Discipleship Groups have a personality apart from other small groups. They are best understood to be: groups in which a disciple of Christ intentionally is transformed in Christlikeness. These groups are specifically designed to apply biblical truths for faith and obedience in our lives and the lives of those for whom we have spiritual responsibility.

Discipleship Groups have the following characteristics:

• Instruct believers to grow toward spiritual maturity
• Offer a practical plan for spiritual growth
• Encourage a life based on God's values and priorities
• Guide people who would like to serve both in the church and their communities
• Expected to go out and integrate grace, truth, and growth into all contexts of their world.
• Equipping disciples to disciple others (2 Timothy 2:2)

The term disciple means pupil or learner. In the Old Testament it also refers to one who is accustomed to something. These definitions describe well a significant part of what Discipleship Groups do in the members lives at Hanover Community Church.

Please read about the following Discipleship Groups to see which best fits your spiritual level:

Fundamentals 101
Our Fundamentals Groups provide lessons that blend basic biblical truths with personal obedience and service. Many young believers take these classes to grow in their understanding of biblical truths.

With topics ranging from the character of God to church participation, these groups are ideal for anyone that has been a Christian for 45 minutes or 45 years. You will be taught the basics of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ including:

• Introduction to the Bible
• Characteristics and Attributes of God
• Person and work of Jesus Christ
• Basic Bible Doctrine
• Spiritual Gifts
• How to share your faith with others

Essentials 201
Explore discipleship essentials! These discipleship groups provide the essentials of what it means to be a disciple and the basics of how to disciple others. These groups have the following core nessessities of discipleship:

• What does a disciple of Jesus Christ look like and what is discipleship?
• Explore Bible study basics and resources available
• Overview of major cults and denominations
• Basic Apolgetics (How to defend your faith and answer objections)
• In-depth witnessing techniques

Discovery 301
Discover truth for yourself! These discipleship groups will help you discover biblical truth for Yourself using the Inductive Bible Study Method. The Inductive Bible Study Method uses a straightforward investigative approach (Observation, Interpretation, Application) to open the Bible and build the context for each statement it contains. The fundamental principle of inductive Bible study is to study the text of Scripture first and refer to the work of others second. In this approach, individual time spent observing Scripture to know what the Bible says and using sound principles of interpretation to understand what it means culminates in personal application. Although individual study is the first step, high value is placed on group discussion of what has been observed, sharing insights of understanding and application so that confirmation, clarification, or correction is made in the fellowship of others who have also studied. Verbalized understanding helps seal truths in our minds and sharing application encourages us to greater obedience and holiness.