"Follow me and I will make you fishers of men." Mark 1:17
1:17 Discipleship is an intensive residential ministry that shapes and sends passionate followers of Jesus to make an impact where they live, work, learn, and play.
Transforming Lives and Developing Leaders
To be sent well, we must be shaped well. Our discipleship pathway deeply forms new followers, equips them to serve, and sends them to multiply.
Shaping
The early months of the program focus on the inward character formation and biblical foundations upon which a new life is built.
Serving
Serving others is an essential component of our ministry. By serving, we share the love of Jesus with those in desperate need.
Sending
After a season of shaping and serving, men of 1:17 are equipped for leadership in new Kingdom initiatives, utilizing their gifts, passions, and story.
Graduates Testimony: Shane
I see redemption in my life. I have a family in Christ now, and I'm seeing my kids again. It's just amazing. Sometimes I can't even talk about it because I can see where I'm at and where I used to be—it's emotional sometimes. But I get to wake up every day and see my brothers, and I have time with them on the weekend. It's special. It's changed my life so much. I've been on the streets. I held a sign. I've been out in the rain. I pushed a shopping cart. I think that I needed that. Looking back at it now, I believe that for my real purpose in life and what I'm supposed to be doing, that pain was necessary.
For a while, I forgot what love was. I remembered loving my children, but as the years went by, even though I had contact with them, I'd forgotten what love truly felt like. There for a minute, I thought I was never going to talk to my kids again—that I was going to die out there. The pain you feel in those moments is unforgettable. I'll never forget holding a cardboard sign because there was so much shame in it for me. But now when people see me, they see Jesus. My children know the love that comes out of me, and that's coming from Jesus.
I have to make myself look back at it, because there's somebody else out there right now in the cold who doesn't have a blanket, doesn't have anybody feeding their spiritual needs or bringing them Jesus. I have to look at that every day and say, you know what? I don't want nobody to feel like that. So many people look at our friends who are unhoused and see them as a nuisance or an inconvenience—they see the shell, but they don't see the soul. When we get together on Sunday nights at the Boys and Girls Club, it's a beautiful, holy kingdom circus where everybody comes together. It's people finding community who feel so alone, people like Kathy and Rosie and Trina—all these people who have never had what they have now. And I think it comes from love.
Our Community...
1:17 is a rigorous program with a very high bar. Our vision is to develop and deploy missionaries to impact the world for Jesus. We call our men higher and push them to the limit of their potential. We are very involved in rhythms of study and service. The early disciples gathered daily for worship and study. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, the breaking of bread, to fellowship, and prayer (Acts 2:42). These four pillars are a way of life for the men of 1:17.
We have a close-knit community that values service and study but also cutting loose and making memories. We believe in creating space for rhythms of adventure, leisure, and retreat. We grill out, play games, see movies, attend concerts, go to conferences. We hold our unity and brotherhood in the highest regard. Covenant friendships where men feel safe to be vulnerable are catalytic in cultivating change. We are not only saved FROM something terrible, but saved FOR something beautiful. We chase that FOR... together as one.
Finding Your Place in God's Kingdom
1:17 Discipleship pours deeply into our men to aid them in discovery of their unique Kingdom calling with three areas of focus: Gifts, Passions, and Story
Developing Gifts
Mentoring and coaching helps men identify and develop their gifts. We create space for our men to experiment, be creative, and fail forward. Our men grow in both confidence and capacity as we call them higher and offer opportunities to practice.
Discovering Passions
Within each of us lies a heart passion waiting to be released. With an array of experiences, men discover what makes their heart sing and are supported to help fan the flames of their passions.
Telling Stories
We leverage our stories of brokenness to bring healing into the lives of those who are now where we once were. Our stories build bridges and give hope to others. Leadership provides coaching and opportunities to maximize the effectiveness of each disciple's redemption story.
"I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see"
Each graduate of 1:17 Discipleship goes with confident assurance of God's goodness and provision as they press into a new life as servant leaders.
“God gave His son to us for a purpose: to forgive our sins and to help us discover ours. 117 has opened my eyes to so much and I will give my life to helping others find it.”
Richard Feaster
1:17 Graduate and Assistant House Manager