DISCIPLE, the modular Bible study programme run by Disciple Agency (DA), celebrated its 35th Anniversary on 3 August 2026. The programme, originally developed by the United Methodist Church (in the USA), has been running in Singapore since 1991. Since then, it has sparked a movement that spread across Asia and influenced Chinese churches in the USA and UK. To date, the DISCIPLE programme has reached 12 countries, partnered with 381 churches, conducted 5,000 classes and equipped more than 57,000 lives.
Significantly, the development of an Asian Edition of DISCIPLE was announced at the Celebration Service and Dinner. DA Director Rev Dr Niam Kai Huey explained that the Asian Edition was a faithful response to God’s call to Asian churches—a call to preserve DISCIPLE’s biblical and theological foundation while incorporating an Asian context into the study of the Bible. This included the development of new content with clearer learning formats that encouraged accountable discipleship. Thus far, 34 weeks’ worth of videos had been produced, involving a team made up of Asian theologians, pastors and lay volunteers.
At the event, DA welcomed the President of the Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference of The Methodist Church in Malaysia, Rev Dr Lau Hui Ming, as well as Bishop Hsin Chun Chieh from The Methodist Church in the Republic of China. In total, about 300 pastors, theologians and laypersons from Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Singapore joined in the celebrations.
A new endeavour
Bishop Philip Lim, Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore, said in his keynote address that DISCIPLE is “not just a good Bible study programme” but “about disciple making”. Referencing Bishop Wilke, the author of DISICPLE, Bishop said it was “aimed at transforming lives”.
In his address, Bishop Lim used the story of Jesus preaching at the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1-11). After preaching from Simon Peter’s boat, Jesus instructed the exhausted fishermen to lower their nets into the deep waters. Despite catching nothing earlier, Simon Peter obeyed, resulting in a miraculous catch. Jesus then instructed them to take on a new endeavour and be “fishers of men”.
Bishop Lim shared three reflections from the story:
- To dig deeper into the riches of Scriptures;
- To understand our own human condition; and
- To expect a divine encounter with God.
Referring to the Asian Edition as DA‘s “new endeavour”, Bishop Lim encouraged all not to be afraid. “With every new thing, we are unsure what lies ahead. And that’s where Jesus’ words to Simon Peter are going to be help us. ‘Do not be afraid.’ Do not be afraid, as you step into this future ministry. There will be many uncertainties, but do not be afraid.”
Piloting the Asian Edition of DISCIPLE
Following the Celebration Service, a 2-day training session for DISCIPLE trainers was held, where they were challenged to pilot the Asian Edition in 2027, even as the curriculum continues to be developed and fine-tuned. The Asian Edition is targeted to launch in 2028.
Despite the challenges in completing the task, Philip Oh, DA’s Board Chairperson, reminded all that 35 years of DISCIPLE did not happen due to human endeavour alone. Rather, it was God’s leading that sustained the DISCIPLE programme.
The DISCIPLE Bible study has been an instrument used by God, bringing the good news of Jesus to the world. Who knows how many disciples will rekindle their love for God and their trust in him, or have their lives transformed, because of DISCIPLE? May God continue to lead DA and the DISCIPLE programme!
For more information about DISCIPLE and other programmes run by Disciple Agency, visit https://disciple.methodist.org.sg/en/.
Lianne Ong is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Disciple Agency.
