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Imitating the Early Disciples Through Adult Bible Study
If we are going to fulfill our calling to become true disciples of Christ, parishioner Rhea Johnson says that Catholics must follow the example of the first disciples. She says they must spend time listening to, learning from, and imitating our Lord. This is why spending time studying and learning from Scripture is crucial to active discipleship.
“The early disciples spent time with Jesus, listening and observing His every word and action, asking questions of Him, drawing together in friendship to learn and support each other, and praying together for the courage to follow Him,” Rhea says. “In the Bible, we have His words, actions and teachings, plus we have been given the Holy Spirit. So in our study groups we, too, are able to learn to be disciples.”
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To help facilitate this process, St. Vincent de Paul offers Adult Bible Studies in both the fall and winter and spring that are designed to engage, connect and form Catholics in discipleship. Classes are typically offered Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:15 a.m. and Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. so as to accommodate varied schedules. Childcare is also available upon request.
“Past studies have included everything from a 24-week Bible Timeline course to shorter, eight-week courses on Old and New Testament books,” Rhea says.
Sessions include a brief video presentation on the night’s topic, opportunities for small-group discussion, and materials to help guide private reflection at home. These studies have had a profound effect on Rhea personally, providing her with countless “ah-ha!” moments and showing her the big picture of faith in relation to her own life.
“Studying the Bible draws us into the heart of Jesus and His Church,” Rhea says. “There is a certain amount of information or head knowledge that is acquired and leads to a greater understanding of His teachings. This is good and important, but studying the Bible is more than that. The Bible is the living Word of God, so if we read it prayerfully, we will hear God speaking to us through it. This ongoing conversation with God then draws us closer to Him and transforms us.”
Adult Bible Studies have also been transformative in Rhea’s motherhood, giving her the tools needed to form and pass on the faith to her own children. This is why Rhea urges other parents, no matter how busy they may be, to make time for faith formation, whether it’s joining an upcoming study or doing some form of self-study at home.
“Please don’t wait until you have time after the kids are grown,” Rhea says. “Make time now, and if the classes don’t work for you, there are other options to do it as self-study, as a couple, or as your own home group. Your faith formation can make a big difference in the faith formation you are able to provide for your children.”
