Spiritual Growth / Small Group Ministries We, at Red Bank UMC believe our Christian lives are in a continual state of growth and service. While there are various ways we can grow and serve, we recognize one important method is through group oriented study and fellowship. “All scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17 ESV) Small Group Opportunities - Long Term Bible Studies *** Disciple Bible Study *** The DISCIPLE Bible study has been in place at RBUMC for several years. Classes of 8 -15 persons study representative portions of the Old and New Testament for 32 - 34 weeks with breaks during the Holidays. Members of the class read daily and meet once a week for two and a half hours. Response to the study has been enthusiastic and some of the most active members of our church have or are taking Disciple Bible Study. Participants usually report their spiritual lives are strengthened and worship, service and fellowship are more meaningful. Classes start signing up in August of each year. Call the church office at 359-4031 for more information. The purpose of DISCIPLE may be expressed in the words of Ephesians 4:12: "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Disciple Bible Studies include: Disciple I : Becoming Disciples through Bible Study A 34-week study that moves through the biblical study from Creation to the New Jerusalem. Disciple I covers reading approximately 80% of the Bible with a goal of developing biblically nourished persons committed to live as disciples. It is recommended that this study be completed first. Disciple II : Into the Word Into the World A 32-week study focusing on Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts for graduates of Disciple I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study. This study emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going to God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. Disciple III : Remember Who You Are A 32-week study of The Prophets and The Letters of Paul for graduates of Disciple I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study. It calls clergy and laity to disciplined Bible study that will result in a ministering community nourished by Scripture. Disciple IV : Under the Tree of Life A 32-week study of Old Testament Writings and the Gospel of John - 1,2,3 John; James; Jude; and Revelation for graduates of Disciple I: Becoming Disciples through Bible Study. It continues to call clergy and laity to serious, disciplined Bible study that will result in development of biblically nourished servant-leaders. *** Christian Believer Bible Study *** This is a study of the beliefs of the Christian faith; it integrates Bible Study and Christian doctrine. As a participant in the study, you will explore both the Scriptures and the teachings of the church shaped from those Scriptures. Read the testimony of God’s Word and the creeds and confessions of the church. Learn the contents of Christian doctrine with fellow believers as well as with scores of believers from across the ages - Augustine, Hildegard, Calvin, Luther, Wesley, & Georgia Harkness Christian Believer begins with disciplined daily reading of Scripture and of the writing of early and modern church leaders. Learning this content of faith results in faithful understanding of the teachings of Christianity and leads to weekly group discussion on the relation of Scripture, beliefs, and daily living. *** Jesus in the Gospels *** This study differs somewhat from the Disciple bible study, for it looks more closely at the Gospel text. It focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels through the writers distinctive angle of vision. Each Gospel's way of presenting Jesus and his significance reflects the writers view of Jesus and events. Daily individual study and weekly group study involves the use of three components - the Bible, the study manual, and the Gospel Comparisons manual. Jesus in the Gospels is a 30 week study that will stimulate thoughtful reflection each week on the question "Do You Want to Become His Disciple, Too?" Short-Term Small Group Opportunities Bible Studies *** Faith & Church 101 *** This basic introductory class to Red Bank United Methodist Church is led by the Pastor and goes through the basics of Christian Traditions and Doctrines as well as explores our Methodist History and Beliefs. In this class we will look at he beliefs and practices of the United Methodist Church, Wesleyan Theology, the Sacraments, the Church Year, Christian Symbols and Colors and spend time looking at RBUMC’s ministry and vision. DVD is used for each session and Handouts are given to each participant. Session Span: 5 weeks; Run two times a year (spring and fall) *** Making the Most of Your Marriage *** This is geared toward couples who want to grow in their marriage through understanding, communication, and conversation. Dr. Kevin Leman guides the group with humorous videos that get to the point of what makes a good marriage. Video, Workbook, & Discussion. 7 weeks *** Purpose Driven Life ‘06 *** Along with PDL, DVDS and Host Groups are experiencing this bible study as a church in Feb of 2006, but it will also run again if desired. *** Andy Griffith Bible Study *** This follows the monthly Family Fellowship Meal time from 6:30 to 7:30pm. We watch episodes of Andy Griffith and look at Scripture elated to that theme each session. Video and Discussion (no charge) *** Living Prayer *** Using Maxie Dunnims workbook on prayer, participants will venture through various forms of prayer while discussing a way to make prayer a living and breathing force in their life. Video, Workbook, and Discussion for each session. 7 weeks *** Experiencing God ~ Knowing & Doing the Will of God. *** Participants will learn to hear when God is speaking to them, find out where God is working and join Him, and they will experience God doing through them what only God can do!. Video, Workbook, and Discussion. 12 weeks *** Beth Moore *** “Breaking the Chains” ~ Run last @ RBUMC as a morning group for women. 12weeks *** Running the Rapids *** “Guiding your adolescents through the teen years.” by Kevin Leman. Video and workbook Continuous Small Group Opportunities *** Prayer Meetings *** Prayer meetings are scheduled periodically throughout the year and involve singing, devotion and a time of prayer and sharing. *** Men’s Disciple Group *** The Men’s Disciple Group’s purpose is to be disciples of Jesus Christ through prayer, study, actions, and accountability. In between our times of prayer, we are committed to Bible Study in order to carry out purpose more effectively. The Men’s Disciple Group is open to all men of the church. We meet on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday mornings at 5:30am in the Alpha class room. *** Faith Friends *** Faith Friends is a small group of sisters in Christ who meet twice a month. We encourage each other in our spiritual walk with the Lord and support each other with prayers and comfort in time of need. We also support, comfort and encourage others with visits, prayers, cards and encouragement through difficult times. For more information contact Lorre Liljegren @ 356-9297 or Pat Fetner @ 359-4339.
