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Training Program: An Overview
What is it?
Our Training Program is designed to be a robust discipleship and leadership development venue. Building off our core classes, Training Program students will experience intensified reading, writing, conversation, and opportunities for focused growth and learning.
Who is it for?
The Program is open to any Grace Roader, or faithful member of area-churches, who desires to grow in the areas of intellectual, moral, and missional formation and who has the ability to commit to the pace and duration of the program and its assignments.
What makes it unique?
Training Program students will participate in our Institute Core Classes. However, four additional elements make this a unique opportunity for further development: assessments & development plans, cohorts, reading & writing, and leadership gatherings. See below for further details.
What is the expected time commitment?
Students should expect 12-16 hours of reading, writing, class time, and cohort time per month through the months of September-April. Many of these hours are self-directed.
How much does it cost?
The Training Program costs $150, non-refundable.
Four Unique Elements
Assessments and Development Plans.
At the beginning of the program, each student will work through an assessment that will help clarify areas for personal growth and development. Then, the student will write a plan for development for the upcoming year, complete with actionable steps, and will have opportunities throughout the program to assess the progress of their formation.
Cohort Discussion.
Each student will be placed into a small cohort for further discussion of reading materials and to discuss their progress on their development plans. These cohorts will meet for about 1-1.5 hours 6-7 times per semester (13 total meetings), expecting 2-3 hours monthly.
Reading and Writing.
The Training program will provide each student with a collection of books on various doctrinal and leadership topics, to be read personally and discussed in their cohorts. Additionally, there will be opportunity to reflect on certain topics through 3 different writing exercises throughout the year. The student should expect 4-6 hours of reading and writing per month.
Leadership Conversations.
The student will also be expected to attend monthly, 2 hour Leadership and Development Conversations hosted by various Grace Road staff at the church. These gatherings will seek to foster significant and candid conversation on character, life, leadership, and ministry.
Total estimated monthly time for Training Program students: 12-16 hours
Key Dates Overview
(Not Including Cohort Meetings)
Intellectual Formation - Sept., Oct., Nov.
*Core Class: Systematic Theology meeting Tuesdays from 9/24-11/19
9/17 - Training Program Kickoff!
10/13 - Leadership Gathering #1: A Lifetime of Learning and Development
11/10 - Leadership Gathering #2: Cultural Crises and Theology Applied
Character Formation - Dec., Jan.
12/8 - Leadership Gathering #3: Living with a Limp: Thorns in the Flesh and a Strengthening Grace
1/12 - Leadership Gathering #4: Leaders at Risk: Case Studies of Failure and Redemption
Missional Formation - Feb., March, April
*Core Class: Biblical Theology, GCD meeting Tuesdays from 1/14-5/6
2/16 - Leadership Gathering #5: The Joys and Pains of a Life on Mission
3/9 - Leadership Gathering #6: Conversations on Missions and the Church
4/13 - Leadership Gathering #7: Preparing for What’s Next