Adult Bible Study

Fall 2024

Enjoy lively discussion, new perspectives and new insight as you learn and grow with others from your church family this fall. No matter how much or how little you already know of the Bible, spending time studying God’s word can be transformative. If you are ready to take another step in your personal faith journey, join us this season.

Click the class name to view full details, including facilitator, course description and links to purchase books.

Disciple Bible Studies

Disciple 1 - Fast Track

Day, Dates, Time, Location – TBA

DISCIPLE draws upon the work of scholars, the personal Bible reading and study of the participant, and dynamic group discussion to aid understanding of the Bible. This class gives the Old and New Testaments equal time, emphasizing the wholeness of the Bible as a revelation of God. This class meets for 12 weeks in the Fall for the Old Testament, a break for the winter holidays, and 12 weeks beginning in January for the New Testament.

Facilitated by Ed Hamlin  |  Purchase books here

Disciple 2

Day, Dates, Time, Location – TBA

Disciple 2: Into the Word Into the World is the second study in the four-phase Disciple program and is prepared for those who are graduates of Disciple 1: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study.

This study proclaims the transforming power of Scripture while teaching Bible study skills that take participants deeper into the Scripture. The importance of keeping Bible study related to witness is reinforced while participants are encouraged to practice spiritual disciplines arising out of Scripture for the purpose of changing habits and transforming lives. The study also emphasizes the rhythm of coming to God and going for God, of being in the Word and in the world individually and corporately. This study approaches all experiences of life as opportunities for faithful witness and service.

Disciple 2: Into the Word Into the World retains the familiar DISCIPLE format with its theme word, theme verse, statement of the human condition, daily and weekly assignments, and prayer for daily use. At some point in their study of every lesson, readers make decisions about how they will respond to Scripture in terms of ministry in the world. Each week persons will be guided in experiencing the gift of Sabbath rest and renewal.

Facilitator TBA |  Purchase books here

Disciple 4

Day, Dates, Time, Location

The study concentrates on Old Testament Writings, the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, James, Jude, and finally, Revelation. Emphasis on the Psalms as Israel’s hymnbook and prayer book leads naturally to an emphasis on worship in the study. Present through the entire study is the sense of living toward completion – toward the climax of the message and the promise, extravagantly pictured in Revelation. The image of the tree and the color gold emphasize the prod and promise in the Scriptures. The word under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering, security, and rest – home at last.

Facilitated by Rev. Geoff and Leigh Beakley |  Purchase books here

Invitation to Genesis

Day, Dates, Time, Location

This study takes groups into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the interaction between God and very human people – pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best-known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah and Joseph.

Participants for this Invitation to Genesis do not have to have an in-depth knowledge of the Bible to enjoy and benefit from participation. Reading just two chapters of Genesis a week, they will discover the life altering stories that will invite them to follow Christ as true disciples.

This ten-week study includes a participant book outlining daily reading assignments for group preparations, a leader guide suggesting discussion activities for use in the 60–90-minute weekly meeting, and a video component providing interpretation and context for the biblical texts.

Sessions
1. The Beginning…and What Went Wrong
2. Another Beginning: The Flood…and What Went Wrong
3. Another Beginning: Abraham and the Patriarchs
4. Abraham and a Glimpse to the Future
5. The Promise Fulfilled: Isaac
6. Another Beginning: Jacob and the Uneasy Birth of a People
7. Jacob: The Struggle Continues
8. Another New Beginning: Joseph and the Family of Israel
9. The Trek Into Egypt
10. An End and Another Beginning: Israel’s Story

Facilitated by Mason and Kelly Brannon |  Purchase books here

Jesus in the Gospels

Wednesdays, beginning Sep 11, Time, Location – TBA

Join us as we study the name, the place, and the people of the Gospels. Encounter Jesus – a commanding and morally compelling figure as portrayed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This class is to help illuminate some aspects of Jesus in the Gospels each week and seeks to connect Scripture to daily life as we explore Jesus’ call to discipleship. This class is divided between fall and spring semesters.

Disciple I or the completion of a previous Disciple Bible Study class is recommended, but not required.

Facilitated by Jeff Upshaw & Wally Weeks |  Purchase books here

Short Term Studies

Deep Waters

Wednesdays, Sep 18 – Oct 30, 6:30 pm, C208 and Zoom

Class description – TBA

Facilitated by Chris Gabriel |  Purchase books here

Enneagram and Spiritual Formation with Kristen Vincent

Tuesdays, Dates, Time, Hospitality Suite

The Enneagram is growing in popularity as a personality typing tool, but it is so much more! It is also a wonderful tool for spiritual formation because learning our type can help us identify specific ways we can grow in our relationship with God and share the good news with others. Join author and spiritual director Kristen Vincent to explore this fascinating tool.

Facilitated by Kristen Vincent

Five Marks of a Methodist

Mondays, Dates, Time, Zoom

In Five Marks of a Methodist, Steve Harper outlines five clear practices (marks) that confirm our identity as genuine and fruitful followers of Christ. Come explore these five marks and discuss what shapes our lives of faith and witness as we seek to live as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Facilitated by Rev. Elizabeth Byrd  |  Purchase books here

Five Means of Grace

Mondays, Dates, Time, Zoom

Recharge. Reboot. Reorder. We need a process that helps us continuously revitalize our relationship with God so that we find renewal and do not drift away from our faith. Based on The Wesley Covenant for Renewal, we will dive into the Five Means of Grace by Elaine A. Heath, which will help give guidance and perspective on how to reorder your life through prayer, searching Scripture, receiving the Lord’s Supper, fasting, and conferencing (worshiping together). We will focus on how to recognize and affirm the outward signs, words, and actions of an invisible divine grace, deepening your relationship with God and making your faith more complete.

Facilitator  |  Purchase books here

Health & Wellness

Yoga for Wellness: An Inward Journey

Mondays, Sep 16 – Oct 7, 9:30 – 10:30 am, Grace Hall

This four-week yoga series will help you to increase flexibility and strength, cultivate inner wisdom, and form a deeper connection to God. No experience is necessary. For more information, please contact Rev. Emily Miles at emilym@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Emily Miles

Yoga for Wellness: The Path to Gratitude

Mondays, Oct 28 – Nov 18, 9:30 – 10:30 am, Grace Hall

Ground yourself in gratitude through this four-week yoga series. Each class will help you increase flexibility and strength and open your heart to the blessings all around. No experience is necessary. For more information, please contact Rev. Emily Miles at emilym@prumc.org.

Facilitator

Midweek Yoga

Wednesdays, Sep 18 – Nov 6, 12:45 – 1:45 pm, C208

Join us for this weekly class that will help you increase flexibility and strength. No experience is necessary. For more information, please contact Rev. Emily Miles at emilym@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Emily Miles

Young Adult Walk & Talk

Wednesdays, 6:00 pm, Dates, Chastain Park

Shake away your daily stress and step into a community of connection with Walk & Talk. Designed for young adults seeking physical activity and meaningful conversation, this walking group offers a refreshing blend of movement and camaraderie. Join us as we walk, talk, and build connections that nourish both body and soul. For more information, please contact Rev. Emily Miles at emilym@prumc.org

Facilitator

Wellness Weekly Email

Mondays, 6:00 am

Wellness Weekly is curated to provide you with short, digestible content for everyday wellness. This weekly resource will include short videos, reflections, and bite-sized wellness content for your mind, body and spirit. It’s the perfect place to begin making steps towards wellness without feeling overwhelmed. Subscribe now to get a weekly dose of wellness content straight to your inbox!

Facilitated by Rev. Emily Miles

Men's Studies

Men's Bible Study

Mondays, 7:15 am, C106

These are casual gatherings of men to encourage one another in the faith. Each weekly fellowship discussion is topical, and no preparation is necessary. Come as you are able. For more information, contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Jeremy Garlington

Men's Bible Study

Wednesdays, 7:00 am, C106

These are casual gatherings of men to encourage one another in the faith. Each weekly fellowship discussion is topical, and no preparation is necessary. Come as you are able. For more information, contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Geoff Beakley

Men's Bible Study

Thursdays, 7:00 am, C106

These are casual gatherings of men to encourage one another in the faith. Each weekly fellowship discussion is topical, and no preparation is necessary. Come as you are able. For more information, contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Geoff Beakley

Men's Bible Study

Fridays, 7:00 am, A101 and Zoom

These are casual gatherings of men to encourage one another in the faith. Each weekly fellowship discussion is topical, and no preparation is necessary. Come as you are able. For more information, contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Geoff Beakley

Men's Bible Study

1st and 3rd Fridays, 8:00 am, C106

These are casual gatherings of men to encourage one another in the faith. Each weekly fellowship discussion is topical, and no preparation is necessary. Come as you are able. For more information, contact Geoff Beakley at geoffb@prumc.org.

Facilitated by Chris Blackmon

Women's Studies

Grace Point

Thursdays, Sep 5 – Nov 21, 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Harp Center

Women of all ages and stages of life are invited to join us as we study Scripture, renew our faith, and experience the grace of God together. Our goal is to build a community of women to support one another while uncovering the beautiful truth of God’s word. This fall, we will study Paul’s letter to the Romans. In it, we find encouraging yet challenging words that speak to our Christian faith.

Come for coffee and fellowship beginning at 9:15 am, then Bible study from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Rev. Elizabeth Byrd will offer a brief study lecture followed by small group discussion.

Facilitated by Rev. Elizabeth Byrd and small group leaders

More Than Sparrows

Wednesdays, Dates, 9:30 am, Harp Center

Class description – TBA

Facilitated by Sarah Crossman Sullivan

Morning Light

Wednesdays, Dates, 10:00 am, Hospitality Suite

Class description – TBA

Facilitated by Nancy Bell

Morning Light

Wednesdays, Dates, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Location

Class description – TBA

Facilitated by Jan Bilthouse

Morning Light

Wednesdays, Dates, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Location

Class description – TBA

Facilitated by Bonnie Copeland

Ongoing Studies

Journey Together

Wednesdays, Sep 4 – Dec 18, 10:30 am, C106

Sep 4 – Oct 9: Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It by Adam Hamilton
Oct 20 – Dec 11: Unlikely Hero’s and the Book of Judges: Deborah by Sandra Richter
Dec 18: Advent Reflections

Facilitated by Janice McGalliard and Rev. Leslie Watkins

Stepping Stones

2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10:30 -12:00 pm, A201

The class members utilize the Upper Room Disciplines, A Book of Daily Devotionals, to structure the discussions. We follow a shared leadership model highlighting our faith journeys as they relate to the daily Upper Room offerings. This process allows us to not only discuss the scriptures referenced in the Disciplines but also discuss current and past events that have affected our faith journeys. This is a friendly, thought-provoking group, and we welcome new class members. For more information, contact Elizabeth Byrd at elizabethb@prumc.org.

Facilitator