Gain tools and confidence to make more disciples
The Equipping Institute is a structured 36-week course that gives you seminary-level Bible knowledge and practical ministry skills—so you can serve your church, your family, and your community.
The Equipping Institute
Seminary-level training for everyday Jesus-followers
Deepen your relationship with Jesus so you can help more people in central Arkansas know and follow Him.
The Equipping Institute gives you weekly opportunities to share what you’re learning so you can practice ministry skills in real time. And you’ll build relationships that last beyond the institute. After the 36 weeks, we’ll facilitate a conversation with leaders at your church to help you employ your training there.
Lecture-based classes
Group conversations
Hands-on experiences
Learn the key areas of discipleship
Develop the heart and skills needed to live a life of disciple-making.
Becoming a disciple maker
Understand what it means to follow Jesus and fulfill the Great Commission.
Old and New Testament foundations
See how the whole Bible fits together and tells the story of God’s plan of redemption.
Following Jesus in a confused culture
Practice answering tough questions about Jesus and the Bible.
Transferable tools
Get reproducible packages you can use in your own faith conversations.
Weekly classes that fit into your schedule
We meet Monday evening every week, and one Wednesday morning per month.
Your homework is usually to take what you have learned each week and explain it to someone else. We use reflection journals and occasional assignments to help you personalize and practice the weekly material.
Monday evenings
6:30–8:30 PM (weekly)
Wednesday mornings
6:15–7:45 AM (once per month)
The institute runs from August 30, 2027 through early May, 2028.
Classes are held at the Equipping Collective office:
Earn seminary credits
You can earn 12 to 30 hours of graduate credit for completing the Equipping Institute with additional assignments. Contact us for details on earning seminary credit.
Earn course credits at these institutions:
Tuition and financial aid
Tuition for the full 36-week course is $1,500.
After acceptance, you will be asked to submit a $250 nonrefundable deposit to secure your spot. This deposit will go toward your tuition fee. You can choose to pay up-front or by monthly installments.
Financial assistance is available!
We don’t want anyone to be excluded because of finances. Contact us to discuss options.
What alumni are saying
This year has changed my view of discipleship from something I know I should do, to something I know I can do. The institute has equipped me with a feasible plan to pass on to next generation disciples.
Nolan Fertig
Class of '22
The institute has challenged me to not only be a follower of Christ, but to also fulfill the Great Commission by being intentional in discipling others to be followers of Christ.
Rebecca McEachern
Class of '18
Honestly, I never thought about purposeful discipleship until I started the institute and I’ve done church all my life. I actually used to think it was super weird when I heard believers refer to others as “their disciples.” Now I understand disciple-making to be a nonnegotiable imperative of the Christian walk. I used to think baptism was the end goal of sharing the Gospel, but now understand it as really step 1 and there’s more work to be done. New and old believers all need to be discipled, which means we need believers who know how to disciple.
John Mark Adkison
Class of '21
This has been an AMAZING experience. The institute has helped me be better equipped when speaking and sharing the Lord’s Word with more confidence. I feel like I know the Lord even more intimately now. I believe with my whole heart that EVERY believer should have this life changing experience.
Alexis Ware
Class of '17
While I was going through the institute, I had a realization that discipleship starts in the home, and developed a strong conviction that my children should be my primary disciples. This led me to the decision to take a leap of faith and become a stay-at-home mom. The institute has provided me with so many resources to where I feel confident in discipling my children.
Rachel Swanepoel
Class of '17
This year has been transformational in my life! I have learned so much about God through our deep study of the Word; I have a better understanding of how the Bible fits together and a passion like I didn’t have before for discipling others. This is well worth the time and money!
Callie Cate
Class of '17
Application process
We are currently accepting applications for the 2027–28 institute.
Apply
Submit an online application, including one pastoral reference and one character reference.
Gather references
Our team contacts and gathers information from your references.
Complete an interview
We’ll schedule a time for you to talk with our team and get your questions answered.
Frequently asked questions
Contact us with additional questions.
Who is the Equipping Institute for?
The Equipping Institute is for any committed follower of Christ who wants to grow their understanding of Scripture and make disciples in their home, church, and community. The institute is an interdenominational, multiethnic, multigenerational program that equips Christ-followers to make disciples.
What will we study?
Over the course of the institute, we walk through 70% of the Bible. Alongside our journey through the text of Scripture, we cover basic discipleship, Old and New Testament foundations, and reproducible tools for evangelism, apologetics, and teaching.
Will I have homework?
The institute requires two hours per week of live class time. Your homework is usually to take what you have learned each week and explain it to someone else. We use reflection journals and occasional assignments to help you personalize and practice the weekly material.
When do classes meet?
Classes meet every Monday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and one Wednesday morning per month from 6:15 AM to 7:45 AM.
Where do classes meet?
Classes meet at the Equipping Collective office at the following address:
What if I have regular work or school conflicts with the schedule?
The majority of our students are full-time employees and are typically able to make our current class times. However, if you have questions about making your schedule work with the institute commitment, please contact us.
Are there holiday breaks for class?
Yes! We will have breaks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. We will communicate specific dates at the start of the institute.
Can I still hear the teaching if I have to miss a class?
Yes! All of our students have access to class audio recordings, corresponding session notes, and slides so you can catch up if you miss a class or want to revisit a topic for further study. After you graduate from the institute, you will have lifetime access to the content, plus access to new materials for future institutes.
How much does the institute cost?
Tuition for the full 36-week course is $1,500, which includes a $250 nonrefundable deposit to secure your spot.
Do you offer scholarships?
Financial assistance is available! We don’t want anyone to be excluded because of finances. Contact us to discuss options.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes! Tuition can be paid monthly, per semester, or all at once. We also accept tuition payments by automatic bank transfer.
Can I earn seminary credit?
You can earn 12 to 30 hours of graduate credit for completing the Equipping Institute with additional assignments. Contact us for details on earning seminary credit.
The Equipping Collective has credit partnerships with these institutions:
- Dallas Theological Seminary
- Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Let's make disciples together
Get started
How will God use you to bring the gospel to more people? Get equipped to do His work in the Arkansas discipleship movement.
