Let us plead for faith alone, Faith which by our works is shown; God it is who justifies, Only faith the grace applies. Active faith that lives within, Conquers hell and death and sin, Hallows whom it first made whole, Forms the Savior in the soul

(Charles Wesley, 1740)

These lines from Charles Wesley describe the life into which God invites us. Faith is the heart of this life. This understanding of faith is relational. Faith is how we live with the God who comes to us in Jesus Christ. Such a faith is belief, trust, and hope in God – the God who is revealed in the history of the people of Israel; in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and in the life of the church. Faith in this God is a living and active faith that is shown by how we live and love in the world. This faith is a gift from God; it is grace applied to life. Such faith gives freedom to love. As we grow in loving God and those whom God loves, our character is formed more and more into the character of Christ. Active, living, vital faith “forms the Savior in the soul.”

To "Grow in Christ" is a life-long journey that requires constant nourishing through the study of God's word as is reflected in his book to us, as we find in the Bible. At Pleasant Green UMC, this study takes form in both a comprehensive Sunday School program as well as continuing education programs in both short-term and long-term configurations. For the past 15 years we have created a vibrant audlt education program centered around the "DISCIPLE" bible study curriculum.

The Disciple Bible Study program has become the bedrock on which our adult education programs. For almost 15 years this program has helped to open both hearts and minds to the Bible's call for discipleship. Today the vast majority of the church leadership are graduates of the Disciple Bible Study program.

DISCIPLE assumes that the bible is the key to renewal in the church. It recognizes the human-divine nature of the Bible: The actual texts of Scripture were written by human beings like ourselves in their cultural settings, under the divine inspiration of God.

DISCIPLE affirms that the canon was formed as it is in order for God to speak to us. DISCIPLE aims at transformation, not just information, and calls on persons to submit themselves to examination by Scripture, to put themselves under the power of God’s Word, and to be changed by God’s Word. DISCIPLE invites persons to bring their experiences and struggles to the Scripture. All persons know something is amiss with their existence and yearn for the Word from God.

The Disciple program of studies, along with other independent study programs, offer a wide range of adult programs that reach out beyond the traditional Sunday School structure. We offer programs that run from 4-8 weeks on up to 30-35 weeks. Come join us and find the spark to ignite the flame in your heart