PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Firs Discipleship Program, in partnership with our flagship ministries, offers young adults aged 18-24 the opportunity to develop a radically rooted faith built on the truths found in Scripture.
In today's rapidly changing world, many young Christians feel adrift in a shifting cultural landscape. Our program serves as a crucial link between formal education and the deep longing for spiritual grounding. Through partnerships with Eleven6 and Anchor Christian University, alongside The Firs Ministry programs, we provide young adults with a chance to cultivate a lifelong journey of discipleship in following Jesus.
The convergence of genuine discipleship, formal post-secondary education, and practical ministry experiences will enrich our students' faith, expand their knowledge of scripture, and strengthen their relationship with their Creator.
Graduates of the one year Radicle Program have the opportunity to earn up to 30 college credits* and a Ministry Certificate. Graduates of the two year Rooted Ministry Program have the opportunity to earn 60 college credits* and an Associates of Arts degree in Biblical Studies.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
1. Spiritual Growth and Discipleship
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Students will live in Christian community while growing in their faith individually and with one another. A core focus will be on establishing healthy spiritual disciplines and developing healthy rhythms for a life-long pursuit of Jesus.
2. Apologetics
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Coursework will be tailored towards introducing students to a deep and developing understanding of scripture. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to articulate their faith in the real world, with an educated, researched, and practically applicable perspective.
3. Community-Centered
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We believe we were created for community. Students will become a part of The Firs community, the Whatcom County community, and their church community. A core aspect of the program is learning how to be an active member of a church congregation; building multigenerational relationships, volunteering, and participating weekly in church ministry. Volunteer experiences with local ministries will be a regular part of the program curriculum.
4. Ministry Experiences
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The Firs operates year-round ministry programs that offer a rich educational experience for our students. With several unique programs—summer overnight camp, summer day camp, a year-round after school program and forest preschool, and two retreat facilities—students will have the opportunity to volunteer in all areas of ministry during the discipleship program. This well-rounded and robust ministry experience internship will allow students the opportunity to explore a variety of ministry occupations, while providing an ideal platform for using their developing apologetics and discipleship skills.
COLLEGE CREDIT
Year 1 Course List
SPRING SEMESTER (12 credits)
BIB110 Bible Survey
PHI110 Foundations of Worldviews
FIN131 Personal Finance
MIN401 Dynamics of Discipleship
FALL SEMESTER (12 credits)
BIB100 Principles of Bible Study
COM101 Speech Communication
LDR301 Foundations of Leadership
THE230 Christian Apologetics
SUMMER SEMESTER (6 credits)
MIN402 Intro to Ministry Leadership
MIN404 Developing Dynamic Teams
*College Credit provided by Anchor Christian University. Transcript Accreditation available through
partnership with Eleven6 at an additional cost of $250 per credit.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Discipleship Students will live on the campus of The Firs Retreat Center, in the heart of Bellingham, WA and less than a mile from the beautiful shores of Lake Whatcom.
Students will live in a dormitory with shared rooms. Meals will be served in the campus dining hall.
PROGRAM COST + SCHEDULE
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Program Duration: October to August
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Move in Weekend:
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September 29-30, 2024
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First Day of Classes:
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Tuesday, October 1, 2024
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Scheduled Breaks (for the 2024-2025 program year):
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Thanksgiving Week: November 25-29, 2024
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Christmas Break: December 16, 2024 - January 3, 2025
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Winter Reading Break February 17-18, 2025
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Spring Break: April 5-11, 2025
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Move out Weekend:
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August 30-31, 2025
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Program Cost + Work Opportunities:
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Program Fees:
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$13,500 (includes room + 18 meals per week)
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Payment options:
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Monthly payments of $1500; due October through June
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Two payments of $6750; due October and February
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One payment of $12,825 (includes a 5% discount); due October
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- Work Opportunities:
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12-week paid summer internship included - $200-$350/week depending on job.
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Students may apply for various part time, minimum wage work opportunities on campus during the school year (camp intern, maintenance, guest services, after school program, etc).
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Financial Aid:
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Need-based scholarships available
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Weekly Schedule:
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Monday through Thursday (8am-4pm) — chapel, classes, and ministry experience
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Monday through Thursday (afternoons/evenings) — church volunteering, evening Bible studies, study/free time, work, etc.
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Friday, Saturday, Sunday — study/free time, work, volunteer, church, etc.
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Program Events/Experience: Monthly hands-on ministry experience in a camp and retreat setting, local volunteer opportunities, two retreats at The Firs Chalet on Mt. Baker, spring missions trip, paid summer ministry internship, etc.
PROGRAM LOCATION + MAILING ADDRESS
The Firs Camps & Retreats
4605 Cable St.
Bellingham, WA 98229
360.733.6840