WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP ACADEMY CORE?
Discipleship is all about becoming more like Jesus, and part of that process is learning to read his words to us effectively, to think well about what he reveals of himself, and to apply this into our lives.

Discipleship Academy is designed to meet these needs, and has been created with new believers and seasoned disciples all in mind. Wherever you are in your discipleship journey, Discipleship Academy is designed to help you dig more deeply into your faith.

DURATION
The Discipleship Academy is a structured three-year journey designed to move believers from foundational truths to outward practice. While the program follows a logical sequence, we offer flexibility for participants to enter the specialized 'Build' and 'Practice' tracks at any time.

Weekly classes consist of lecture, discussion, and practical application. In-person lectures and discussion take place at CFC, and the fall schedule will be released soon. See more about the classes below.

COST
Registration Cost is $20 per class. This fee covers books, workbooks, and any other materials necessary for the three classes.

YEAR 1: FOUNDATIONS

Year 1: Foundations (Deep Discipleship)
This integrated 24-week program (two 12-week semesters) replaces our previous standalone Story and Belief classes. It weaves together the Christian Story (the narrative of Scripture), Christian Belief (essential doctrine), and Christian Formation (spiritual practices) concurrently.

Offered:
Sundays at 4:00 PM or Thursdays at 6:00 PM

Fall Semester starts: September 10 & 13, 2026
Spring Semester starts: January 14 & 17, 2027 

Year 2: Build

Year 2: Heritage (Church History)

Study the strategic "tradition of the past two thousand years" to see how the Church has historically protected truth and guarded against falsehood. Participants will investigate pivotal turning points and decisions in church history, identify historic heresies, and assess how these ancient foundations continue to affect the Church and our faith today.

Offered:
Sundays at 10:45AM

Launches January 10, 2027

Instructor: Adam Christian
Year 2:  Method (Hermeneutics)

This course provides the intellectual and historical tools necessary for a believer to read and interpret the biblical text effectively. Focused on the Doctrine of Illumination, participants will learn a six-step process—Posture, Flow, Context, Whole Bible, Savor God, and Faithful Response—to discover the author’s intended meaning and confidently engage the Bible.

Offered:
Time TBD

Launches Fall 2027


Instructor: Heidi Holderman

Year 2: Trust (Canon and Reliability)

Establish a firm foundation for your faith by exploring the Doctrine of Revelation and the Sufficiency of Scripture. This course examines common questions regarding the reliability of the Bible, including how the biblical canon was formed, the process of translation, and how to respond to arguments against the authenticity and authority of God's Word.

Offered:
TimeTBD

Launches Spring 2028

Instructor: Andree Beaver

Year 3: Practice

Year 3: Share (Evangelism)

Rooted in the concept of Multiplication, this course focuses on being a "light in the darkness" by passing on the knowledge of God to the next generation. Participants will gain clarity on the gospel message, learn how to transition everyday conversations toward spiritual topics, and gain the confidence to handle resistance and share their faith with those in their sphere of influence.

Offered:
Sundays at 10:45AM

Launches April 4, 2027

Instructor: Kyle Leffel
Year 3:  Defend (Apologetics)

Equip yourself to give a "gentle defense" for the hope within you. This course prepares students to identify and correct specific high-impact errors and falsehoods regarding the faith, fulfilling the call to "contend earnestly for the faith" while addressing modern intellectual barriers to belief.

Offered:
Sundays at 10:45AM

Launches October 2026
 

Instructor: Andree Beaver
Year 3: Worldview

Learn to identify the "lived worldviews" that shape modern life—such as consumerism, individualism, and nationalism—and compare them to the biblical worldview communicated in Scripture. This course focuses on cultural analysis and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), training believers to take chaos and bring order and Shalom through the Cultural Mandate.

Offered:
Time TBD

Launches Spring 2028

Instructor: Adam Christian

FAQ

I have already taken the standalone Story and Belief classes. Do I need to take Year 1?
If you have successfully completed our previous iterations of 'Story' and 'Belief,' you have met the suggested prerequisites for all Year 2 and Year 3 courses. While you are welcome to take the new integrated Deep Discipleship course for further growth, you are fully eligible to jump into any of the Build or Practice tracks."

Why does this cost $20 per class?
Each class has a required book and workbook. We will provide you with both before the first class so you don't have to bother with the hassle of purchasing them on your own.

Is childcare provided?
If you choose the Sunday morning option, children are able to sign up for a second hour of Sunday School. There is no childcare option offered for the other times.

Can I take more than one class at a time?
While we don't recommend this because of the workload, this is an option for individuals who may not be able to attend classes in some seasons.

Can I take a mixture of morning and evening classes throughout the year?
Yes! If your schedule changes, you may switch to a new time. Please email Adam.Christian@onlineCFC.com for a custom schedule.

Do I have to take all three classes?
You do not have to take all three but we STRONGLY encourage that you do. Regardless of how much you already know, there is always more to learn about God and you may hear something in a new way that enhances your thinking. Additionally, studying in a community setting has huge benefits.

Do I have to take these classes in a specific order?
Flexibility for Advanced Tracks: While we have organized our curriculum into Year 2: Build (Method, Trust, Heritage) and Year 3: Practice (Worldview, Defend, Share), these six courses do not have to be taken in a specific order. Once you have completed your Year 1 Foundations (or previous Story and Belief classes), you may choose the 'Build' or 'Practice' courses that best fit your schedule.

Do I need to purchase a book?
No. Your registration fee covers the book and workbook. We will provide you with all of this before the first class.

What if I need to miss a class?
We get that things come up and sometimes you need to miss a class. Our hope is that you will attend at least 8 out of the 10 sessions to get the most out of these classes. If you find that you need to miss more, please talk with your instructor.

When can I register for Discipleship Academy CORE?
Registration is open now. The Academy runs from fall to spring, following a trimester schedule. To sign up for a year at a time, look for registration each summer.

How much work can I expect per week?
With the reading and the workbook combined, you can expect no more that 2 hours of homework per week, in addition to the hour and a half class session.

Is Discipleship Academy CORE available online?
Not yet! We hope to offer classes in that format soon.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions regarding registration or to request a custom track based on your previous discipleship experience, please contact our Adult Ministry Team Lead, Kyle Carnahan.