Discipleship
Why Study Sustainable Community Development: Discipleship at TFC?
The Discipleship concentration prepares students to cultivate spiritual growth, develop leaders, and guide communities toward deeper maturity in Christ. Rooted in the Sustainable Community Development major, this concentration equips students to understand how discipleship shapes the health and flourishing of a community—not only spiritually, but relationally, culturally, and missiologically.
Students take 12 hours within TFC’s Ministry Leadership Department, strengthening their biblical knowledge, leadership abilities, and practical ministry skills. Through courses focused on spiritual formation, mentoring, evangelism, and cross-cultural discipleship, students learn how to build Christ-centered relationships and guide others in their faith journeys. They also explore creative approaches to discipleship that are adaptable to diverse contexts, including agricultural and rural settings where community development and spiritual formation often grow side by side.
This concentration is ideal for students who sense a calling to ministry, missions, or community-based leadership. Whether working with churches, youth and adult ministries, nonprofit organizations, or international communities, graduates are equipped to integrate discipleship with sustainable development practices. Students learn to collaborate with local leaders, support spiritual and physical needs holistically, and foster environments where both people and communities can thrive.
As part of the broader SCD major, the Discipleship concentration prepares students to serve with wisdom, resilience, and a heart for God’s mission in every context.
In addition to the courses than in the SCD major, students will hone their skills and abilities in the areas of leadership and discipleship. They will also learn ways that discipleship can be conducted in agriculture settings. This concentration allows students to take 12 hours in our Ministry Leadership Department.
Sustainable Community Development
“Everything we do at The Lawson Center is to disciple our students and teach them discipleship principles that they can carry out into the world so that they can be equipped to disciple others and ultimately share the love of Jesus with them.”
Scott Davis
The Lawson Center Farm Manager
Discipleship Courses
The Sustainable Community Development major with Discipleship concentration is a 126 hour program that includes 71 hours of general education courses (including 30 hours of Bible & Theology), 15 hours of open electives, and 41 hours in Sustainable Community Development-specific courses, with 15 of those dedicated to Discipleship.
Featured Courses:
- Training and Discipleship
- Ministry and Leadership courses
- Agriculture & Conservation
Testimonial
What can you do with an Discipleship degree?
Graduates who pursue the Discipleship concentration within the Sustainable Community Development major are prepared for ministry and leadership roles that equip, mentor, and spiritually develop individuals and communities. Career pathways include:
Discipleship or Spiritual Formation Pastor
This concentration prepares students to guide the spiritual growth of congregations through teaching, mentoring, small-group leadership, and developing discipleship pathways within the local church.
Ministry Leader or Church Director
Many churches rely on ministry directors to oversee outreach, adult discipleship, youth ministry, or community engagement. The blend of ministry training and community development makes graduates strong candidates for these leadership roles.
International Missionary
Students gain practical skills in mentoring, evangelism, and cross-cultural ministry, allowing them to disciple new believers and support church growth in global contexts. Training in sustainable community development also equips them to meet holistic needs.
Community Development Practitioner
Graduates can serve in nonprofits, ministries, and faith-based organizations, integrating discipleship with community transformation, leadership training, and relational ministry.
Campus Ministry or Para-Church Worker
Many organizations—including campus ministries and discipleship-focused nonprofits—seek leaders who can mentor students, lead Bible studies, and create environments for spiritual growth.