What is a disciple?
A disciple is someone who is growing in their faith by deepening their relationship to God, to their neighbor, and to the community.
We accomplish this by encouraging participation in worship, small groups, service, and generosity.
What’s expected of me as a disciple?
Disciples grow by
Worshiping every Sunday morning that they are in town
Attending a small group at least twice a year
Serving both the church and the community twice a year
Sharing faithfully the gifts that God has given them through a tithe or beyond.
Where do I start?
Three times a year, we offer Foundations, our Discipleship 101 course. Whether you are a new guest, new believer, or long-term church member, this course is for you. Pastor Jesse leads a six-week small group that goes into detail what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ, how we do life together, and what is expected of us as members of the church. At the end of the six weeks, you will have a Next Steps conversation with Pastor Jesse to develop a Next Steps Plan for your faith journey.
This year, Foundations is offered September 7th - October 12th, January 4th - February 8, and May 3rd - June 7th.
Grow in Your Relationship to Others
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Small groups are short-term gatherings where people come together to grow in faith, build friendships, and explore Scripture in a relaxed, welcoming setting. They’re a core part of our discipleship journey at Marlton UMC and are open to everyone—no matter your background or experience.
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If you’re new, small groups are a great place to start. Each group meets for six weeks and offers a friendly, no-pressure environment to ask questions, share life, and discover how faith connects to everyday experiences. You don’t need to have all the answers—just come as you are.
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We believe faith grows best in community. Small groups help you deepen your relationship with God and others, offering encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth. Whether you join one or many, each group is a step forward on your faith journey.
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Small groups at Marlton UMC meet in three 6-week sessions throughout the year, making it easy to find a time that fits your schedule. You’re encouraged to join at least two sessions annually—but you’re always welcome to attend more!
Click here to see the Small Group Offerings for 2025-2025.
2025–2026 Small Group Sessions:
Session 1: September 7 – October 12, 2025
Session 2: January 4 – February 8, 2026
Session 3: May 3 – June 7, 2026
Groups meet at various times, including Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings (with dinner!), and more. There’s something for everyone—whether you’re new to faith or looking to go deeper.
Grow in Your Relationship to the Community
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We look the most like Jesus when we serve others. Continue to build relationships and use your gifts and talents while making a difference!
Whether you want to lead a small group, read for toddlers in the community, are good with technology, or have a warm personality, you are invited to serve on a team that is making a difference!
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As disciples of Jesus, we believe we are called to serve others, our guiding scripture is Matthew 25:35-36. Throughout the year we will be serving the community through ministries of compassion and justice.
To help with scheduling, teams will be forming to serve the community during the times in between small group offerings. Keep an eye out for service opportunities in the bulletin and announcements.
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Generosity is a journey of trust. As we grow in our relationship with God, our hearts are transformed to reflect generosity, inviting us to give freely of our time, talents, treasures, witness, and our prayers. This daily walk of discipleship helps us embrace the abundant life God desires for us, rooted in faith and trust.
At Marlton UMC, we believe generosity is a response to Jesus’ love. Everything we have comes from him, and we honor that by giving back, starting with the tithe, the first 10%, and going beyond with cheerful, abundant giving. Generosity isn’t just financial; it’s a lifestyle of offering all we are and have for God’s purposes.
