Discipleship, the process by which people grow to become more Christ-like, is at the very heart of our church’s mission: To know Christ and to share Christ with others. We believe that this requires that we be in the Word daily—studying it, praying over it, and obeying it.
Community Church offers a selection of Bible-based study opportunities to help members grow in their faith. Small groups and short-term Bible studies are started at various times throughout the year, and in-depth, time-intensive studies begin each fall.
Disciple and Short Term Bible Studies
DISCIPLEis an in-depth, discussion-based small group Bible study, whose purpose is to transform our lives by strengthening our faith while guiding us into service. Following a series of testimonials starting in August, our Disciple Bible Study Program will commence with a general Disciple Orientation Meeting September 8th with classes starting the following week. Please check the Bulletin for times and dates. All classes will meet weekly on a designated day/evening for approximately 2-2 ½ hours. You will be asked to purchase a study manual (approx. $35) that will be combined with a DVD that we supply to guide your reading of Scripture with discussion being facilitated by a Disciple class leader. Note that after completing Disciple 1, subsequent Disciple class studies many be taken in any order.
DISCIPLE 1: Becoming Disciples Through Bible Study is the class to take if you’ve never completed a Disciple Bible study. Participants will read over 70% of the Bible over the course of 34 weeks, spending an equal number of weeks studying the Old and New Testaments. No prerequisite required. Offered Wednesday mornings at 9 am and Wednesday evenings at 7 pm.
DISCIPLE 2: Into the Word, Into the Worldbuilds on the biblical knowledge gained in Disciple 1, and helps us to continue our walk of faith as we strive to become Disciples of Christ. This 32-week Bible study class moves deeper into the word with a study of Genesis, Exodus, Luke, and Acts. Completion of Disciple 1 required to take this class. Existing class offerings include Wednesdays at 7 pm; other class offerings will be based on interest.
DISCIPLE 3: Remember Who You Are challenges us to remember our biblical heritage as a people “set apart” for service while renewing our vision and place of community. This 32 week study concentrates on the writings of the Old Testament prophets and on the Letters of Paul. Completion of Disciple 1 required to take this class. Offered Wednesdays at 7 pm.
DISCIPLE 4: Under the Tree of Life, the final 32 week study in the four-phase Disciple program, concentrates on the Writings in the Old Testament and the Gospel of John, 1,2,3 John, James, Jude and Revelation in the New Testament. Completion of Disciple 1 required to take this class. Offered Sunday mornings at 9:30 am.
CHRISTIAN BELIEVER: This 30 week study focuses on the central teachings of the Christian faith and its ties to Scripture. It will investigate what the church teaches and how it makes a difference in our own lives and what it means to be a Christian. No prerequisite required. Class offerings (day and time) will be based on interest.
Other Short Term Small Group Bible Study Opportunities
Recognizing that not everyone can commit to a 30+ week Bible Study, we are also offering short-term (typically 8-12 weeks) small group Bible Study opportunities. So far we have the following Bible studies planned for this winter semester. These are open to all persons at all levels of Biblical knowledge. Please sign up by calling the church office.
Evening Classes
Invitation to Genesis
Leader: Rev. Jim Decker
When and Where: Mondays @ 7:00pm @ the church
Details: To sign up contact Pastor Jim at ajdecker@comcast.net or 724-515-7252
This is a 10-week Disciple Bible Study for those who have previously completed a Disciple Bible Study experience. The study approaches the Book of Genesis not simply as a story of the beginning, but as a story of beginnings from start to finish. Through this study, participants will be invited to listen afresh to the witness of the opening book of the Bible and to understand more clearly God’s purpose in beginning to form a people with the likes of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and Jacob and Esau. Begins Sept. 13.
Soaring Eagles
Leader: rotates among participants
When and Where: 1st and 3rd Mondays @7:00pm in various homes
Details: To join this group for women only, contact Donna Loughner at 724-527-2465.
It was good news not only of Jesus' birth but of what he offered to men, women and children throughout his ministry. To the sick he offered healing. To the hurting, comfort. To the outcast, acceptance. In this study of the Book of Luke, guide Ada Lum leads you to discover that this message of hope and joy is for you as well! Begins Sept. 20.
The Purpose Driven Life
Leader: Gina Spanos
When and Where: Mondays @ 7:00pm @ the church
Details: Contact Gina to sign up for this group at 412-672-2137
The classic book by Rick Warren is made even better when shared with a group. Come to watch a video each week where Rick Warren will share about “what on earth we are here for.” Participants will meet six weeks from October 18-November 22. This is an especially good class for those new to Community church, seekers or those wanting to learn more about our church’s five ministry team purposes.
Love at Last Sight
Leader: Jay and Judy Newport
When and Where: Tuesdays @ 6:30 @ the Newport’s home
Details: Contact Jay or Judy to sign up for this group at peach651@comcast.net or 724-744-4995
The movies and TV make it look easy. Two people connect—love at first sight—and the relationship is magical from then on. But the truth is strong, deep relationships that last a lifetime aren’t based on the mysterious chemistry of two personalities. In their next book, Kerry and Chris Shook (authors’ of “One Month to Live”) offer a one-month relationship plan that will improve your most important bonds. This four week study begins Sept.14.
Breaking Free
Leader: Kathy Carter
When and Where: Tuesday @ 7:00pm @ church
Details: Contact Kathy Carter to sign up at KACarter1960@comcast.net or 724-861-8420
Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? In “Breaking Free”, Beth Moore embarks on a study of selected passages from the Book of Isaiah, drawing several parallels between the captive Israelites and today's Christians. Moore teaches readers to remove obstacles that hinder freedom by identifying spiritual strongholds in their lives and overcoming them through the truth of God's Word. This study is for women only and begins Sept. 14.
If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat
Leader: Warren Barkell and Diane Yeargers
When and Where: Tuesdays or Wednesday’s @ 7:00pm in homes or the church; every other week
Details: Contact Diane Yeargers to sign up for this group at dyeargers@comcast.net or 724-523-9762 or Warren Barkell at warpat2@hotmail.com or 724-527-1003.
Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you and offer you his Holy Spirit power that will change your life forever, deepening your faith and trust in God. Every other week when you meet you will encounter a video by John Ortberg who is a teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Each of the six times you meet beginning September 14, you’ll be challenged by reading the book, watching the DVD and conversation.
Wednesday Night Women
Leader: Leigh Casale
When and Where: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays @ 7:00pm in various homes
Details: To join this women’s only group contact Leigh at jlc1465@verizon.net or 724-527-5121
The Wednesday Night women’s group meets twice monthly year round. They will begin a new study (to be determined) on October 6. Any woman is invited to join the group.
A Tale of Two Sons; The Inside Story of a Father, His Sons, and a Shocking Murder
Leader: Dwight Willaman
When and Where: Thursday @ 7:00pm @ the church
Details: Contact Dwight or Flo to sign up at floziejean@windstream.net or 724-744-0125
In “A Tale of Two Sons”, John MacArthur takes the story back to its roots, when Jesus' words were absolutely revolutionary. As one of America's most beloved Bible teachers, MacArthur leads us to discover the simple yet profound brilliance of this passage. Giving engrossing historical background, the book will reveal Christ's original message as intended for the Pharisees, the disciples, and the world today. Gain an enlightening perspective into the prodigal son's story and embrace God's love anew. Study begins Sept. 9.
20 Somethings
Leader: Melissa Hall
When and Where: Tuesdays @ 7 @ the church
Details: This group is made up of people in their 20s who are in college or working. They are service oriented and have participated in projects like feeding the homeless and putting together Carson's Carnival. Beginning September 21, the group will start a new study TBD.
Strengths in Ministry
Leader: Liz Wade
When and Where: Mondays from 6 pm-8 pm at the church
Details: Contact Liz Wade at lizsrotties@comcast.net to sign up. Achievement, Responsibility, Discipline, Deliberative, and Significance. These are the top five talents of someone in this church. God has given us these talents, not to make us well rounded, but to insure that we are unique. Do you know who this person is? Do you know what your talents are? These talents are the building blocks that allow us to use our Spiritual gifts to minister to others whether in the church, at work, in the community, etc. If you are interested in finding out what your top 5 talents are, then join the Strengths class, meeting Mon night 6pm -8pm, starting Sept 13, and lasting for 4 weeks.
Day Time Groups
Breaking Free
Leader: Kathy Carter
When and Where: Monday@ 1:00pm @ church
Details: Contact Kathy Carter to sign up at KACarter1960@comcast.net or 724-861-8420
Do you want to find satisfaction in God, experience His peace, and enjoy His presence? In “Breaking Free”, Beth Moore embarks on a study of selected passages from the Book of Isaiah, drawing several parallels between the captive Israelites and today's Christians. Moore teaches readers to remove obstacles that hinder freedom by identifying spiritual strongholds in their lives and overcoming them through the truth of God's Word. This study is for women only and begins Sept. 13.
Mom’s Circle
Leader: Leigh Casale
When and Where: 2nd and 4th Mondays from 9:30-11:00am @ the church
Details: To join this women’s only group contact Leigh at jlc1465@verizon.net or 724-527-5121
The Mom’s group meets twice monthly during the school year. They will begin a new study (to be determined) on Sept. 13. Any woman is invited to join the group.
How to participate
Come explore your faith! Please prayerfully consider which group is the best fit for your needs and interests. You do not need to be a member of Community Church to participate in a small group or Disciple study. Please print this PDF, fill in the appropriate information and return it to the church. We look forward to having you grow your faith with us!
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