A new program that equips, empowers, and deploys participants for mission-minded discipleship is now offering places for 2024 after graduating its first cohort this past year.
Catalyst is an initiative of the South Pacific Division of Seventh-day Adventists (SPD) in partnership with Avondale University. Promoted as a discipleship adventure, the 12-week, non-accredited, short course is for those who have “a burning desire for their lives to matter for God, regardless of age and circumstance, but need the knowledge and skills to become disciple-makers,” said Dr. Gilbert Cangy, director of the SPD’s Institute of Discipleship.
Seven participants completed the inaugural course in November 2023. They have now returned to their local churches where, according to Dr. Cangy, they will work in their relational streams and Indigenous cultures and contexts for the long term, with no short-term end date and at no ongoing cost. “The graduates felt invigorated in their spiritual walk,” he said.
Equipped to serve in a diversity of leadership positions, including as elders, small group leaders, or home-based church planters, graduates of the course will work with their respective pastors, local churches, and conferences to help grow the church, said Pastor Glenn Townend, SPD president.
Catalyst “lays a knowledge foundation that gives participants a Christ-centered confidence in the Adventist Church and in their beliefs,” said Dr. Cangy. “They learn the disciple-making principles exemplified by Jesus. They gain an understanding and appreciation of His ministry strategy and the phases in the disciple-making journey. And they are introduced to guideposts and key tools for prophetic understanding of Daniel and Revelation.”
More importantly, added Dr. Cangy, the participants “experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit as they put discipleship principles into practice, as they study God’s Word, and as they learn to pray for and recognize people of peace, sow Gospel seeds, and make a Gospel presentation.”
The participants say Catalyst has helped clarify life purpose and direction. Six of the seven, for example, are interested in continuing their studies at Avondale—in teaching, ministry, business, outdoor leadership, and individual support.
Catalyst: for you or someone you know
Secure your place in Catalyst now or help a young adult do the same by Adopting a Disciple. Visit catalyst.c4d.au.
The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.