The vision of Ember Discipleship College is to see education move beyond the four walls of the classroom, where the church becomes a living seminary—a sacred space that shapes disciples, cultivates leaders, and prepares students to join Jesus in shaping the future.

Theological Education

  • Jesus didn’t train leaders by giving them a manual; He immersed them in a way of life.
    -Len Sweet 

    Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.
    -Socrates 

    The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles but to irrigate deserts.
    -C.S. Lewis

    Through a partnership with Northwest University, this program integrates formation and ministry, immersing students in a deep, theologically grounded education. It is brought to life by seasoned scholars and experienced ministry practitioners, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful learning experience.

Ministry Experience

  • The world is my parish.
    -John Wesley 

    Jesus didn’t come to make us safe. He came to make us dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.
    -Len Sweet

    Students will dive deep into hands-on ministry alongside the Ember Church team, where they’ll be shaped, sharpened, and emboldened to lead with courage and creativity in the Kingdom’s unfolding story.

Spiritual Formation

  • Leadership is not a title, it’s a narrative.
    -Len Sweet

    This program invites students into an immersive, hands-on journey where learning moves beyond the classroom and into life itself. Walking with Jesus and their cohort, students weave theology, experience, and environment into a seamless, transformative story that shapes both heart and mind.

Who is Ember Discipleship College for?

Ember Discipleship College is more than just a classroom; it’s an incubator for learners, preparing them to be the Church of the future, called into a fresh, Spirit-led moment. We’re here to reimagine discipleship and theology, to breathe life into souls and embolden hearts in a cultural landscape that’s constantly changing.

What are the components of the program?

  • Year 1 – This program is designed for those with a deep hunger to walk more closely with God, grow in spiritual maturity, and lay an unshakable foundation for the future God is calling them to build.

  • Years 2-4 – This program is for those who have walked through the first year and are ready to step into a deeper calling—whether that means venturing into vocational ministry, embracing pastoral leadership, or continuing to stretch, grow, and be transformed in the ongoing journey with Christ. 

  • Conference: Students will get to go to one conference a year to be served and equipped. This conference will be the Altars Prayer Conference in New York City each year. * Subject to change

  • Mentors + Innovators:  Ember Discipleship College welcomes experienced and pioneering Kingdom leaders to share their insights and wisdom gained from years of frontline ministry.

  • Advances: Students will participate in three advance trips.

  • Learning Experience: Students will experience learning weekends with different teachers focused on a subject. 

  • Digital Community: Participants have access to a personalized app platform for resources and relational connections.

  • Ministry Experience: Ember Discipleship College students will actively participate in practical ministry, serving in an area of their interest under the guidance of a director, with commitments to serve twice a month.

  • Tracks: There will be three tracks offered for students to choose from.

  • A Typical Week? Students weekly will engage with the church serving on Sundays, connecting their mentor and department lead and be in community.

Staff & Faculty

  • Jeff Thorp

    Semiotics, Discipleship, Mission

    Degree: Master of Ministerial Leadership 

    Institution: Southeastern University & George Fox University pursuing a doctorate in Semiotics, Church & Culture

  • Dr. Andrew Fox

    History of the Bible, Church, Narrative Theology

    Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Studies

    Specializations: Multidisciplinary Theology, History, Liturgy, and Culture

    Institution: Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

  • Clyde Lewis

    Kingdom Identity, Calling, Operating in Your Gifts

    Certified: John Maxwell Leadership, Kingdom Identity

  • Christina Gilbreath

    Spiritual Gifts, The Holy Spirit

    Degree: Bachelors of Arts in music with emphasis on piano and voice 

    Institution: Northwest University

  • Dr. David McDonald

    Innovation, Creativity, and Joy in Ministry 

    Degree: Doctor in Semiotics, Church & Culture & Founder of the Fossores Chapter House 

    Institution: George Fox University

  • Shannon Kapp

    Missional Life & Life of a Missionary

    Degree: Theological Studies 

    Institution: Gordon Conwell University


  • Ryan Gilbreath

    Leadership Development

    Degree: Bachelors of Pastoral Ministry

    Institution: Northwest University

  • Lauren Weholt

    Gentrification, Church Planting, Art & Theology

    Degree: Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership

    Institution: Life Pacific University

Track 1: Ember Discipleship College Student

This is the track of a student enrolled through Northwest University and participates in the entirety of the program. The student would remain fully enrolled in their existing degree program at Northwest University. Ember Discipleship College would act as a complementary discipleship and practical ministry experience that runs parallel to their academic studies. This allows them to benefit from both traditional theological education and the immersive discipleship journey offered by Ember Discipleship College.

Total Program Cost per student = $15,390 annually. This is covered through Financial Aid and encompasses the entire program, including trips, food, flights, etc.

Track 2: Traditional Student

This track is for those who only want to do NU online through Ember Church. They will be put in a cohort with other learners as a community but not participate in the program itself. This would be for those who are married, in their careers but want to be adult learners and finish school online. 

Annual Total= $12,590

Track 3: Discipleship Program

This track the student would only want to do the program and not be enrolled in school through NU. The student can choose to do the advances, trips and learning experiences as their program fee. 

Total Cost Per Participant = $3,500

Tracks & Tuition Costs?

FAQs

  • The program consists of Advances, learning experiences, group cohorts, and trips. Additionally, students are given opportunities to gain hands-on ministry experience working alongside the Ember Church team and lay leaders.

    The program is designed to give students a well-rounded theological education in partnership with Northwest University, practical hands-on experience in ministry, and an environment where they can cultivate the strong character and healthy rhythms needed for sustained Christian discipleship and ministry.

  • Ember Discipleship College is a partnership sight for Northwest University. Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

  • We go off the school year. So school starts in August and typically ends in early June.

  • Students should expect approximately 5-7 hours of homework a week in the form of reading and assignments. The homework load from Northwest is on a class-by-class basis. There will be some side work for the program to prepare for the advances together.

  • Yes. We recommend working 15-20 hours a week, providing the hours can work alongside the weekly college schedule. We also strongly encourage limiting working hours to 24 hours per week.

  • We do not provide housing as part of the program, although we encourage you to connect with people at Ember Church to inquire about potential rental options or host homes.

  • Learning experiences, workshops and chapel will be held at Ember Church 14434 NE 8th St Bellevue WA, 

  • This really depends on preference and where you live. All our Sunday sites, offices and class locations are easily accessible through transit.

  • They are either a Friday or Saturday for immersive learning experience. They will be all day either on-site or off-site 9:00 am- 3:00 pm with a 1 hr lunch break at 12.

  • Yes, we ask all students to attend one service per week and engage on a service team two times a month as part of the program. This allows a healthy rhythm to sit and serve, getting both dynamics of church ministry needed. The weeks you are not serving, our suggestion is you attend to get the whole experience.