Introducing Fellowship Institute
Fellowship Institute is a learning space to help you go deep into Christian faith and theology. It’s a space to wrestle with hard questions, learn from seasoned instructors, and become more confident to follow Jesus in a secular culture.
Fellowship Institute Tracks
We offer four separate “tracks.” Each track is a collection of graduate-level classes that work together to shape each participant in a particular way. Note: Tracks 3 and 4 build on Track 2 classes.
The Classes
Track 1
Intro to Christianity
This class is for people (non-Christians and Christians) who desire to understand the nuts and bolts of the Christian life. This class will cover topics such as baptism, church life, developing prayer and bible reading habits, and foundations of discipleship. We will use the text Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
Intro to Historical Jesus
This class is for people (non-Christians and Christians) who are genuinely interested in learning more about Jesus from a historical perspective. We will cover the cultural background of Jesus’ family, historical reliability of our source material, and fundamental teachings and actions of the historical Jesus. We will use the text The Original Jesus by Tom Wright.
Intro to Christian Spirituality
This class is for people (non-Christians and Christians) who are genuinely interested in learning more about spirituality and exploring the “spiritual side” of who they are. We will cover topics such as prayer, the Holy Spirit, the unseen spiritual world, how to experience God’s presence, and life after death. We will use the text Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis.
Introduction to the Christian Life
This class is for people (non-Christians and Christians) who desire to understand the nuts and bolts of the Christian life. This class will cover topics such as baptism, churchlife, developing prayer and bible reading habits, and foundations of discipleship. We will use the text Christianity Short by Dave Morlan
Track 2
Epistemology
This class will teach how it is we come to know things. The crisis of knowledge is rife within and without the church. This class will give us confidence that we can reasonably know the truth and show us how to do that. We will use the text A Little Manual for Knowing by Esther Meek.
The Story of Scripture
This class is geared toward helping disciples understand how the entire Bible fits together. We will highlight the major themes in scripture such as creation, fall, redemption, and consummation. It is an introduction to God’s self-revelation in scripture and in history. We will use the text The Drama of Scripture by Michael Goheen and Craig Bartholomew.
Bible Study Methods
This class will teach tried and true ways to study the Bible, teach basic hermeneutics and interpretive skills, and highlight how to read the Bible Christocentrically. We will use the text Living By the Book by Howard Hendricks.
Christian Doctrines
This class will focus on the major doctrines of the Christian Faith such as the attributes of God, the Trinity, justification, human nature, and salvation. We will use the text Knowing God by JI Packer.
Track 3 (+ track 2 classes)
Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament
This class will explore how the Old Testament was put together, survey its major movements, and show how it connects with Jesus. We will use the text Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament by Chris Wright.
Dynamics of Spiritual Transformation
This class will outline how spiritual change happens in the life of a believer. We will explore the dynamics of conversion and biblical concepts such as new birth, new creation, and transformation. We will use the text Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich.
Exploring the New Testament
This class will outline the historical and cultural setting of the New Testament era. It will address the major themes of each book of the NT, and will end with showing the Canonization process. We will use the text The New Testament in Antiquity by Gary M. Burge and Gene L Green.
Habits, Virtue, and the Christian Life
This class will show the practices that are key to growing as a disciple of Jesus, such as developing daily time with God in prayer and meditation, Bible reading, and journaling. We will use the text Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.
Track 4 (+ track 2 & 3 classes)
Christian Worldview and Apologetics
This class will outline a comprehensive view of reality based on core Christian beliefs and convictions. It will also give reasons why this worldview makes better sense to adopt than the popular secular alternatives. We will use the text The Universe Next Door by James Sire.
Christian Ethics and Public Witness
This class will focus on public issues of ethics in society and how the church has responded to such issues historically and currently. It will also address how current issues relate to being a Christian in public and a faithful witness to Jesus. We will use the text Beyond Bumper Sticker Ethics by Steve Wilkens.
Mission in the City
This class will outline major theological and biblical features of mission and what it means to live a life of mission in Denver, including a theology of work. It will give a short history of Denver, its unique relationship with the church, and the ways in which gospel movements have happened, have been resisted, and how they might happen in the future. We will use the text The Gospel in a Pluralist Society by Lesslie Newbigin.
Church History
This class will explore major movements in church history that have shaped current realities of the church today. Movements such as Monasticism, Protestant Reformation, the Great Awakening, and the rise of the Black Church will all be covered (plus 5 more!) in this class. We will use the text Church History in Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley.
Ministry Foundations
In this class, we cover all critical aspects of ministry in Denver. We will use the text Center Church by Tim Keller. This is the capstone class for Fellowship Institute.
Meet Our Instructors
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there homework?
Yes! There will always be expected readings and likely a paper or two per class. You are encouraged to reach out to your instructor for specifics.
How much reading should I expect on a weekly basis?
Readings will increase per track. Track one classes will have a very doable 20-30 pages of reading per week but Track 3 or 4 classes may have a very challenging reading load of up to 70-90 pages of reading per week.
What are the Tracks?
Each track represents a collection of courses that work together to shape students in a particular way. For example, “Track 1” is a collection of four, four-week classes that all work together to shape people as they explore Christianity. “Track 3” is a collection of four six-week classes and four ten-week classes that all work together to form students as they engage and prepare for various kinds of Christian leadership at FDC.
Can I take Track classes without committing to a Track?
The classes in each track are designed to work together. However, if undecided, we do let students take one class without committing to a track, but after that class a student must commit to a track.
Can I take classes out of Track order?
Within each track, you can take classes out of order. However, you cannot skip tracks.
How academically challenging will a Track class be?
The higher the track, the higher the challenge. Track 1 classes just have one text book and reading the book and showing up is all that is expected. Track 4 classes require extensive reading, papers, and projects. These classes are Masters level courses that require significant commitment on the part of both students and instructors.
Do I need a computer?
Yes, a computer is needed in order to register for classes, submit assignments, and correspond with instructors.
How long are the classes?
Classes are 90 minutes long.
Are classes in-person or virtual?
All classes are in-person. We do not currently offer virtual classes because we want to see your face!
Is there childcare provided?
Childcare is not offered at this time.