Current research in the area of adult Christian education focuses on individual experiences of faith, beliefs, practices, and so forth. This research has not focused on adult participation in congregational education or on how congregations make connections between adult Christian education and the church's mission of discipleship. Mainline Protestant congregations rarely develop clearly articulated designs for adult Christian education, although there are some exceptions to this common congregational practice.

This research study is a descriptive case study of a United Methodist congregation that plans its adult education to intentionally develop Christian disciples. Through findings from this particular case, the research adds to the general field of Christian education by identifying principles, strategies, and models of adult Christian education that can be tested, adapted, and transferred to other congregations. The research helps establish a clear connection between participation in congregational Christian education for adults and mature faith and discipleship.