Restorative Discipleship Training

Begins Sunday morning, September 7, 9:30 a.m. – Matthew Place Training Room

Formerly called “Immanuel Lay Counseling Training,” Restorative Discipleship Training is a 13-week course designed to equip any Christian in the art and skill of personal ministry.  Such training is essential for anyone who leads one of Immanuel’s many ministries, since it will focus on an all-too-common aspect of discipleship:  Helping those who are overtaken by life-changing trials or life-dominating behaviors.  How do we connect the truth of Scripture with realities of walking as fallen people living in a fallen world?  How do we overcome the temptation to back away from such situations, especially when we know that God has called us to be, in this particular situation with this particular person, a minister of comfort and reconciliation?  We promise you that when you move toward people in such situations, it will change you as well as them. 

PART 1 – CLASSROOM COMPONENT

Topics covered in this 13-week course are: 

• What is “Restorative Discipleship” and what is its purpose?
• How is the “imago dei” significant for personal ministry?
• How does our perspective need to change?
• How does the church provide a reframed worldview of sin and its results?
• What is biblical counseling?
• How does my friend respond to God… as a saint, sufferer, sinner… or all three?
• How do we assess their response biblically?
• What is idolatry and how does it bear on their response to the situation?
• How do we respond to a heart of anger?
• How do we respond to a heart of foolishness?
• How do we respond to a heart of despair?
• How do we respond to a heart of fear?
• How do we encourage mercy, grace, and forgiveness?
• How do we encourage confession and repentance?

PART 2 – SMALL GROUP LAB-PRACTICUM

Classroom learning is essential, but not enough to become skilled in personal ministry.  We strongly recommend joining one of our 8-week “Small Group Lab-Practicum” cohorts.  Each is lead by a Care and Counseling coach and includes 4-5 students.  The Lab-Practicum cohorts will meet  weekly at Matthew Place, typically for 1.5-2 hours on an evening schedule as set by the C&C coach. 

In the Lab-Practicum cohort, you will participate in the following:

• Writing and sharing your personal story.
• Counseling and drawing out another person as they tell their story.
• Growing in the skill of asking questions and listening.
• Growing in the skill of using Scripture as you respond to another person.
• Discussing various questions from the Part 1 Classroom component.

Students registering in the Lab-Practicum cohorts must commit to attending at least 6 of 8 meetings.  Given the personal nature of the information shared, all students must sign a confidentiality agreement. 

Fall 2025 Lab-Practicum Schedule:  (Schedule TBD)

REGISTRATION

Restorative Discipleship Part 1 is $35 per person.  This fee includes all materials and books required for the course.  The Lab-Practicums are $15 per person.  Space is limited for both Part 1 and Part 2!  Please register for Restorative Discipleship here:

REGISTRATION FOR PART 1:  (Coming Soon)

REGISTRATION FOR PART 2: (Registration for Lab-Practicum Groups TBD)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  I do want to grow in the skill of personal ministry, but am not currently able to volunteer in the Immanuel Care and Counseling ministry.  Am I allowed to take Restorative Discipleship, Part 1 and Part 2?

• A: Absolutely!  You can take Part 1 or Part 1 and Part 2, either this term or in the future. 

Q:  I want to participate in Immanuel Care and Counseling as a lay counselor.  Does enrollment in Part 1 and / or Part 2 of Restorative Discipleship Training ensure that will happen?

• A:    While both Part 1 and Part 2 are required for those who will become Immanuel Lay Counselors, not everyone who takes Restorative Discipleship will immediately reflect the demonstrated ability in the skills taught to become an Immanuel Lay Counselor.   While we encourage everyone to put into immediate practice what they learn in their personal relationships, students understand that “not right now” is a possible determination when it comes to serving in Immanuel’s Lay Counseling Ministry.

Q:  I took a previous iteration of Immanuel’s “Lay Counseling Training.”  I would like a refresher, or I would like to take Part 2 by itself.  Is that allowable?

• A:   Assuming that space is available, we welcome those who want a refresher course.

Q:  I have formal education in counseling (Master of Arts in Christian / Biblical Counseling; CCEF Completion Certificates, etc.), or served in the counseling ministry at my prior church.  Do I still need to take Restorative Discipleship if I want to volunteer and serve in the Immanuel Care and Counseling Ministry? 

• A: We will consider these situations on case-by-case basis.  We will require that you take Part 2 so that a coach can assess your skill in counseling.  Note that Immanuel membership is required to serve in Immanuel’s Care and Counseling ministry.

 

Other questions?  Please reach out to Tracy Warren, 703-813-1952; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..