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Discipleship Essentials

Based on the Navigator's 2:7 Series

"Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude."
Colossians 2:6-7

Discipleship Essentials (DE) is a discipleship training curriculum based on the Navigator’s 2:7 study. The study is based on the scripture reference Colossians 2:7, which encourages us to be rooted and built up in Christ, established in the faith and overflowing with gratitude.

DE consists of three 11‐week classes led by table facilitators. These classes emphasize a small group format that foster relationships and accountability. Table groups can...

  • be co‐ed
  • be gender split
  • accommodate Grow Groups

Each class has a corresponding workbook. These three books are designed to be completed in sequence, so you can build upon the material and tools covered in the previous book.

Through DE you will gain the tools to learn how to:

  • be a disciple maker
  • engage in daily Bible reading and scripture memorization
  • have an effective quiet time
  • deepen your prayer life
  • present the Gospel effectively

What is the 2:7 Series

The 2:7 Series is discipleship training. Each installment leads participants through the fundamentals of discipleship to strengthen their walk with God.

  • Book One: Growing Strong in God's Family
  • Book Two: Deepening Your Roots in God's Family
  • Book Three: Bearing Fruit in God's Family

Biblically rooted and practically focused, The 2:7 Series develops disciples who experience long‐term, life‐changing results. Each book includes:

  • Bible studies to ground your faith
  • Bible‐reading practices to foster consistent habits
  • Helpful illustrations to inform your outlook
  • In‐depth teaching on evangelism and prayer to grow a vibrant faith
  • Scripture memory guides to make God’s Word your own

Book 1: Growing Strong in God’s Family

Milestones 101 — Discipleship Essentials: Book 1

This first book in The 2:7 Series is designed to help you build a strong foundation for your Christian life through enriching Bible study, Scripture memory, and group interaction. With its biblical and practical approach to discipleship, this workbook will yield long‐term, life‐ changing results, such as:

  • A closer relationship with God
  • A keener sense of priorities
  • Renewed concern for non-Christian friends
  • A growing camaraderie within your table group


Book 2: Deepening Your Roots in God’s Family

Discipleship Essentials: Book 2

The discipleship training in this second book builds on the work accomplished in the first book. You will learn ways to deepen your own Christian life, examine approaches for sharing your faith, and find fresh ways to experience an extended time alone with God.


Book 3: Bearing Fruit in God’s Family

Discipleship Essentials: Book 3

In this third and final study in the series, you will continue to develop and strengthen your walk with Christ. You will discuss priorities for life management, learn a versatile tool for explaining the Gospel, and sharpen your own salvation testimony. Book three will help you combine the practices and knowledge gained in the first and second books. Together, these skills will nourish your soul for a lifetime of fruitful ministry.


Upcoming Classes & Events

Milestones 101 — Discipleship Essentials: Book 1

Option 1: Wednesdays, Jan 24–May 8 @ 6:30-8p — The Loop (Rm 401)

Option 2: Sundays, Jan 28–May 12 @ 5–6:30p — The Loop (Rm 262)
  • Registration is required.
  • Limited spots available.
  • Workbook required*.

*You can purchase your workbook using the link below. Scholarships are available. To receive a scholarship contact Raul Caban at 713-957-7681 or Raul.Caban@HoustonsFirst.org.

Register for Book 1 Class

Purchase Workbook

Discipleship Essentials: Book 2

Option 1: Wednesdays, Jan 24–May 8 @ 6:30–8p — The Loop (Rm 401)
Option 2: Sundays, May 28–May 12 @ 5–6:30p — The Loop (Rm 262)
  • Registration is required.
  • Limited spots available.
  • Workbook required*.

*You can purchase your workbook using the link below. Scholarships are available. To receive a scholarship contact Raul Caban at 713-957-7681 or Raul.Caban@HoustonsFirst.org.

You must have completed the class, Milestones 101 — Discipleship Essentials: Book 1, before you can take the Book 2 class.

Register for Book 2 Class

Purchase Workbook

Discipleship Essentials: Book 3

Option 1: Wednesdays, Jan 24–May 8 @ 6:30–8p — The Loop (Rm 401)
Option 2: Sundays, May 28–May 12 @ 5–6:30 — The Loop (Rm 262)
  • Registration is required.
  • Limited spots available.
  • Workbook required*.

*You can purchase your workbook using the link below. Scholarships are available. To receive a scholarship contact Raul Caban at 713-957-7681 or Raul.Caban@HoustonsFirst.org.

You must have completed the classes Milestones 101 — Discipleship Essentials: Book 1 and Discipleship Essentials Book 2, before you can take the Book 3 class.

Register for Book 3 Class

Purchase Workbook


2:7 Series Resources



Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get the workbook?

Yes, you will need the workbook to complete this class. Scholarships are available. To receive a scholarship contact Raul Caban at 713-957-7681 or Raul.Caban@HoustonsFirst.org.

How much preparation is required for each class meeting?

You can expect to spend approximately 1 hour each week on homework for each class meeting.

What if I miss a class?

We ask that you do not miss more than two class meetings throughout the semester. This is because of the amount of content covered each week. If you know in advance that you will miss more than two class meetings, we ask that you please take the class another semester.

Can I do DE with my Grow Group?

Yes, you can do DE with your Grow Group. But DE doesn’t provide accountability on personal and/or moral issues. For this kind of accountability, and for an opportunity to do prayer time with just your Grow Group, we recommend meeting with your Grow Group 30 minutes before or after class.

If you have any questions about Discipleship Essentials, contact Raul Caban at Raul.Caban@HoustonsFirst.org or 713.957.7681.

Meet Our Staff

Discipleship Essentials Contact
Raul Caban
RC

Raul Caban

Men's Ministry Administrative Assistant
Raul Caban
RC

Raul Caban

Men's Ministry Administrative Assistant