"Bible Study"

Wednesday's at 6:30pm

Classes from Nursery - Seniors

Essential Discipleship Needs of Adults

Jesus instituted His model for discipleship in His final words to His followers, which we call the Great Commission:

Then Jesus came near and said to them, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matt 28:18-20, Holman CSB)

This was the plan: to use Jesus' all-encompassing power and authority to make disciples. The Christian church of the first century resulted from this strategy of church growth - results that are hard to improve upon.

The best way to change the world is to make disciples. The best way to make disciples is to provide for discipleship experiences.

Discipleship is the incredible journey of people discovering who Jesus was through the Bible and who Jesus is as He transforms our lives through the Holy Spirit. God's Objective is for us to be transformed into the image of Christ.The heart of discipleship is that every adult can become a believer and a disciple, growing in the obedience to Christ that results in ethical behavior and Christian ministry. Discipleship leads to evangelism and changed lives, to righteous and abundant living, to joyful and meaningful service for all who desire it.

Discipleship is a lifelong process based on people's needs. The church has both the opportunity and the responsibility to help adults take their next steps of growth in discipleship. Each church must assess the needs of its adults and focus its efforts to meet those needs.Discipleship must always be intentional (having a clear sense of purpose and working to achieve it) and responsive (identifying and meeting people's needs).

What Kinds of Discipleship Needs Do Adults Have?

Adult disciples who are new Christians and/or new church members need ...

• To develop relationships with other members
• To know the church's vision and commit themselves to it
• To know and begin to use their spiritual gifts
• To develop a plan for continued growth in discipleship

Adult disciples who are growing in spiritual maturity need ...

• To know and live out God's plan for their lives
• To apply ethics in everyday life
• To know how to make right choices
• To know and use their spiritual gifts
• To be able to share their faith with non-believers and unchurched persons
• To understand biblical doctrines
• To develop a disciplined devotional life
• To understand and deal with personal issues and emotional problems
• To understand substance abuse and learn how to overcome it.

Adult disciples who are strengthening their family relationships need ...

• To develop positive parenting skills
• To strengthen husband-wife relationships
• To develop growing relationships with other family members
• To help aging parents.

Adult disciples who are being equipped for leadership and ministry need ...

• To know how their spiritual gifts can be used most effectively
• To develop the mind and attitude of a servant
• To develop skills needed to function effectively in a chosen ministry
• To develop effective and flexible teaching skills.

Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30 pm. 

Attend Bible Study? Why?

Some people are of the opinion that Bible Study is only for children. Nothing could be further from the truth. Bible Study provides an important place for many things in the lives of adult believers.

A Place of Strength
"And let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meetings, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:24-25, Holman CSB).

The writer of Hebrews knew the importance of believers gathering together and staying in close touch with one another - not only for worship, but also to encourage one another in lifestyle. The first-century Christians were persecuted by the outside world, and they needed the strength, encouragement, and sense of belonging that come from being part of the group. An uncommon bond and unusual strength can be attained by joining together as a spiritual community.

The need for the strength of fellowship is no different today. Being a member of a Bible study group can encourage believers in their relationship to Christ, but it also can increase the bond a believer has with other believers.

A Place of Knowledge
"When they had eaten breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said to Him, 'You know that I love You.' 'Feed My lambs,' He told him" (John 21:15, Holman CSB).

Jesus admonished Peter three times to feed His sheep as an act of love. How important it is for all who wear the title "Christian" to live out what they believe. If we love the Lord, then we need to obey the Lord. To obey the Lord we need to know His Word for us. Studying the Bible - God's Word - is essential to faith.The more we understand that Word for ourselves, the more confidently we can obey His commission to "feed" others.

An active and vibrant Bible study class will challenge you to become more proficient in God's Word.

A Place of Belonging
"Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality" (Rom. 12: 12-13, Holman CSB).

Paul reminds us that to follow Jesus is be joyful, patient, faithful, and to practice hospitality. He knew that believers needed fellowship with one another. When believers spend time together, they begin to know one another. Knowing people's names, their family members, and occupation will lead you to be more apt to pray and care for those families and encourage them in times of need.

A Place of Prayer
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful" (James 5:16, Holman CSB).

Prayer is vital to a believer's life. Corporate prayer within the Bible study class is vital too. Use a large board to record prayer requests from class members. Record requests not just for those who are sick and dying, but place other expressions of concern.

Believers gain great strength and comfort when they see that Christ answers prayer in such a dramatic way.

A Place of Service
"Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not [only] for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Phil. 2:3-4, Holman CSB).

We are told over and over in Scripture to share our faith with others so that those who do not know Christ might have the privilege of meeting Him. We should seize all opportunity to express God's love. That love can be expressed through prayer, words of encouragement, and acts of compassion. A believer can act alone to address the needs of another, but a special feeling bubbles within when a person joins with others to help someone in need, to offer hope, or to pray for others.

Patricia S. Brand is an Adult Sunday School teacher at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, TN.