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 10:10a.m. - or following the conclusion of the 9 a.m. service.  Feel free to swing by the Hospitality Center to grab some snacks and/or coffee before joining a group for fellowship and discipleship.


Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas                                                                                                           

   Location: Room 204

Gnosticism is one of the most fascinating and perplexing phenomena in Western religious history. At its heart was gnosis—direct knowledge of God—expressed in complicated myths. Yet Gnosticism itself often escapes our knowledge. Was it the first great Christian heresy? A new world religion? Or an invention of alarmed Christian leaders and modern scholars? How did it influence other religions? And why did its mythology appeal to so many people? Above all, what does Gnosticism mean?


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Cultivating Relationships: Irresistible - Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World         

   Location: Room 201

This study is developed by author and pastor Andy Stanley.  As Andy describes it: Once upon a time there was a version of our faith that was practically . . . irresistible. What did first-century Christians know that we don't? In this six-session video study with study guide, Andy Stanley will invite you to embrace the version of faith that, against all odds, initiated a chain of events resulting in the most significant and extensive cultural transformation the world has ever seen. A version we must embrace if we are to be salt and light in an increasingly savorless and dark world. Sessions include: Simply Resistible, Brand-New Agreement, The Bible According to Jesus, The Irresistible Ethic, What Love Requires, and A New Approach.  

     Next Cultivating Relationships Class Study (beginning Sunday, February 2) Come join us for an 8-session DVD-based Pastor Andy

     Stanley Bible study titled “Follow”.  He writes… “Lots of people think Christianity is all about doing what Jesus says. But what if doing       what Jesus says isn’t what Jesus says to do at all? Jesus’ invitation is an invitation to relationship, and it begins with a simple                     request: follow me.  Religion says "Change and you can join us." Jesus says, "Join us and you will change." There’s a huge                         difference.  Jesus doesn’t expect people to be perfect. He just wants them to follow Him. Being a sinner doesn’t disqualify anyone.         Being an unbeliever doesn’t disqualify anyone. In fact, following almost always begins with a sinner or an unbeliever taking one

     small step… In this study, Andy Stanley will take us on a journey through the Gospels as he traces Jesus’ teaching on what it means         to follow.”

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Fellowship Bible Study Class                                                                                                                                                                 

   Location: Parlor

The Fellowship Class will be studying several books of the New Testament under the theme of The Christian Community Comes Alive.  As always, we welcome anyone who would like to join us.

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Women's Sunday School Class: Waiting on God                                                                                                                         

   Location: Room 202

Waiting on God challenges our faith when the bills are stacking up, our families are falling apart, or our dreams feel like they won't come true.  We know that God hears our prayers, but it's hard when the clock is ticking yet He hasn't shown us the answer.  Together we will discover that there is goodness and blessing to be found in times of waiting, including a closer relationship with God than we've ever dared to dream.



College-Age                                                                                                                                               

   Location: Library

Join other college-aged individuals in an intimate setting to explore faith and Scriptures together using video guides and other guided materials.  



Youth: Simplicity - Finding Contentment in a Busy Life                                                                                                                            

   Location: Activities Building

Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to join us for a deeper dive into Scripture where we explore the hard questions and deal with confusing Scripture together in an open environment.  You don't need to bring anything but yourself, so come join us as we dive in to the Bible together in new and creative ways.



Children: Learning about Traditions                                                                                                                                             

   Location: Downstairs Children's Rooms

Each week in between the 9a.m. and 11:15a.m. services, children are invited to come learn about the many traditions in the church.  We will get a better understanding of how the traditions started, what they really mean, and why we still do them.  Let's explore The Lord's Prayer, All Saints Day, the meaning behind acolytes, and much more together!  

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.


 

Women's Emmaus Bible Study: Tuesdays 4:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.                                                                                                         

   Location: Room 202

All women are invited for a time of study and fellowship.  Childcare can be arranged if notified ahead of time.