Couch to Disciple Training Plan

Do you want to grow in the habits of grace?

Running a marathon sounds like an impossible task… until you’ve done it. 

Don’t get me wrong. Running a marathon is impressive. Runners will tell you that the true accomplishment is not the distance or the pace but the discipline. 

Most runners will not run a marathon. Most marathoners will not run for records or medals. The commitment to train and grow connects them all. 

Hal Higdon developed plans to help people go from the couch to their first race, or even a marathon. He’s helped many put one foot in front of the other and accomplish something they never thought possible with simple steps and persistent training. 

Reading through the whole Bible sounds like running a marathon to many Christians. Reading the Bible every day something most Christians aspire to, but few Christians do. 

Bible reading plans are wonderful tools. I love mine! As a pastor I’ve noticed that some people are discouraged when they “fall behind” in their reading plan. A tool for encouragement can become a sore spot. 

That’s why I’ve written this “Couch to Disciple” training plan! 

The Couch to Disciple training plan focuses on building the habit of Bible reading rather than the pace of passages you cover. I hope this will serve the many different speeds of readers and avoid the “falling behind fallacy” long enough for you to build a habit in the Word. 

In order to start Couch to Disciple, I recommend you 1) get a physical copy of God’s Word, 2) a bookmark or card to mark your place, 3) a way to time yourself, 4) a journal and pen for writing, and 5) establish a specific place you plan to read regularly. 

Each day you can open your Bible to read for the allotted time. When the timer goes off, put your bookmark in and write down one sentence per prayer point in reflection on what you read. Done! 

Don’t overachieve! Just read God’s Word according to the plan and build the habit. A few zealous days are not worth a month of silence. I’ve included stretch goals to allow you to enjoy a slower day or a longer read. If you want, try adding one stretch day per week.

Don’t let intensity overtake consistency. In order to build this life-giving habit, focus on showing up each day to hear from the Lord in His Word. 

Who’s In!? (Wondering where to start? I’d recommend Mark, Genesis, Exodus 1–23, John, Romans, then Ephesians.)