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For more information: Sara Weinert, sara.weinert@sckans.edu
DISCIPLE Goes Digital: New App Introduces the Next Generation of the Popular Bible Study
May 1, 2023 – For 35 years, the DISCIPLE Bible Study series has been transforming millions of lives around the world with its print editions, and the popular curriculum is now going digital, the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship and the United Methodist Publishing House jointly announced today.
Two 24-week studies in the Disciple Fast Track series will be the first offerings on the brand-new BeADisciple Study App, created by the Institute for Discipleship to offer a wide assortment of small-group study material.
“This new version combines the robust impact of DISCIPLE with the infinite reach of digital communication,” said Neil Alexander, former publisher and current chief financial officer of the publishing house. “We’re excited that this new means of delivery arrives at a time when people are searching for ways to connect not only to Scripture but also to their community of faith.”
The app, available Aug. 1, will give groups access to the curriculum and the complete CEB Bible — both in text and audio form — on their smartphones, tablets, and computers. Zoom is built into the app to help groups meet remotely, finally allowing them the opportunity to form and engage without geographic boundaries.
“This new generation of DISCIPLE builds on what made the traditional manual-based study so successful,” says Steve Wilke, executive director of the Institute for Discipleship and the son of DISCIPLE’s original authors. “The app gives users all the convenience and adaptability they need in today’s world, as well as a 24/7 opportunity for group connection — something that we couldn’t have dreamed of when the original study was introduced. Plus, we’ve brought in curriculum writers, editors and scholars to update, expand, and revise the material.”
The two DISCIPLE studies, which can be purchased now for download beginning Aug. 1, are designed for groups of eight to 16. Beta groups are now being invited to be “first adopters” and participate in final testing before the app becomes widely available in 2024. Both 24-week studies are adapted from DISCIPLE Fast Track, the streamlined version released by the publishing house in 2016. Beta groups will have early access at a special introductory rate.
For more information, visit BeADiscipleApp.com
Church newsletter or worship bulletin text
1
Something new and exciting is on the horizon! A new app for Christian small–group studies is here. Everything you need to participate is on your phone, tablet, or computer.
We’re looking for leaders to facilitate study groups this fall. We are aiming to have ____ in-person or virtual group(s) from our church. The first studies available are completely updated versions of Disciple Fast Track I and II.
For more information about the app, go to www.BeADiscipleApp.com. If interested in leading a group, talk to [primary church contact person’s name in the local church setting].
2
A brand-new Christian small-group studies app
The BeADisciple Study App includes everything you need to participate in a small group: study material (in text and audio), videos, the entire Bible, and 24/7 access to discussion and prayer boards. Built-in Zoom access allows you to fill your group with people from your church — and around the world.
The app is launching with revised, updated, and expanded versions of Disciple Fast Track I and II, with more studies coming later this year.
Learn more and sign up at www.BeADiscipleApp.com.
3
Looking for a way to connect your congregations around their hectic schedules? The new BeADisciple Study App offers everything you need to participate in a Bible study on a smartphone, tablet, or computer — with weekly meetings on Zoom!
The app is available now — with revised, updated, and expanded versions of the popular Disciple Fast Track studies. Leaders and group participants can sign up and start their groups now.
More information and signups available at www.BeADiscipleApp.com.
4
The BeADisciple Study App: an interactive platform for your Christian small-group studies with no geographic boundaries. The most convenient version of Disciple yet. Updated, revised, and expanded. More info at BeADiscipleApp.com
Downloadable graphics
Disciple Fast Track I on a phone
Disciple Fast Track II on a tablet
Combined tablet and phone graphic
BeADisciple Study App logo
Worship slides
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Interest postcards (editable)
Customize these postcards and print them out for bulletin inserts and handouts to recruit beta leaders and participants. Use these to identify whom to invite to informational meetings.
You will need to guide those who complete the postcard through the signup process at BeADiscipleApp.com.
Postcard sample
Study-specific worship slides
Add text to personalize these worship slides to your group.
Use Calibri Bold font to fill in your details on the slides.
EXAMPLE
(Use Calibri Bold font to fill in your details)
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Sample announcement script for recruiting participants
(Ask pastor to introduce you by name or introduce yourself by name)
I will be leading a Disciple Fast Track I/II study on a brand new Christian small-group study app. Here’s a video to tell you more:
(play 2 min promo video)
I hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as I am. My group will meet at noon on Tuesdays, starting August 15. The study lasts 24 weeks. . I’ll be at the back after worship, so please come talk to me if you’re interested. My name again is John Stricker. I’d love to have you join me!
(Ask pastor to introduce you by name or introduce yourself by name)
I will be leading a Disciple Fast Track I/II study on a brand new Christian small-group studies app.
I can have up to 15 people in my group, everything you need is in the app. The new format allows you to participate from anywhere, even if you’re travelling.
I can have up to 15 people in my group, and everything you need is on the app, including the entire Bible. The technology allows you to participate from anywhere, even if you’re traveling.
I hope you’re as excited about this opportunity as I am. My group will meet at noon on Tuesdays, starting August 15. The study lasts 24 weeks. I’ll be at the back after worship, so please come talk to me if you’re interested. My name again is John Stricker. I’d love to have you join me!
Group-interest postcards (editable)
Customize these postcards and print them out for bulletin inserts and handouts to recruit participants.
For those who fill out postcards, offer to help complete the signup process at BeADiscipleApp.com.
Sample agenda for an informational meeting about the app
Informational meeting agenda
for prospective beta leaders and/or participants
- Welcome guests and thank them for attending. Open in prayer.
- “I’m excited to tell you about this new opportunity for small-group Christian study. The BeADisciple Study App is coming our way, and the first studies offered are Disciple Fast Track I and II. We’re looking for volunteers to lead groups and for participants to join these groups. Let me begin by showing you an overview video.
- Screen the promo video found on the homepage of BeADiscipleApp.com.
- “I know you probably have questions already, but first I want to show you an in-depth video on using the app, and I think this will answer some of your questions.
- Screen the in-depth video linked below the promo video (also found under ‘THE APP’ > ‘App Features’ in the site menu). Highlight anything else on the website that you want to point out.
- “Before I answer your questions, let me share with you our hope: We want to start [add number] Disciple Fast Track groups beginning in [add time reference]. It’s a 24-week study, but there will be a break during the holidays, and then we’ll finish in the spring.” (Note: While completing Disciple Fast Track I is not a requirement to taking Disciple Fast Track II, it is highly recommended. If you have offered the first study in the series in previous years, you will want to offer graduates Disciple Fast Track II.)
- “For those of you who may be willing to lead, as you learned in the video, all leader training is included.” (Add if applicable: “Our church budget will pay the cost for our leaders. Participants will pay for their study unless a scholarship is needed.”) “The leader guide makes this study easy to facilitate. All you really need is a heart for helping your group, a commitment to complete the weekly readings like everyone else, plus an additional half-hour to review each week’s leader guide before meetings.”
- “If you want to participate, please let me know whether you’re interested in Disciple Fast Track I or II. You will receive an invitation once we’ve recruited leaders.”
- Take questions.
- Close in prayer.