Discipleship Bands
What are Discipleship Bands?
A discipleship band is a group of 3-5 men or 3-5 women. For many of the earliest Methodists, it was a group that in which they participated in addition to the required class meeting. The purpose of band meetings was to provide additional accountability as well as care for and encourage one another. The format that the seminary currently uses is a hybrid of the original band meeting questions, the original class meeting questions, and two additional questions. Learn more.
Why should I join?
Asbury Theological Seminary recognizes that all students, residential and non-residential, begin a unique formative journey when they enroll in graduate and post-graduate studies. We also recognize that being part of a community makes every journey better. Joining a Discipleship Band will give you the opportunity to connect with other students on a spiritual level for encouragement, accountability and community.
Discipleship Band Meeting Format
Opening
Group prayer adapted from Ephesians 5:14 and 3:14-19.
Questions
1. How is it with your soul?
2. What are your struggles and successes?
3. How might the Spirit and Scriptures be speaking in your life?
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO GO DEEPER…
4. Do you have any sin that you want to confess?
5. Are there any secrets or hidden things you would like to share?
Closing
Group prayer adapted from Ephesians 3:20-21
The seven commitments
- Respect the clock: Do your best to share within 15–20 minutes.
- Challenge by choice: You have permission to skip a question at any time.
- No cross-talk: Don’t give advice or interrupt.
- One Counselor (come Holy Spirit): Listen and pay attention to how the Holy Spirit might prompt you to pray.
- Comfort with empathy: Hold space for others with open hearts. Rather than offering pity or sympathy, show up and tune in— bless, encourage, and build up.
- Community of grace: When someone confesses sin, pardon by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ you are forgiven.” If someone shares a secret, thank them for their courage and never judge.
- Strictly confidential: Never share another person’s comments outside of the group.
Thanks to Seedbed for allowing us to use these discipleship resources for the spiritual formation of students at Asbury Seminary.
How do I get involved?
It’s simple! Fill out the form and let us know you are interested in being in a Discipleship Band. We will contact you shortly with a follow-up email that will help us match you with a group. Each group has a leader that helps the group set up times and places to meet, whether that be in person, online, or by phone.