WHAT MAKES SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP?

The core purpose of School of Discipleship (SoD) has always been to create a space, an occasion, a community for university-age young adults to be encouraged and challenged in their formation, to take seriously the call to follow Jesus. Even though the SoD community includes SoD graduates and ministers seeking inspiration for the journey, we really want it to be a place for those who hear that call for the first time or have recently heard it and need to find that courage, capacity and conviction.

There are many ingredients that help to make SoD the Radical Discipleship conference that it is. Alongside keynote sessions by the speaker, SoD offers other ways in which attendees can participate and be challenged and nourished.

Worship grounds and animates Radical Discipleship. At various points throughout the conference, we gather together to sing traditional and contemporary music, hear God through the Scriptures, and pray together. Closing Worship on Sunday evening includes the sharing of Communion and the tradition of Presenté – remembering the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us.

WORSHIP

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Keynote sessions are integral times of learning as a community. Each year will have a keynote speaker (sometimes two!) who share their experience and wisdom as ministers, Biblical and theology scholars and/or church leaders to teach, challenge and grow the community.

KEYNOTE SESSIONS

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Electives offer opportunities for participants to undertake further learning and growth in their areas of choice. Elective topics vary year to year, and offer a wide range of learning options – systematic theology, practical theology, creativity, worship, discussion and more.

ELECTIVES

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A key element to this conference is building and nurturing community. Through the weekend, there are numerous spaces for participants to chill out and spend informal time together, whether it be sharing in conversation over a meal, playing a board game, or discussing theology over a glass of wine, beer, tea, coffee or FairTrade hot chocolate.

COMMUNITY TIME

Small groups are an integral part of the School of Discipleship, as they provide an opportunity to discuss and unpack teachings from the keynote addresses, electives and worship, within a smaller, more intimate setting. Small groups also allow participants the ability to get to know some people on a deeper level, and provide space for prayer and pastoral care.

SMALL GROUPS

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SongFest is an eclectic Variety Show we hold on the Saturday evening of SoD, as a way to celebrate our diversity and gifts. Acts range from the hilarious and bizarre to the powerful and moving. An unforgettable night!

SONGFEST

SAFE & AFFIRMING

Since School of Discipleship began, we have been committed to making this a safe place for LGBTQIA+ people. LGBTQIA+ people are very welcome at School of Discipleship, and sexual and gender diversity are not barriers to participation or leadership. We affirm LGBTQIA+ people in all their fullness, just as they are, created in the image of God.