Discipleship

Briercrest is a Canadian Christ-centred, Bible-anchored, and ministry-focused community that includes three schools: a high school, college, and seminary. Our schools share a commitment to train students to seek the kingdom of God, to be shaped profoundly by the Scriptures, and to be formed spiritually and intellectually for lives of service.

Below are five essential characteristics of a disciple. As each of these marks is known, valued, and lived out, a disciple can imitate Christ. These five marks can be seen in our student body, especially in daily chapels, small groups, discipleship in dorms, and outreach opportunities.

SURRENDER

Surrender is essential for the growth of the remaining five marks in a disciple’s life. Without it, those aspiring to be like Christ risk legalism, hypocrisy, or ongoing failure. Surrender is central to the discipleship journey, serving as the root, channel, and catalyst for each mark of a disciple.

 

COMMUNITY

Community is cultivated by engaging in a local church and developing loving, intentional, transformational relationships that are expressed through “one another” obedience, with other disciples.

 

PURSUIT

Pursuing God involves both community and personal practices, balancing private and public engagement. It is cultivated through spiritual practices such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, fasting, meditation, silence, and rest, both individually and in corporate and communal settings.

 

SERVICE

Service is cultivated by contributing to a local church or helping others in need, giving generously, and using one’s spiritual gifts to build up the body of Christ.

 

MISSION

Mission is cultivated by praying for lost people, building friendships with those far from God, and courageously seeking to share the gospel in every aspect of our lives, whether at home, work, or during leisure activities. Sharing the Good News and doing good deeds are practiced, but priority is given to gospel witness.

Chapel

Chapel creates a space for our students, staff, and faculty to call one another to seek the kingdom of God. As we learn from the Scriptures, sing, and pray together, we grow in our understanding of what it means to live as followers of Jesus. Gathering together daily to worship plays a significant role in cultivating a Christ-centred community on campus and facilitating individual spiritual growth.