The Pathway to Discipleship

Welcome to the Pathway to Discipleship at University United Methodist Church. We are excited when people join our church but are more excited when people engage in a lifelong journey of discipleship. When we say journey of discipleship, we are talking about a process through which we look to Jesus so hat we might look more like Jesus.

The best place to learn about the journey of discipleship is at our u|connect class. u|connect is part of our pathway to membership and a great way to learn about how we help you in your journey with Jesus.

The word “disciple” comes from a Greek word that could also be translated as student or apprentice. It is our goal at University to help you begin the journey of a lifetime as an apprentice of Jesus Christ. We believe that there are three major phases of this journey.

Meeting
Message
Mission

I hope that you will engage yourself in the journey and participate in the Pathway to Discipleship. If you put your heart into the process, we will do all we can to help you along the way. If you have any questions or need anything please let me know or contact Jessica or Elizabeth in the Discipleship office.

Rev. Will Rice
Discipleship Pastor

Pathway to Discipleship

***In the first quarter of 2012, the focus of our journey of discipleship will be The Bible in 90 Days. Reading The Bible in 90 Days and participating in a companion class will count as completion of either the meeting or message phase of The Pathway to Discipleship. Click here to learn more!

Each phase offers 3 choices: a BIble study, a small group experience or an immersion event (retreat). We believe that is you choose one offering from each phase, you will have a great start on your journey of discipleship. We cannot guarantee that you will become a full-fledged disciple, but we can give you the knowledge tools and relationship you will need to open your heart and mind to the transforming power of God.

Meeting

First, we all need to meet Jesus. In the meeting phase we ask the question “What is my need for Jesus and what do I do about it?” Our Meeting Phase classes are:

Jesus 101 - Spring 2012
A 6-week course that examines the life of Jesus Christ through the Gospel of John. By looking at how Jesus lived His life, ministering to the least, lost and forgotten; performing miracles and signs; and proclaiming the Good News, this study gives you a face-to-face meeting with Jesus.
Alpha - Fall 2012
Through small group discussion and pastoral teaching, this 9-week course looks at the foundational truths and doctrines from the Scripture. Some of the questions raised include:"Why did Jesus die," "Why and How Should I Read the Scripture," "What about the Church," and "How Does God Guide Us?"

Message

Second we all need to learn the Jesus message. In the message phase we ask the question “What is the news about Jesus and what do I do about it?” Our Message Phase classes are:

New Testament Survey: The Message of Jesus - Fall 2012
This Bible study is designed to provide an overview of the entire New Testament in a 10-week course. Through studying history, genres and authors of the New Testament books, participants learn Bible study techniques that enhance their ability to hear and understand the message of Jesus.
Pre-requisite: completion of Meeting Phase class
Disciple 1 - Fall 2012
This 34-week course is designed for participants to experience Jesus’ message through historical narrative of God’s relationship with His people. Through video teachings of seminary professors, daily Scripture readings and group exercises, participants will study Genesis-Revelation, covering nearly 76% of the Bible.
Pre-requisite: completion of Meeting Phase class
The Forum: An invitation to The Bible - Summer 2012
A unique opportunity to engage in reading Scripture and discovering techniques for studying it through an online community discussion. A 13-week course.
Pre-requisite: completion of Meeting Phase class

Mission

Third we need to hear our own Jesus mission. In the mission phase we ask the question “What is my call from Jesus and what do I do about it?” Our Mission Phase classes are:

Hearing God's Call: Discovering Gifts for Ministry - Spring 2012
A 6-week course designed to help you discover your God-given gifts for ministry and find ways to put them to work in the life of the church and beyond.
Pre-requisite: completion of Meeting Phase AND Message Phase classes
Pastor's Academy - Fall 2012
Spiritual leadership is a gift, a calling, and an area within the church that requires devoted study. This course is led by our Directing Pastor who will introduce participants to the principles of spiritual leadership through intensive Scripture reading and the study of outside sources.
Pre-requisite: completion of Meeting Phase AND Message Phase classes
The Walk to Emmaus
A weekend retreat that leads participants into a deeper level of commitment to Jesus and service in Christ’s church.
Walk schedules: www.umcswtx.org Walk to Emmaus