Why The Institute?
Studies show that many followers of Jesus struggle to articulate what they believe or how the Bible fits together as one unified story centered on Christ. Yet Jesus commands us: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.” — Matthew 28:19–20
As Jen Wilkin reminds us, “The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” Our desire is to help believers grow in their understanding of who Jesus is, so that we can live for Him every day, with everyone, everywhere. Launched in 2022, The Institute exists to equip followers of Jesus with a deeper knowledge of Scripture and theology—and to help them apply that truth in everyday life.
Over five semesters, more than 35 participants per class have studied Christian Story (biblical theology) and Christian Belief (systematic theology). Now, we’re excited to re-launch The Institute in 2026 with a renewed focus on spiritual formation and Christian living.
The Institute
CORE CLASS: CHRISTIAN FORMATION
11-Week Course on Wednesdays, Beginning January 25
6-8 PM | The Refuge, Salem Campus
This 11-week class at the Salem Campus will explore the essential habits, disciplines, and practices that shape a Christ-centered life. Together, we’ll look at: Bible intake (reading, meditation, application) Prayer and fasting Community and service Work and rest Evangelism and apologetics Developing a biblical worldview (politics, sexuality, and more) This course will draw from Formed for Fellowship by Kyle Worley and Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. Join us and be a part of the next chapter of The Institute as we pursue deeper faith and formation together.
Childcare is available for children, ages birth-5th grade, with advanced registration. K-5th grade can take part in Music & Missions. Children will be spending half the time doing praise and worship and half the time focused on missions and mission projects
For additional information about the Forum, contact: Jake Preston, email.
The Institute FORUM
JANUARY 25 | 6-7:30 PM
Location: FCC Español Room, the Annex | Salem
The Stories that Form Us
We are all being formed by something and we are all inhabiting a story to make sense of our lives. The question is, are we being formed by God’s story or a cultural story? This Forum will both present common cultural stories and contrast them with God’s story and identify the habits, practices, and disciplines that characterize those stories, with the goal of being more fully formed by God’s story as revealed in Scripture.
Forums are stand-alone, one-time gatherings that provide an opportunity for the whole church to be trained in an essential area of discipleship.
Kids Life Classes are available for children birth-5th grade with advanced registration.
For additional information about the Forum, contact: Jake Preston, email.
At FCC, we believe that the Bible and theology are for everyone. The Institute is intended to be a place of learning and education, with the goal of helping disciples of Jesus develop a foundational knowledge of theology and the Bible that can be applied to everyday life.
CORE CLASSES
Christian Story
An 11-week course that covers the basic storyline of Scripture. The goal of this class is to equip disciples to both comprehend and participate in the true story of the world in richer ways.
Christian Belief
An 11-week course that covers the basic orthodox beliefs of Christianity. The goal of this class is to equip disciples to understand, explain, and apply the basic confessions of the Christian faith.
Christian Formation
An 11-week course that covers the basic practices and habits that form the Christian life. The goal of this class is to equip disciples to understand, value, and implement these practices in their lives as means of practicing the way of Jesus.
For more information, contact Jake Preston.