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**We are looking to do a "One Day" soft launch of the new "Discipleship School of South Jersey" on Saturday, September 28, 2024... with a hard launch coming in January 2025. Be on the lookout for more details!**

VISION:

To EQUIP current disciples (and potential future lay leaders) from multiple South Jersey churches to be Christlike, disciple-making apprentices of Jesus.

MISSION:

To facilitate learning and growth in Christlikeness among Jesus’ disciples- in an equipping and sending school for the South Jersey region and beyond.

DESCRIPTION:

  • The Discipleship School of South Jersey (DSSJ) is an equipping and sending school, focused on facilitating growth and learning of Jesus' disciples.
  • We have a three-pronged approach:
    • Truth anchored to the Bible;
    • Community- a gathering place and ongoing small groups discussions where authentic, loving & supportive relationships can develop life-on-life;
    • Practice- a culture of intentionally practicing spiritual disciplines as outlined in God's Word to shape our beliefs and behaviors 
  • The school is scheduled to meet once a month on a Saturday (after the initial "One-Day" Intro in the Fall of 2024) in a large in-person group setting where teachers from regional church bodies in a collaborative effort with the DSSJ vision and mission, will facilitate a year-long syllabus.
  • In addition, students will be assigned a small group to practice biblical truth and community together throughout each month. 
  • We believe the Lord will enable the school to build up His church in South Jersey, which will also result in many more lost people coming to new life in Christ. 

CORE VALUES:

  • Anchored in Biblical Truth         (Hebrews 4:12)
  • Culture of Practice                      (James 1:22)
  • Authentic Community                (John 17, Acts 4:32)
  • Boldness & Courage                   (Acts 4:29)
  • Innovation & Compassion          (Ephesians 4:32)
  • Rest Found                                  (Matthew 11:27, Psalm 23:5)
  • Large & Small Group Approach (Matthew 5:1, 10:1, Acts 2:42-47)   
  • Cross-Generational                     (Psalm 79:13)

...

POTENTIAL CLASS SCHEDULE (Subject to Change):

Date Session 1: Content Session 2: Spiritual Formation Session 3: Application
9/28/24 Jesus: Who is He? Our Identity in Christ Devotional Life/Spiritual Disciplines
1/11 God the Father (Pentateuch) Holy Love of God & Family Wounds Inductive Bible Study/Hermeneutics 101
2/8 Theology (Romans) Repentance Stewardship of Time, Talent, Treasure (the Body?)
3/8 Old Testament Survey 1 Voice of God, Listening Prayer Calling and Character
4/12 People of God Forgiveness Shepherding Care/Body Care/Soul Care
5/10 Old Testament Survey 2 Fears Evangelism & Mission
6/14 New Testament Survey The "One-Anothers" of Scripture Disciplemaking
9/13 Life of Christ Spiritual Rhythms/Habits/Disciplines Revisited Teaching Others 101
10/11 Holy Spirit Deliverance Gifts for Mission
11/8 People of God 2 Putting it Together Leadership & Authority

 

INSTRUCTORS AND BIOS:

Rev. Doyle DeGraw

Doyle DeGraw is the pastor of Trinity Christian Chapel in Sewell, NJ. He is an experienced Pastor with a demonstrated history of working in the religious institutions industry. Doyle is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Relationship Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Private Schools, and Pastoral Counseling. Doyle is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional with a Master of Arts (M.A.) focused in Counseling from Cornerstone University. Doyle specializes in coping skills, marital/premarital issues, trauma, and PTSD.

Rev. Gary Schmidt, D.Min. 

Pastor Gary received his formal theological training at The Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia earning a Masters of Divinity in 1986. He served as Assistant Pastor at Trinity Alliance Church, Pomona, New Jersey between 1984 and 1986. He was ordained to Christian Ministry on June 11, 1987 by the Metropolitan District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance.  Together with his wife as  missionary candidates they planted Grace Community Church where they still serve. Pastor Gary has served on the District Executive Committee and Licensing and Ordination Committee for the Metropolitan District for many years. Pastor Gary received his Doctor of Ministries, Christian Leadership in the Global Context, in 2019 from the Alliance Theological Seminary. 

Rev. Erik P. Vagen

Pastor Erik P. Vagen has a strong passion for outreach and equipping all people to use their God-given talents for serving others in South Jersey and around the world. Erik graduated from The College of New Jersey with a double major in English and Education in 2002. His ministry experience includes: youth pastor and young adults pastor, Young Adult Director for Metro District of The Christian and Missionary Alliance, church planter of Journey Church in Cherry Hill, and development pastor overseeing disciplesip and leader-development. Erik earned his MA of Christian Ministry from Calvary Baptist Seminary (with focus on leadership and counseling). He co-founded the South Jersey chapter of "Serve the City"– a movement that raises volunteerism, building bridges between needs and resources as people come together for transformation. Erik started the "Pastoral Leadership School" which prepared men and women from over a dozen churches with the head knowledge, heart approach, and hands-on skills required to serve in ministry in our society today.

(more info coming)