Menu

Women's Discipleship Training Program

Think Biblically, Live Missionally, Serve Humbly

So much more than a “PROGRAM”

We equip the next generation of young Christian women with the Biblical Truths, Ministry Skills and Life Skills necessary to fulfill Jesus’s mandate to first be His disciples, then make disciples and live as His ambassadors.

Discipleship is a life-long project not something that can be completed in a 9 month period. WDTP launches a lifetime of unpacking the Gospel and getting to know the character of God through the story of the Bible, following Christ and inviting others to follow alongside. It happens in & outside of the classroom in formal and informal ways, with a high emphasis on application and community.

Jean Klughart // 940-300-3234 //

Academic

If you’re looking for an academic challenge, diving deep into scripture as well as learning how to study it yourself, WDTP is for you! You will be given seminary level assignments, and even be taught in part by seminary professors and a former seminary president, in an intimate setting where you can ask them questions and get to know them! But you will ALSO be spurred to go far beyond mere academics & memorizing data, as you will be challenged to apply the truths in your daily life as well as preach them to the deepest parts of your own souls. God calls us to love Him with all of our heart, all of our mind, all of our soul and all of our strength…not just fill our brains or operate in our comfort zone.

Fellowship

If you are looking to surround yourself with like-minded believers and build lifelong friendships, WDTP is for you! Often women come in as strangers but leave as one another’s bridesmaids. We get to know one another far below the surface level, as our ribs are opened and our hearts are exposed. The Gospel frees us to be known, knowing that our righteousness is found in Christ, not in our performance. But the key to true fellowship is being rooted and grounded in Christ. So you will ALSO be spurred on to know Him more and grow in your relationship with Him first and foremost, through the study of His Word. Then the relationships with peers and mentors can grow as deep as you choose to pursue. The opportunity is provided but you must take advantage of it. Don’t let the academic side scare you, you can do it!

The Program

Amazing Race

Stripping the Facade, Building the Team

From our very first night, we will be seeking to drop the facade we are all tempted to hide behind and be real. So we start with an Amazing Race, usually in 100° temps, where we will do some of the wackiest things that melt away our masks and enable months worth of team building to occur in 2-3 hours. This ridiculously fun evening will include physical, mental, & social challenges so everyone has a chance to shine. It jump starts the year together on many levels. You come in as strangers and you leave about 3 hours later as friends, diminishing anxieties in the process!

Discovering the Character of God

Pursuing Our Relationship with The Lord

Multiple Instructors

Unpacking the Gospel

Even believers who know it best, are regularly tempted to leave it behind and jump on the "treadmill of performance." We want to establish from our first weekend together that the gospel is not only the gate into the Christian walk but it is the key to our entire Christian life. We often spend so much time shrink wrapping the gospel in order to share it succinctly with others, that we never take the time to unpack it and realize all that is ours in Christ.

Multiple Instructors

Genesis - Ruth

The Old Testament is the beginning of the story of the Bible. Without having a basic knowledge of it, we will never truly understand the New Testament. It gives the vital “backstory” that transforms our understanding of the N.T. from black and white to living color. When John declares of Christ “behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”, unless you know the O.T., those words make no sense. Plus, many falsely believe there is a difference between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament (as well as between God & Christ). This myth will be dispelled as we get to know the character of God and grow to love him more and depend on Him more in the process.

Dr. Stephen Bramer

Unlocking the Prophets

Dr. Stephen Bramer will take us through the minor prophets, showing us how these books fit into the story of the Bible as well as how to read them with greater understanding & appreciation.

Independent Study

The Gospels

Each student will study the Gospels (one in particular, of their choosing) with the purpose of learning “How did Jesus disciple?” Most of us get our ideas of discipleship (if we have any), from a pastor, leader, book, etc.. You will sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from the Master, what He means when He tells us to go make disciples.

Tommy Nelson

Romans

Romans is the Gospel according to Paul and is both theologically rich and one of the finest pieces of literature ever written. Tom Nelson will teach us the book and theology of Romans in a way that turn on so many lightbulbs. It’s a game changer!

Charles Stolfus

Hebrews

Hebrews will connect the dots between what we’ve learned in the O.T. with the New. Charles Stolfus will unpack this theologically rich treasure trove in a way that will both lift our eyes & humble our hearts.

Displaying the Glory of God

Putting the Academic into Practice

Life Skills

There are skills needed to navigate life successfully that many young adults do not have. Even those who have them need to know how to teach them to others. Some of the life skills taught in WDTP include listening and communication; budgeting and finance/investing; biblical sexuality; hospitality & basic homemaking skills; how to write resumés & interviewing skills; and a panel of men answering questions on dating from a man’s perspective.

Accountability Groups

In addition to time in the classroom, each student will participate in smaller accountability groups. These groups focus on applying the gospel in our daily lives. Groups are currently studying Instruments In the Redeemer’s Hand, while memorizing about a chapter of scripture per semester (1 verse per week). Accountability groups meet every other week rotating with meetings with mentors on the off weeks.

Ministry Skills

Our students pick and serve in a ministry in the church and learn real ministry skills as they apply what they are learning in class. We also train them in ministry skills including memorizing and meditating on scripture, an introduction to biblical counseling, and missional living.

Bible Study Methods

Students will be introduced to Bible Study methods they can use to continue studying the Bible for the rest of their lives.

Mentor Discipleship

You learn what discipleship is. Not just by studying scripture or completing the class assignments, but by having women who are older and have a burning desire for the Lord, to walk alongside you throughout the nine months and the seasons that come with them.

retreats

Jesus often called His disciples to come away with him. So, part of the rhythm of program includes drawing away from the daily pressures. Getting away isn’t enough, it must include intentionally drawing near to Him. We are blessed to have some of the finest teachers, including seminary professors and their wives, at these retreats. The speakers will fan the flames of our hearts to know and enjoy the Lord MORE. We also have chunks of free time to refresh and replenish and build relationships both with The Lord and with each other.

Out of Town Retreats

Pure Hope Ranch
Talco, TX

The three out-of-town retreats feature premier speakers in a very restful setting. Past speakers include DTS Professor: Dr. Stephen Bramer, former DTS President: Dr Mark Bailey as well as Charles Stolfus, Jen Windle, Sukhwant Bhatia & Suzan Banks. These weekends are what set the Women’s Discipleship Training Program apart. The setting, the speakers and the space given to replenish our souls.

In Town Retreats

 
Denton, TX

The first in-town retreat is where relationships begin to take root. The second is our Reunion Retreat where old relationships are rekindled as former WDTP women and Young Guns men return to hear Tommy teach something different every time. These are commuter retreats that happen from Friday evening to lunchtime Saturday.

FAqs

Can I have a job?

Absolutely! Most work either full-time or part-time. Whether at home or in the workplace, wherever we are is a mission field.

What is the cost?

In addition to time and focus, the registration fee is $600 which doesn’t begin to cover the costs of our retreats, speakers and curriculum. A gracious gift in the memory of Alisha Wilhite (a former program young lady) covers the other half. You must secure your own housing. When we know of options, we pass them along. You’ll share costs for gas driving to retreats, and will pay for your own meals, coming and going to retreats. Any expenses associated with the ministry you serve in will not be covered by this.

What is the schedule?

We start in mid-August and end in early May. We will be in the classroom Monday and Thursday nights from 6-9 (though some of these are held in homes and include dinners). In addition, each week you will either be in an accountability group or meeting with your mentor (these rotate, one this week, the other the next). Then we typically have 5 retreats--3 out of town and 2 in-town commuter retreats (sleeping in your own bed each night). You'll also serve in a ministry of DBC of your choice and attend DBC (unless you are on staff or in a leadership role in another local church). It is 9 months loaded with blessings. We also take breaks (Christmas and Spring Break).

Who can apply to WDTP?

This program is tailored for young Christian women in their 20’s & 30’s who are out of college (or not going). There are occasional exceptions. Single and married women are welcomed. Whether a brand new believer or a seminary graduate, this program has proven beneficial to any hungry woman who wants to grow in her relationship with the Lord and her knowledge of His Word, His will and His ways. You must be faithful with what you already know and hungry for more. If your motive is just to pad your spiritual resumé, this probably isn’t the group for you.

Can I get seminary credit for going through this program?

If you complete WDTP you can test out of classes at DTS.

What do women do after program?

SERVE! DISCIPLE! LIVE MISSIONALLY!

Some go into vocational ministry, some go to seminary, some serve in the marketplace, some serve in their home and community, some volunteer in their churches, or other local ministries or non-profit organizations. Some serve as missionaries and/or return to their home state and/or country equipped to serve there.

"I was in a Human Trafficking Coalition meeting a couple years ago and had to introduce myself. After the woman sitting next to me from Homeland Security gave a lengthy introduction of herself, I was panicking on what to say. But as I looked around the room, I realized that I had trained women who served in almost all of the organizations represented in the room. So, when it was my turn, I simply pointed to different members, identifying who from their organization I’d trained." - Jean Klughart

Our graduates are making a difference in innumerable ways!
  • Staff/Volunteers in international and domestic organizations and ministries
  • Lawyers
  • Medical roles
  • Teachers and college professors
  • Professional photographers
  • Moms
  • Realtors
  • Ministry staff and/or wives of pastors
  • Barbers/Stylists

Our graduates range from High School graduates to PhD’s, JD’s and more. They’ve come from all walks of life and backgrounds, some beyond your wildest imagination. They are NOT shaped into cookie cutter copies of us when they leave the program–rather they maintain their distinct personalities, but most do resemble Christ more when they leave.

Apply Now!

WDTP is an intense 9 month initiative into a lifelong pursuit of knowing and following the Lord, not merely knowing about Him. You then learn to invite and facilitate others to know and follow Him as well. Reading the Bible with the goal of really knowing Him and His character changes everything. It’s more than merely learning data. It’s getting to know Him personally and being transformed in the process. It informs our minds, but it also transforms our affections, clarifies the direction of our lives, and refines our priorities.

If you are ready for the commitment submit your application and join us!

APPLY NOW!

Instructors

Leaders

Jean Klughart
Director
Ann Little
Former Women's Ministry Director

Speakers

Tom Nelson
Sr. Pastor of Denton Bible Church
Charles Stolfus
Pastor, Lay Institute Director & Young Guns Director
Dr. Stephen Bramer
Dept. Chair and Professor of Bible Exposition at DTS
Amy Bruton
Speaker on Biblical Sexuality, Apologetics & Pro-life issues

Mentors/Teachers

Kinsey Adamson
Lucy Milbitz
Carlie Kuban
Kim Woodson
Patti Wren

Testimonials

Hear from those who have invested 9 months in the Women's Discipleship Training Program about the lasting impact that resulted. While there are some common threads, each woman's experience is unique, based on personality, background and level of commitment. Here are just a few comments from people coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and personalities. As you hear their stories, we hope they will make you hunger for more.

View all the student testimonial videos

Sarah Feeny

“During those 9 months, my view of God was expanded wide open as the scriptures were being taught in a way I’d never heard before. All that I learned in Program, has set a foundation for how I view life and has cleared the lens through which I view the world around me. Every class, every book, every homework assignment, and all the scripture memory, all the fellowship, and all the retreats, were worth every minute of it!”

Preslie Davis

“During ‘program’, I learned that every part of the Bible is so unbelievably important. I was taught the foundation that I now can build on throughout the rest of my life. I was taught to slow down and look at the ways God was moving in my life. The women that poured into me are some of the sweetest most wonderful women I have ever met and the bonds I share will last forever. It was 9 months full of me being pushed and stretched, growth and laughter. If you squeeze every ounce of sweet honey that comes out of those 9 months I can promise you won’t regret it. When it was all over Jean asked “do you love Him more, do you trust Him more?” and I can confidently say absolutely YES!”

Carlie Kuban

"The Women's Discipleship Training Program was a place where I learned about grace and freedom in Christ as a believer. The discipleship this program offers is invaluable, and I wouldn't trade what I learned in those 9 months for anything!"

Dr. Stephen Bramer

“If you are aware of a young woman, college age, who could greatly profit from an in-depth 9-month Women's Discipleship Training Program I highly suggest you make them aware of this unique program. Sharon and I have been a small part of seeing God change women's lives through this program. If I had a twenty-something year old daughter I would almost "insist" she become part of this program!“

Ne'Chelle Lincoln

“I came into ‘program’ not knowing much about God. I had just given my life over to God a couple months before. Everything changed for me. I got to know God and learn and recognize His love for me. I was able to trace His handiwork throughout my life and see his protection over me. I made lifelong friendships with a few of the ladies in the program.“

Kim Woodson

“God, through ‘Program’, changed my spiritual life. The depth at which we studied the Bible drew me closer to Him and gave me a life changing view of His goodness. I let go of the control I thought I had on my life and the people in it. I look at people and situations now through the lens of Jesus. My relationships changed. My marriage is flourishing and is a testimony to His goodness."

Jamie Lucas

"The WDTP taught me through the intense study of God's word and through the mentoring and unconditional love of the leaders, that God loved me right where I was. I finally understood what grace truly meant and I felt free. My heart was transformed through the study, relationships and accountability I had that precious year."
"I cannot emphasize enough how incredible this program is. I think every woman should do it. The truths you learn will become the foundation that you can build upon for the rest of your life."

Jaime Shadowens

“The Women's Discipleship Training program challenged my thinking and stretched me spiritually and emotionally. It was not all comfortable, but I grew leaps and bounds!"