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Spiritual Formation and Discipleship Curriculum

This curriculum is designed to guide the people of Wellspring Church—and others walking with us—into a lifelong journey of deepening spiritual maturity, Christlike character, and faithful engagement in God’s mission. Rooted in the conviction that discipleship is the central call of the Church, this curriculum offers a holistic and intentional pathway for spiritual formation through clear teaching, guided practice, and life in Christian community.

Organized into thematic tracks, the curriculum covers key areas of discipleship: from foundational Christian beliefs and spiritual practices to life in the Spirit, character development, and vocational discernment. Each track includes core content areas, carefully curated reading lists, and recommended resources to equip believers at every stage of their journey—from new believers to seasoned leaders.

Whether used in small groups, Sunday school classes, or one-on-one mentorship, this curriculum is designed to foster growth that is both deep and wide: forming the heart, informing the mind, and shaping lives that reflect the love and lordship of Jesus Christ in every sphere of life.

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1.0 Foundations of Faith

This track explores the core of the Christian faith through this foundational track covering basic beliefs, the structure and story of the Bible, and the gospel narrative from creation to new creation. Includes an introduction to the creed, Trinity, salvation, the Church, and eschatology, with optional focus on Wesleyan distinctives. Designed to ground believers in a clear, gospel-centered worldview.

Foundations of Faith Core Curriculum

  • Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis | Offers a clear, thoughtful exploration of the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Drawing on logic, moral reasoning, and everyday experience, Lewis presents a compelling case for Christianity’s truth and its power to transform lives.
  • Called to be Holy: A Biblical Perspective by John Oswalt | Called to Be Holy by John Oswalt provides a clear and biblical exploration of the doctrine of holiness, showing how God calls and empowers believers to live lives of Christlike love and purity. Rooted in Scripture and Wesleyan theology, Oswalt offers a compelling vision of sanctification as the joyful transformation of God’s people.
  • Classic Christianity by Thomas Oden | Classic Christianity by Thomas Oden presents a rich, accessible summary of historic Christian doctrine, drawing from the consensual teachings of the early church. With clarity and pastoral warmth, Oden guides readers through the core beliefs of the Christian faith, grounding modern discipleship in the wisdom of the ancient, ecumenical tradition.
  • The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism by Ben Myers |

    The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism by Ben Myers offers a concise, insightful exploration of Christianity’s earliest confession of faith. With clarity and theological depth, Myers unpacks each line of the Creed, showing how it shapes Christian belief, anchors the church’s identity, and guides believers into the heart of the gospel.

Foundations of Faith Content Areas
  • Basic Christian Beliefs (Creed, Trinity, Salvation, Church, Eschatology, etc.)
  • Overview of the Bible (structure, major themes, how to read it)
  • The Gospel Story: Creation, Fall, Redemption, Restoration
  • Introduction to Wesleyan/denominational distinctives (if applicable)
Supplemental/Suggested Reading

2.0 Spiritual Practices

This track guides participants into time-tested spiritual practices that cultivate intimacy with God and shape daily life. Learn to engage in prayer, Scripture meditation, worship, Sabbath, fasting, and simplicity, while developing a personal rule of life that nurtures grace-filled rhythms of spiritual growth.

Spiritual Practices Core Curriculum

  • Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster | Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster is a classic guide to the spiritual disciplines that shape a deeper, more vibrant Christian life. Through practices like prayer, fasting, simplicity, and service, Foster shows how believers can cultivate spiritual maturity, experience inner transformation, and grow in communion with God.
  • The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard | The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard explores how practicing the spiritual disciplines leads to genuine transformation into Christlikeness. Willard shows why disciplines such as solitude, prayer, fasting, and service are essential for living as Jesus lived, offering a compelling vision of discipleship rooted in grace, habit, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Practices Content Areas
  • Prayer (personal, intercessory, contemplative, liturgical)
  • Bible Study and Meditation
  • Worship and Sabbath
  • Fasting and Simplicity
  • Confession and Guidance
  • Rule of Life / Rhythms of Grace
Supplemental/Suggested Reading
  • The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

3.0 Healing and Life in Christian Community

Discover how life in Christian community forms us into the likeness of Christ. This track explores the biblical call to fellowship, hospitality, forgiveness, accountability, and spiritual friendship—equipping believers to build healthy, grace-filled relationships rooted in truth and love.

Life in Christian Community Core Curriculum

  • Healing for Damaged Emotions  by David Seamands | A classic Christian guide to emotional healing, Healing for Damaged Emotions by David Seamands offers pastoral wisdom on overcoming shame, fear, brokenness through God’s grace, truth, and restoring love.
  • Life Together  by Dietrich Bonhoeffer | A concise and compelling reflection on Christian community, Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores shared life in Christ, spiritual disciplines, confession, prayer, and the cost and joy of authentic fellowship.
  • The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero | A practical and transformative guide, the Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero shows how spiritual maturity and emotional health must grow together for leaders and churches to experience lasting discipleship and genuine transformation.
  • The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thompson | A compassionate, neuroscience-informed exploration of shame, The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson reveals how grace, community, and embodied love restore identity, heal trauma, and form resilient Christian maturity.
  • Addiction and Virtue by Kent Dunnington | A thoughtful and humane reimagining of addiction, Addiction and Virtue: Beyond the Models of Disease and Choice explores addiction through moral formation, habit, and character, offering a richer framework for healing, responsibility, and hope.
Healing and life in Christian Community Content Areas
  • Emotional Healing
  • Fellowship and Hospitality
  • Forgiveness and Reconciliation
  • Small Groups and Accountability
  • Healthy Conflict and Communication
  • Spiritual Friendship and Mentorship
Supplemental/Suggested Reading

4.0 Discipleship & Evangelism

This track equips believers to live as everyday disciples and bold witnesses for Christ. Learn how to share your personal testimony, communicate the gospel clearly, and embrace a lifestyle of missional living, hospitality, and outreach in your home, workplace, and community.

Discipleship & Evangelism Core Curriculum

  • The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman | A timeless classic on discple-making, The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman presents Jesus’ relational, intentional approach to forming disciples who multiply the gospel through life-on-life investment.
Discipleship & Evangelism
  • Personal Testimony and Witness
  • Sharing the Gospel with Others
  • Living as a Missionary Disciple in Daily Life
  • Missional Hospitality and Outreach
Supplemental/Suggested Reading