Reveille UMC has a simple plan for discipleship: to create a culture of expectation of continuous growth in our love for God, knowledge of God, and service to God. Reveille UMC expects its members to worship regularly (weekly), to become connected in community and grow in their faith by joining a small group, and to serve God both within and beyond the walls of the church, in all things being a witness (on occasion, with words).
Where do I begin?
If you don't know where to start, we recommend Alpha. If you feel you already have a good handle on the basics, we offer a path designed for intentional spiritual growth in the security of a small group. We also have several additional short term and long term studies to consider.
The Process:
(1) ALPHA
For those new to the faith, wanting to brush up on the basics, or simply desiring a sort of adult confirmation class, we will offer Alpha, a 10 week course designed to provide the basic framework for understanding Christianity.
For more information on the program:
If you wish to help with Alpha, contact Carol Uzzle: cuzzle@reveilleumc.org
(2) SMALL GROUPS
Small groups are designed to help people grow intentionally in love (transformation of the heart, leading to Christian character), knowledge (information for your head, resulting in a Christian worldview), and service (living out your faith with your hands, feet, and mouth, through Christian service and witness). This occurs through a continuous process of practicing spiritual disciplines. Just as your physical body changes shape in desirable ways through proper diet, exercise, and the motivation of friends, so too your spirituality may be transformed through regular spiritual exercises and encouragement from your small group. These spiritual disciplines (or means of grace as they are sometimes known) include (but are certainly not limited to) study of Scripture, prayer, and Christian conferencing (meeting regularly with your group to discuss what you have learned and how to apply it to everyday life).
Small groups each function semi-autonomously, meeting whenever and wherever the group decides. The church provides a spiritual assessment tool to evaluate the needs of the group in fifteen Christian traits (with thanks to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection):
Loving God: Small Groups, Spiritual Disciplines, Transformation, Fruit of the Spirit, Surrender
Knowing God: Christian Essentials, Bible Understanding, Christian Ethics, Knowing God’s Will, Church/United Methodism
Serving God: Spiritual Gifts/Talents, Financial Gifts, Time, Service to Others, Sharing Christ (Witness)
Based on the overall needs of the group, various short-term and long-term curricula will be recommended for the group to pursue at their own pace, with plans for periodic re-assessment.
It is expected that these groups will be organic and will both occasionally accept new members (at appropriate times) and spin off new small groups as leaders emerge.
In addition to Scripture study, prayer, and regular group meetings, small groups will be expected to serve in the Kingdom of God as they are led. Reveille UMC has numerous service and mission opportunities both at home and abroad or the group may identify new needs and act accordingly.
Are you ready to deepen your commitment to following Christ in a small group setting? If so:
(a) Attend one or more of three six-week Journey Classes, each focused on one aspect of the process: Knowing, Loving and Serving. It is anticipated that people gathered around the table at such events will come to form a small group
(b) Have your current favorite group (Bible study group, Sunday school class, etc.) change to a small group format
(c) Create your own small group of a few neighborhood friends or co-workers (small groups need not be limited to members of Reveille UMC)
(d) Join an existing small group (if open). Current groups are as follows:
Epiphany, Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Education Bldg., Room 209
Starting "Seeing Gray" by Adam Hamilton, November 6
(Contact Glenda Lewis: glenda.c.lewis@gmail.com)
Unnamed, Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Reveille House Ding Room
Starting Disciple 4, January 23
(Contact Keith Thompson: kotophoto@comcast.net)
EGR, Sundays, 5:00-7:00 PM, Reveille House Dining Room
Starting "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster, November 6
(Contact Keith Thompson: kotophoto@comcast.net)
A new group is also forming on Sunday evenings, 5-7 PM
(Contact Keith Thompson: kotophoto@comcast.net)
Seekers, Wednesday, 9:30-11:30 AM, Church Parlor
(Contact Stephen Coleman: scoleman@reveilleumc.org)
Covenant Discipleship A, Tuesdays, 12:30-1:30 PM, Reveille House Parlor
(Contact Barry Hodges: barryhodges@verizon.net)
Covenant Discipleship B, Second and Fourth Wednesdays, 11:00-11:30, Church Parlor
(3) SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM STUDIES
These studies are stand alone opportunities for those wishing to supplement their small group experience.
(4) DISTRICT AND CONFERENCE OFFERINGS
There are many opportunities for spiritual growth and discipleship beyond our walls.
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