DISCIPLESHIP

A disciple is a follower - a disciple of Christ is a follower of Christ.  Discipleship is the process of growing into deeper, more complete disciples of Christ through the equipping of the Holy Spirit to become more Christlike.  In order to become better disciples we must continue to deepen our faith and understanding of Scripture.  Discipleship is a deep process, not a wide process.  We must be disciples before we can make disciples and at Aley we believe that an important part of this is discipleship together in community.


Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” -Eleanor Brown

Sunday Mornings

You're invited to join us for one of several opportunities to dive deeper into Scripture with community on Sunday mornings.  Each class starts at approximately 9:40a.m. - or following the conclusion of the 8:30a.m. service.  

Feel free to swing by the Hospitality Center to grab a drink before joining a group for fellowship and discipleship.


Consider the Following... 

   Location: Room 213 (lower-level ACA classroom)

How much of what you believe really comes from the Bible? Where do you draw the line between Doctrine and Scripture? With this study we will be challenging our traditions with what the Bible really says. We will be leaving preconceptions at the door and looking at what the original authors meant to convey using research and contexts. We'll be looking at the traditions we have and where they originated, whether in the Bible or elsewhere. This is a study to make you reconsider what you believe and why you believe it. "If Bible study doesn't feel like work to

you, you aren't doing it right" -Michael Heisser



The Great Courses of the Bible: The History of Christianity II from the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch

   Location: Room 204

The History of Christianity II From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch. Presented on DVD by Dr. Molly Worthem from U of NC at Chapel Hill.


Today, churches are shrinking in much of Europe and North America.  The faith's center of gravity has shifted to the Global South. By 2050, about three-quarters of the world's Christians will live in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where both democratic reformers and authoritarian strongmen have claimed the power of Christ on their side, and believers call on the Holy Spirit to battle demons and witches who haunt everyday life.


In this course, we'll explore the complex journey of the Christian faith from the turn of the 16th century to our present day, following the radical transformations as well as the continuities. 



Cultivating Relationships: "Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith" from Tom Berlin (beginning September 10)

   Location: Room 201/203

As Christians, we do our best to live our lives as Jesus lived, following the examples of his many virtues—including honesty, faithfulness, and generosity. But one virtue that is often overlooked is courage. Throughout Jesus’ life, he was called upon to be brave: in the face of his enemies, when being tempted, and certainly at the time of his death. By examining the life of Christ, we can begin to understand what true courage is and how God works in our lives when we exhibit a brave faith. In Courage: Jesus and the Call to Brave Faith, pastor and author Tom Berlin challenges us to unlock the courage that we already possess as Christ followers, and in doing so, we can begin to find the remarkable life Jesus offers us. .



Fellowship Bible Study Class: God's Exceptional Choice       

   Location: Parlor/Fellowship/Room 208

This class utilizes the "International Sunday School Lessons" curriculum.   Student booklets are available for free at the class on Sunday mornings or anytime through the church office. 


Women's Sunday School Class: "Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That's Beautiful Again" from Lysa TerKeurst       

   Location: Room 202

Have you ever felt stuck in a cycle of unresolved pain, playing offenses over and over in your mind? You know you can't go on like this, but you don't know what to do next. Lysa TerKeurst has wrestled through this journey. But in surprising ways, she’s discovered how to let go of bound-up resentment and overcome the resistance to forgiving people who aren’t willing to make things right.

Weekday Opportunities


Journeyers Bible Study: Mondays 9:30a.m. - 11:30a.m.                                                                                                            

   Location: Room 201

This class, now in its 17th year, is doing a multi-year examination of the Old Testament. We welcome anyone who is interested in a fairly in-depth study of the scriptures.


Men's Bible Study: Tuesdays 7:00p.m.-8:00p.m.        

   Location: Panera Bread Company at Fairfield Commons Mall (optional meet-up for dinner at 6:30p.m.)

We meet weekly for fellowship and study of God's Word over a sandwich and coffee. Our goal is to study, share insights and discussions, and grow as Christian men. We follow a structured lesson using a reading plan, independent study, and sharing our interpretations and thoughts; we learn a lot from our study materials and each other. Our next course of study is C.S. Lewis's book "Mere Christianity". All men are welcome!


Men's Bible Study: Wednesdays 10:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.        

   Location: Room 202

Our goal is to grow in our spiritual lives through studying Scripture and through fellowship with other Christian men. We selected a book of the Bible and study one chapter at a time. We then review different theologians' interpretations of that chapter and conclude by sharing our thoughts with the group. All men are welcome to join regardless of age or where they worship.