DISCIPLE Goes Digital: New App Introduces the Next Generation of the Popular Bible Study

May 1, 2023 – For 35 years, the DISCIPLE Bible Study series has been transforming millions of lives around the world with its print editions, and the popular curriculum is now going digital, the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship and the United Methodist Publishing House jointly announced today. Two 24-week studies in the DISCIPLE series will be the first offerings on the brand-new BeADisciple app, created by the Institute for Discipleship to offer a wide assortment of small-group study material. “This new version combines the robust impact of DISCIPLE with the…continue reading →

Online Certification Opportunities to Begin in August

May 31, 2023 — A new cycle of online ministry certification courses is set to begin Aug. 21, 2023, at BeADisciple.com. BeADisciple.com is part of the Institute for Discipleship at Southwestern College and has offered quality online educational experiences with roots in Wesleyan theology since 2006.  New certifications will be available in spiritual gifts and in young adult ministry. Enrollment is still open in popular areas including children’s ministry, church administration, grief care, music ministry, spiritual formation, and women’s ministries.  Requirements for certification include successful completion of four online courses, and each course…continue reading →

Noted Leadership Expert Cheryl Rude Joins Institute for Discipleship Team

Dr. Cheryl Rude will join the administrative team of the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship on July 1, 2023, transitioning from a distinguished academic career that has made her a national leader in service learning studies. Rude will become the Institute’s director of campus programming and operations following her retirement from the Southwestern College faculty at the conclusion of this academic year. She joined the college in 1991, and was professor of leadership studies and academic director of leadership. Leadership Southwestern, a service learning curricular activity developed under Rude’s guidance, was…continue reading →

Interactive Online Course Targets Praise and Worship

As the most solemn and celebratory moments of the Christian year approach, many worship leaders may find they are struggling to craft appropriate services for their congregations. An online course offered by BeADisciple.com will address this struggle March 14-28.  “Developing a Dynamic Praise and Worship Experience” is a two-week interactive experience taught by Darla Thieler, who is a Local Evangelist and Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church as well as music director for Calvin (Penn.) United Presbyterian Church.   More information and enrollment links are at BeADisciple.com. Participants will need a…continue reading →