RICHARD BYRD WILKE, 1930-2025Richard Byrd Wilke, a retired United Methodist bishop and author of the popular Disciple Bible Study series, died on Easter, April ...
WE ARE DEDICATED TO
providing Christian resources and education that build disciples and strengthen ministries.
Christians everywhere want to be better disciples of Jesus Christ, but struggle to know when and how to grow their discipleship.
We provide programs and events that guide Christians in spiritual formation and education so that they can be better followers of Jesus.
Based at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, the Institute provides a wide variety of programs to meet the educational needs of clergy and lay people, as well as resources that help young people explore the Bible and discern their call from God. Started with funds from the sale of DISCIPLE Bible Study, the Institute for Discipleship sees itself as a continuation of DISCIPLE writers Richard and Julia Wilke’s lifelong ministry.
Under the leadership of Richard and Julia’s son Dr. Stephen Wilke and the Institute’s hard-working staff, the Institute has experienced continued growth and expanded reach through new programs and philanthropic initiatives since its inception in 2001.
OUR VISION:
Provide Education that Builds Disciples
Global Programs
Online educational ministries, including discipleship development for adults and young people.
Programs at Southwestern
Programs on the campus of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas.
The Institute and its vision
Learn more about the IFD's vision, history, board, and staff.
WHAT WE'RE UP TO
Recent IFD news
Richard Clark Chosen as Visiting Scholar at Institute for Discipleship
Winfield, Kansas, May 7, 2024 – Richard E. Clark has joined the Southwestern College faculty as a Visiting Scholar of the Institute for Discipleship (IFD). Each ...
BeADisciple Study App ‘Best in Class’ of United Methodist Association of Communicators Awards
November 6, 2023 — The BeADisciple Study App has been named best in class for internet communications in the 2023 United Methodist Association of Communicators ...