THE SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP

Take a journey into the heart of Jesus as rabbi in a radical departure from Western education. Walk the ancient path of Jesus' talmidim (disciples) in true life on life, "iron sharpens iron" community, growing in not just knowledge, but character, wisdom, faith, fortitude, and love for one another.

*Our goal is to run a pilot program in Fall 2025 and open the school by Fall 2026.

OVERVIEW 

We are developing a residential discipleship school of a cohort of young men and women ages 18-24 based on the rabbi/talmid relationship embodied by Jesus, Paul, and others in the first century. Hosted by an onsite community of "rabbis" and specialists, these "talmidim" will have the opportunity to be mentored on a daily basis in a setting that is able to offer far more holistic and hands-on development than a typical university experience.

Furthermore, we are committed to making this experience FREE for students! After all, Jesus didn't charge his disciples for his time with them. Instead, patrons offered both means and hospitality. And legally, Jesus himself was responsible for his disciples in the same way a father would have been responsible for his son.

Our hope is that as more and more people are introduced to Beth Ab, this model will transform the discipleship culture in the Church at large and also serve as a model for what we hope will become a sustainable and reproducible path to Christian community, discipleship, and education for students of all ages.​

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STRUCTURE & CURRICULUM

Doing life on life discipleship is not simply sitting in a classroom memorizing information in anticipation of a written exam. It is witnessing one another and the world outside in multiple settings and learning to participate in that world with diligence and humility.​ Thus, the structure of the program will allow for progressively increasing levels of engagement from the students in areas such as public speaking or sharing, leading activities or discussions, planning service projects, and doing the hard work of hands on ministry.​ The talmidim will also necessarily be integrated into the daily maintenance of the community in tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry as a means of learning service and humility.

In addition to participating in the community life and operations, talmidim will have the opportunity to hear from regular guest lecturers and discussion leaders on a weekly basis in areas such as Bible & theology, culture, economics, and more. We will also be integrating opportunities to cultivate the spiritual disciplines, participate in community activities, and engage in mission.

STAFF & PARTICIPANTS

• Talmidim (disciples) are invited as one year apprentices into a cohort of young people ages 18-24 in a formal school of discipleship. Resident rabbis (pastor-teacher leaders) and other resident experts as well as guest professors will serve as leaders and practitioners of discipleship. Just as Jesus modeled with his own disciples, the talmidim will learn life and ministry skills and principles both inside and outside the classroom in getting to know the person and character of their leaders.

• Pilgrims (churches, small groups, families, and individuals) are invited into the life of the community and school to stay onsite as interactive short-term guests in order to: enter into the rabbi/talmid relationship, experience community living, and receive specialized Biblical and cultural teaching.

• Guests are invited simply to stay and enjoy the campus with as much or as little interaction with the community as they please.

• Rabbis in residence act functionally as the ever-present pastor to the sheep: caring, mentoring, and leading by example in relationship. Talmidim observe the rabbi in real time and real life interactions, exposing the talmidim to all the intricacies of Christian living. It is through observation and the conversation that naturally flows in community that talmidim learn both formally and informally.

• Professors are experts in their field who serve in short-term residence as guest lecturers and discussion leaders.

• Supporters are short or long-term staff or volunteers who offer support through their physical service, their prayers, or their means.