Institute for Discipleship Concludes Successful Fundraising Campaign

August 24, 2023 — The Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College has announced the successful completion of a fundraising campaign that will support the development of its new BeADisciple Study App. Donors contributed more than half a million dollars, surpassing the campaign’s goal.  

In April of this year the Institute board had approved a $500,000 fund raising goal to be met by June 30, 2023. The campaign was launched by a matching gift of $250,000 from Bishop Richard B. Wilke. On June 30, the final tally for the campaign was $547,162.78. 

“These gifts made it possible for the BeADisciple Study App to be launched on Aug. 1, 2023, without much lingering debt. This was important so that the cost to participate in the studies will reflect the cost of providing the app-based small group experience without the need to repay the development costs,” said Dr. Stephen K. Wilke, executive director of the Institute for Discipleship.  

In development for more than two years, the app is now in beta testing and is available for download through The App Store or Google Play. 

“We are so grateful for all who supported this new approach to participating in small group studies. We are confident that it will help people nurture and grow in their faith.” Wilke added. 

More information on the app is available at beadiscipleapp.com.