DISCIPLE IV: Under the Tree of Life, is the final study in the
four-phase DISCIPLE program and is prepared for those who have completed
Disciple I: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study. The study
concentrates on the Writings (Old Testament books not in the Torah or the
Prophets), the Gospel of John, and 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 for
DISCIPLE IV: Under the Tree of Life. The word
under in the title is meant to convey invitation, welcome, sheltering,
security, and rest – home at last.
Commitment and Time Involved
32 week study
three and one-half to four hours of independent study each week (40 minutes
daily for leaders and 30 minutes daily for group members) in preparation for
weekly group meetings.
Attendance at weekly 2.5 hour meetings.
Teacher Helps
The Teacher Helps provides an outline for
an orientation session and process suggestions for each of the weekly group
sessions. It does not contain new or additional content for the leader to
present to the group. A one-page teaching plan is provided for each session.
Weekly group sessions follow a set patter, with designated amounts of time for
each step. Suggestions for group activity are specific and clearly related to
the Scripture being studied. Ample questions for use in discussion are included.
The leader both guides the process and participates in all small- group
activities in the weekly group session.
Leaders will find detailed information and instructions on making necessary
arrangements for and preparing group members to participate in three potentially
life-changing experiences at the conclusion of
Under the Tree of Life –
a video-led worship experience of the book of Revelation in Session 31 and a
service of foot washing and a service of Holy Communion in Session 32.
In the front of the teacher helps is a section of general information on
effectively using the study manual, preparing to lead the weekly group meeting,
following the proper schedule and procedure, tips for leading discussion, and
suggestions for creating and maintaining a caring climate in the study
group.
Process suggestions in the teacher helps enable full
participation by all members of the group as a result of disciplined daily
study. A one-page plan for each of the weekly group sessions follows an
established schedule and procedure, with an amount of time designated for each
section in the plan. Each session plan includes suggestions for group study of a
selected passage of Scripture.
