there are no papers to write, no homework to turn in, no tests, and no grades.

Disciple is not a study limited to church members. Any person, whether a member of a church or not, is welcome to take Disciple. If you are not a member of First UMC Richardson, you will not be pressured in any way to join our church. You may come to decide to join our church but that will be entirely your decision.

Disciple is not a "drop-in" class like typical Sunday School Classes or short term Bible Study Series. Rather, classes form and stay together as a group for the entire year. New people are rarely added after about the second or third week.

Who’s Taken Disciple?

If you’re a member of our church chances are good you know someone who’s taken Disciple since over 400 people have completed the course here. Nationally, approximately 500,000 people have taken Disciple in the last ten years.

Many people of other Methodist churches, other churches, and people not members of churches have also taken Disciple at First United Methodist Richardson. All people, regardless of church membership, are welcome to take Disciple.

Registration

See  Adult Classes ("First Groups") for on line registration.

Registration is held in August at the church on three consecutive Sundays. The final class schedule is formed during registration based on preferences of the participants, availability of space and leaders.

How much does it cost?

See  Adult Classes ("First Groups") for on line registration.

All the leaders are volunteers. The church supplies the videos, meeting room, refreshments, and child care at no charge to the participants. There is a $40 charge for the Disciple manual which is offered at cost. Scholarships are available. The student will also need a study Bible. If you don’t already have one new ones cost between $25-50 depending on the one selected. The New Oxford Study Bible is recommended. Also suitable are other modern language Bibles such as the Revised English Study Bible or NIV.

What about child care?

Child care is available at no cost to the participant. However, arrangements must be made in advance. The children are kept at the church by paid child care providers. If you need child care, just make it known when you register and you’ll be given more information.

I want to start now!

See  Adult Classes ("First Groups") for on line registration.

Many people are eager to start Disciple and ask to join classes already in progress. However, a trust dynamic develops in each Disciple group as it proceeds and adding new people would break that trust. It is the element of trust, being with the same group for 32 weeks, reading and discussing the Word, which leads people to self-transformation. Accordingly new people aren’t added after the first two or three weeks.

If there is a group of twelve or so who want to take Disciple, the class can be started at any time provided space and leaders can be identified.

While you are waiting for new classes to begin in the fall, your best option is to get engaged in one of the many short courses that are offered throughout the year at First UMC Richardson. These courses typically consist of four to six sessions of an hour or so and are a good way to become better informed about particular topics. These courses are usually free or nearly so.

Need more information?

Minister of Adult Education is Rev. Ann Willet, at 972-996-0139 or awillet@fumcr.com .
Or call the church office at 972 235-8385.

Check out the FAQ’s and the testimonials.