Adult Discipleship At FVUMC
Faith Is A Journey
At FVUMC, we define discipleship as “the way we are becoming who God has created and is calling us to be.”
As disciples, we are all on a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus, and we want to be good partners with you on the journey.
Whether you're just beginning to explore Christianity, deepening a faith you've held for years, or ready to help lead others - everyone starts somewhere, and there’s a place for you here.
The Discipleship Pathway
Where are you on the journey?
We use a simple Discipleship Pathway to help you see where you are on the journey and what your next step might be:
No matter where you are on your journey, we'll meet you there. You belong at FVUMC!
The Core Discipleship Series: Start Here!
Our Core discipleship series is designed to help people take next steps in their faith journey. We hope that everyone at FVUMC, whether you are brand new or a long-time member, has the chance to go through the entire series.
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve attended church your whole life or are new to faith and have all the questions, participating in Core will be worth your time, and you will find value in it.
Core classes are taught by staff and laypeople, and range from 6-10 weeks. Each weekly session is 1.5 hrs long, with ~30 minutes of large-group teaching up front followed by ~1 hr of discussion in small groups. Small groups remain consistent throughout with a consistent leader.
Many Core 1 groups choose to stay together and move through the Core Series together, and continue to gather with each other even when they’re not in a Core class!
Core 1: Everyday Discipleship
Core 1 is all about what it means to be a disciple, a lifelong imitator of Jesus. Explore the meaning of everyday discipleship: how to listen for God in daily life, how to respond to what God is saying, and how to teach others to do the same.
Core 2: Gifted to Serve
Core 2 is all about identifying the gifts and passions God has given you and exploring how to use them in all the places where you live, work, and play.
Core 3: How to Read the Bible
Core 3 equips you with tools to understand the overarching story of the Bible, how the whole story leads to Jesus, and what that means for you as a disciple!
Core 4: Living Missionally
Core 4 will equip you with tools to build spiritual family and live missionally wherever you are, incorporating missional rhythms into your everyday life.
Ready to Get Started?
Our Core series sessions are held in Fall and Spring on a rotating cycle. Registration generally opens in August for the Fall semester and December for the Spring semester.
Groups with open registration are listed in the "Current Adult Small Groups" section below. Otherwise, please complete our Discipleship Interest form.
Groups and Community
One thing we know is true about the journey, no matter where you are on the path - it’s not meant to be traveled alone.
We all need others to walk alongside us, and we want to help you find your people - your traveling companions.
Whether it’s a Core group, a Sunday School class, or a Bible or book study, relationships are the locus of life transformation.
We need each other to grow more fully into who God has created and is calling us to be.
FVUMC offers a variety of groups and communities where you can connect, grow, and belong:
Community Groups
Relationship-centered groups that meet regularly around shared interests, life stages, and a desire to grow together. Groups offer a place to know and be known.
Bible & Book Studies
These are time-bound, short-term ways to study Scripture, explore a topic, and build new friendships. Bible & book studies often become the starting point for lasting community.
Sunday School Classes
Ongoing classes for adults that combine biblical teaching with meaningful community. Current classes include Wesleyan, CLAY, LCI, and Fan the Flame.
Summer Forks & Fellowship
Casual summer gatherings designed to help people connect over a meal in a relaxed, welcoming environment. A great entry point for newcomers.
Current Adult Small Groups
Meeting Details: Sundays from 1:30-2:45pm, beginning July 26 Information About the Group: This 6-week study will explore the Social Principles...
Meeting Details: Periodically on Sundays from 12:15pm-1:00pm in Room 123 with Facilitator Ken Shea Information About the Group: This group...
Bimonthly on 2nd and 4th Mondays from 6-9 pm
Monthly on 3rd Sundays from 11:15-12:15 am
Wednesday Evenings from 6:30pm to 8pm in the Chapel with Facilitator Christine Carmichael
Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11 am in the church building with Facilitator Bob Roach
Weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8pm in Room 201 with Facilitator Lisa Smith
Monthly, usually on 3rd Fridays at 6:30 pm, with Facilitators Matilda Storm, Suzanne Jones, and Judy Casper
Mondays from 9:30 am-12 pm in Room 117 with Facilitator Mary Kay Davis
Sundays from 10am-11am in Room 119
2nd and 4th Mondays from 12-1 pm in Rm 123
Sundays from 4:30-6 pm, Mar. 8-Apr. 26 (6 weeks, excluding Palm Sunday Mar. 29 and Easter Sunday Apr. 5)
Lead and Serve in Discipleship
Are you ready to Lead?
Some of the most meaningful growth happens when you stop being a consumer of faith and start becoming a contributor to it. If you feel a nudge toward leading a group, teaching, or helping others grow in their faith, we want to hear from you.
We walk alongside every leader with training, resources, and ongoing support — because we believe that well-equipped leaders change lives.
If you're interested in leading a group or getting more involved in Adult Discipleship, let us know.
More Questions? Contact Us
Shelby Meehan
Director of Discipleship
Additional Resources For Furthering Your Discipleship
These are trusted United Methodist-related organizations and resources.