“We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone complete in Christ.” Col. 1:28

Disciples are made, not born

When Jesus called the twelve disciples to Him, His purpose was not just to bless them with His presence, but to train them so that they would becaome like Him and carry out His ministry. It is still the same today, when anyone gives their lives to Christ; far from being simply a one-time thing, it is the beginning of a joyful transformation process, a life-long apprenticeship into Christlikeness where we reflect Him with “ever-increasing glory” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Though of course it is the Holy Spirit who works within each individual, this transformation process is not automatic or spontaneous--it requires our cooperation. Thus Paul tells us to “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor. 9:24). Our part is to make a conscious effort to "grow in the knowledge of the Lord" (Col. 1:10); God's part is to change us from the inside as we do.

The role of a discipling program

Instruction in God's Word is at the heart of the discipleship process, and continues all of our lives. The courses in the Calvary U. program are designed to provide a foundation for this life-time of learing, a kind of biblical "core cirriculum."

"Track 1: Basic Discipleship" is made up of three courses designed to be taken in sequence (though they can also be taken out of order). It is meant as a general introduction to the Christian life fromthe standpoint of daily living (module 1), the Bible's overall message (module 2), and intimacy with God (module 3).

"Track 2: Applied Discipleship" is made up of courses which focus on a particular aspect of the Christian life, and these courses can be taken in any order. Most of them apply to all Christians, though some (like the family module) are geared to those in a particular walk of life. [At present Track 2 is made up of three courses; the plan is for it to eventually include six.]

Track 1: Basic Discipleship

The New Creation study is designed as the first step in discipleship for a new believer, someone who has recently renewed their commitment to Christ,or anyone who is looking for a foundational study on the Christian life. It covers who we are in Christ, what we are called to in Christ, and the resources God has given us for living this out. It is designed to be done in a one-on-one context, with a more mature believer leading a younger one. This allows it to be highly flexible, as those going through it can set their own timetable and schedule.
One-on-one Bible study (8 weeks)

The History of the World provides an overview of the Bible's message from Genesis to Revelation. It is centered around the idea that the Bible has a unified therme, and that this theme provides us with God's purpose and plan for the universe--and how we fit in. The course is offered once-a-year as a Sunday School class, usually in the Fall. (Note: this course also functions as Calvary's confirmation class, and as such includes a breif section on the Episcopal Church.)
Sunday School class (10 weeks)

Experiencing God is a course which has been used around the world to encourage God's people with a fresh understanding of how He wants to draw us in to Himself. The principles in this course get at the heart of what it means to live a life where God is at the Center. Classes areoffered periodically during Sunday School and involve weekly homework.
Sunday School class with homework (12 weeks)

Track 2: Applied Discipleship

Crown Minstries is a profoundly Biblical approach to financial management, and is a great resource for any Christian.
Sunday School class (10 weeks)

Growing Kids God's Way approaches parenting from the standpoint of Christian discipleship: the Christian parent's goal is to "capture the heart" of their child so that they are receptive to Godly instruction.
Sunday School class with homework (12 weeks)

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is the premier course on world missions, and is offered periodically in Jacksonville, with speakers from around the country.
Off-site intensive course (16 weeks)