The purpose of DISCIPLE is to develop strong Christian leaders through regular in-depth study of Scripture. Disciple making and Christian nurturing are its goal. Underlying the development of DISCIPLE is the assumption that people are hungry for the word of God, for fellowship in prayer and study, and for a sense of appropriate ministry as baptized, believing, committed Christians. The purposes of DISCIPLE may be summarized in the words of Ephesians 4:12: "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ."