Disciples & Discipleship 

A Comprehensive Mini-Online Workshop with Kathy Merrill

$29 USD

 What does it truly mean to be a disciple of Christ? Not as a matter of ancient history, but right here, right now, in daily life.

This focused mini-workshop explores the spiritual foundation, historical context, and practical demonstration of discipleship — giving you not only a deeper understanding of who the twelve disciples were, but the tools to live as one.

What's Included (course layout):

 This workshop combines spiritual teaching, historical research, original language study, and ready-to-use teaching tools.

1. Module 1 —What It Means to Be a Disciple (spiritual talk by Kathy Merrill)

A 25-minute foundational talk exploring:

•  John 8:31-32 — what it truly means to “know the truth” (Greek: ginosko)
•  Matthew 6:33 — the priority equation Cobbey Crisler called the key to the Sermon on the Mount
•  Matthew 18:1-4 — the two qualifications Jesus gave for discipleship
•  The Greek root of mathetes — and why discipleship is a science, not just a sentiment
•  Practical rules for living as a disciple, drawn from Science and Health

2. Module 2—The Twelve Disciples: Overview & Historical Context

A complete introduction to all twelve disciples, plus the world they inhabited:

• Who each disciple was — occupation, background, personality, and significant moments in Scripture
• Where they went after the crucifixion — and how the Gospel spread across three continents in 60 years
• The historical and geographical context of first-century Palestine
• A memory guide for the twelve: “52 PANT MAT”

Includes research PDF and disciple study packet.

3. Module 3—Mark 1: The Call to the Disciples

A 15-minute study of the moment everything changed — Jesus calling Peter, Andrew, James, and John by the Sea of Galilee:

• The historical setting and fishing industry of Galilee — what it meant to leave a thriving business
• “Fishers of men” — a Greek word study on what Jesus was really calling them to
• The geography of Galilee versus Judea and why it matters
• The significance of “mending their nets” — being found faithful in daily work
• From human profession to spiritual practice — then and now

Includes research PDF with maps, Greek word studies, and historical context.

4. Module 4 - Deeper Research on Four Key Disciples

In-depth profiles on Simon Peter, John, Matthew, and James — their backgrounds, struggles, triumphs, and what their lives teach us about following Christ:

• Peter: from fisherman to rock — denial, restoration, and 15 years leading the Jerusalem church
• John: the beloved disciple — Son of Thunder to apostle of love
• Matthew: the tax collector Jesus chose anyway — and what that says about grace
• James: a fascinating question of identity in early church history

Includes four individual research PDFs.

5. Module 5 —Worksheets & Teaching Materials

Illustrated Flashcards for the Twelve

Beautifully illustrated disciple profile cards featuring original artwork by Kelly Byquist:

• 12 profile cards — one per disciple, with key facts about their life and ministry
• 29 “Facts About Disciples” practice cards
• Memory tools included
• Printable PDF — perfect for Sunday School, homeschool, youth groups, or personal study
  
  

6. Module 6 — Worksheets for Study & Sunday School

Worksheets & Teaching Materials 

Practical resources ready for immediate use:

•  Disciple definition and comparison sheets
•  Historical maps and timeline of Gospel expansion
•  Discussion questions and Scripture cross-references
•  Discipleship qualities study
•  Designed for teachers, parents, and personal students alike
  
  

7. Module 7 — Classic Christian Science Articles on Discipleship

Four carefully selected historical articles connecting Biblical discipleship to present-day Christian Science practice:

•  “Fishers of Men” 
•  “The True Method of Healing the Sick” — 
•  “Peter, the Impetuous” 
•  “John, the Beloved Disciple” 

What You'll Gain

•  A clear, Biblical understanding of what discipleship truly means
• Historical knowledge of who the twelve disciples were — their personalities, occupations, and journeys
• Confidence in teaching these topics to others of any age
• Practical tools and teaching materials you can use immediately
• A deeper appreciation for the early church and how the Gospel spread
•  A stronger foundation for living as an active disciple of Christ today

Who This Workshop Is For:

This workshop was created for those who want to move from admiration to demonstration.

•  Sunday School teachers who want to bring the disciples to life in their classroom
•  Homeschool families looking for rich, historically grounded Bible curriculum
•  Christian Science students who want to understand discipleship as a present-day practice
•  Parents who want to give their children a strong, rooted knowledge of who followed Christ and why it matters
•  Anyone who has read the Gospels and wondered: who were these people, really?

Have your Bible and a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures nearby as you work through the material. You may also want a notebook to capture your own insights along the way.

What Customers Are Saying

“Kathy’s research brought these men to life in a way I’d never experienced. I understood their personalities, their struggles, and most importantly, what their example means for my own practice.”  -- Nancy B.

“My class has been using the illustrated flashcards every week. The children remember so much more now, and the discussion questions have given us some of our best class conversations.”  -- Delilah S.

“Serious research, beautifully explained. This is the kind of study that changes how you read the Gospels — and how you pray.”  -- David W.