Fellowship Curriculum

Our curriculum includes meals together, mentorship, reading, practical assignments, and four retreats with classes, discussion, and activities.

Module 1: Foundations of Formation

Part 1: The Good Life

Understand God’s vision for the world and all that is in it.

Part 2: The Way of Jesus

Share in and live out God’s vision for the world by practicing disciplines of grace.

Module 2: Purposeful Life Work

Part 1: Kingdom Calling

Be a witness in your current cultural context and engage in kingdom-establishing work.

Part 2: Your Work in the World

Creatively join in God’s mission of redemption through your unique work and calling.

Module 3: A Culture of Care

Part 1: Dwelling with the People

Live with a posture of humility and generosity as you pay deep attention to the needs of your neighbors.

Part 2: Dwelling in the Land

Take responsibility in caring for God’s earth and our built environments as an integral part of the flourishing of our neighbors.

Module 4: Faith & Public Life

Part 1: The Good of the City

Seek the common good of your city - the peace and prosperity of a society for all people - giving special attention to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.

Part 2: Bridging the Divide

Heal what is broken through contemplative societal and political engagement across differences in light of God’s promises and your true heavenly citizenship.

Retreats

Four retreats are held each year for teaching, hands-on experience and community-building. Retreats are not overnight and are held in Lancaster, PA.

Applicants must able to commit to attending all retreats in order to be considered for acceptance into the program.

2026-2027 Retreat Dates

Module 1: September 11 & 12

Module 2: November 6 & 7

Module 3: January 15 & 16

Module 4: March 12 & 13

Typical Retreat Schedule*

Friday

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM Activity, Film Screening or Lecture

Saturday

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Class I

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM Break

10:45 AM - 12:15 PM Class II

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch (provided)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Activity

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wrap-Up & Reflection

*actual schedules may vary

Common Meals

Fellows gather every other week in a host home for a meal together. During common meals, fellows have the opportunity to:

  • build deeper relationships with one another

  • share their story

  • discuss reading

  • reflect on podcasts, spiritual practices, and any other assignments

  • ask questions

  • gain leadership & hospitality skills

Common Meals are every other Thursday evening from 6-9 PM.

Mentorship

Each fellow is placed with a Christian mentor who will provide personal guidance throughout the program. Fellows should anticipate meeting with their mentor at least once each month, though we recommend meeting bi-weekly when possible. During mentor meetings you will:

  • share your story

  • ask questions

  • reflect on your learning & experience

  • gain wisdom and insight

Spiritual Practices & Reflection

Fellows will complete a Liturgical Audit and create a Rule of Life that will be a foundation for building their spiritual practices. Some practices will be done in community with the rest of the cohort and some will be practiced on your own. The provided workbook will guide you through practices, personal reflection, and group discussions.

All fellows will begin with the following practices:

  • Daily scripture reading

  • Daily prayer

  • Weekly Sabbath that includes church attendance

As the program continues, you will build on and add to these practices.

Fellows will write a 1-2 page reflection paper each semester.

Reading

Our reading list changes from year to year, but below is a list of some of our past books. Fellows read eight books (one per month) during the course of the program, along with some select articles and discuss them during Common Meals. Reading will be discussed during common meals.

The Narrow Path by Rich Villodas

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Work: It’s Purpose, Dignity and Transformation by Daniel Doriani

Naming the Animals by Stephen Roach

The Ministry of Ordinary Places by Shannon Martin

How to Know a Person by David Brooks

Generous Justice by Timothy Keller

How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley

Teachers

Our teachers are typically local to the Lancaster area where they work and serve in various capacities. Below are some of our past teachers.

Tom Becker

Director of The Row House

Aaron Brown

Executive Pastor at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church

Bruce Etter

Founder of the Alyosha Society

Dr. Justin Harbin

Director of the Center for Teaching & Learning

Dr. Justin Hawkins

Post-Doctoral researcher at Columbia Medical School

Kimberly Ibarra

Nurse Practitioner

Luke LeDuc

Senior Pastor at Wheatland Presbyterian Church

Adam Nagle

Executive Director, The Factory Ministries

Zachary Northen

State Parole Agent for Pennsylvania

Rev. David Peck

Rector at Saint James Episcopal Church

Kaitlyn Schiess

Author, Cohost of The Holy Post podcast and Host of the Curiously Kaitlyn podcast

Samuel Spatola

Director of Student Ministries & Outreach at Wheatland Presbyterian Church

Keith Winder

Associate Pastor at Wheatland Presbyterian Church

Kristen Zimmerman