Journey to Discipleship

Recently, the church staff had a planning retreat and then traveled to University UMC in San Antonio for training on "making disciples." Out of those two events have come a new call, or mission statement, as well as the development of an intentional process to make disciples.

We are calling our process Journey to Discipleship. We have summarized our mission statement into three words: "Know - Grow - Go." In other words, to fulfill our mission in making disciples, we want "U" to know Jesus, grow with Jesus and then go out and serve Him in the mission of the church.

You can really begin the journey, or re-enter it from wherever you are on your current journey. We will also be inviting our new members and guests to enter into this journey. It may start with our new member class - FUMC U-Together. (New members are invited to come together for dinner and fellowship to learn about the history of Methodism and our own FUMC.) The "U" of course stands, not only for Uvalde, but you and I together being the church, the Body of Christ!

Following this first step of membership and discipleship, we will have three phases of an intentional discipleship that will help us know Jesus, grow with Jesus and then go with Jesus!

U-Know - Phase One of the Journey!
This phase focuses on getting to know Jesus. It is based around the question: What do I know about Jesus, and what do I do about it? We have three choices to help you know more about Jesus.

Bible Study - Jesus 201 with our Pastor Scott
This six-week course is based on "The Basics of Jesus Christ" from the Book of John.

Small Group - Alpha with Eileen Pirkle
This is an eleven-week course that is focused on the foundational truths and doctrines found in the Scriptures. Through small group discussions and pastoral teachings, participants discover answers to questions such as, "Why did Jesus die?" and "How does God guide us?" plus much more.

Immersion Event - Twenty-four Hours that Changed the World
This is a one-day event that combines Biblical stories, historical details, theological analysis, spiritual insight, and much more to retell the narrative of Jesus' last and greatest hours on earth. Over the course of the event, participants will share questions, be immersed in the Word, and be refreshed.

U-Grow - Phase Two of the Journey!
This portion of the Journey to Discipleship is designed to help you grow spiritually in Jesus. It is based on the question: How am I growing in Jesus? We have three choices to help you grow with Jesus.

Bible Study - Following Jesus
This twelve-week study looks at how to live out your faith passionately. Using the pledge we make when we join the church, the study is based on following Jesus through prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Small Group - Disciple Three
This is a 34-week Bible study designed for you to experience Jesus' message through the historical narrative of God's relationship with his people. Through the video teachings of seminary professors, daily scripture readings, and group exercises, the class will look at Genesis through Revelation and cover nearly 75% of the Bible. The class meets in the Cox Conference Room, CLC, on Wednesdays from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. It will conclude on May 30, 2012.

Immersion Event - Come to the Well
This is a one-day event focused on finding out what your spiritual gifts are and how to implement them in your everyday lives. The event will be held in the Spring of 2012.

U-Go - Phase Three of the Journey!
This is the last step in completing the Journey to Discipleship. It is based around the question: What is Jesus calling me to do? It is intended to help persons become stronger church leaders and to go be witnesses in the world.

Bible Study - Coach's Directed Study
You can sign up for an area in which you might be interested and be coached by one of the staff here at FUMC. The study offers coaching in the following areas and by the listed individuals:

Pastor Scott Bradford - Preaching & Pastoral Ministry

Rev. Eileen Pirkle - Nurture
Susan Lovelace-Gerrish - Music & Administration
- Study and/or Teaching
Claire Dillard - Worship & Youth Ministry

Small Group - Serving Hearts
This is a mission trip designed to get you out into the world. There will be a short-term Bible study, prayer, and preparation leading up to the mission event. The number of weeks may vary depending upon what God has called you to do.

Immersion Event - Pastor's Forum
This event is only for one day and will be concentrated on leadership.

You may register for all of the events in the church office, the Roe Foyer, or online. Child care is available upon request. For more information, call the church office, 830-278-3135.