THE ENCOUNTER
The Encounter is an advanced discipleship program. This is an in-depth classroom and experiential program designed to take the learner deeper into their own spiritual journey and equip the disciple to become the discipler. The purpose of The Encounter is to provide the opportunity to encounter Christ in community with other believers, as well as equip them to effectively communicate the truth of the indwelling, empowering presence of Christ as Life. The students will participate in community with fellow students, as well as have opportunities to meet with a personal mentor.
Next Encounter Cohort launching Spring 2026
What is It?
The Encounter is an advanced discipleship program. This is an in-depth classroom and experiential program designed to take the learner deeper into their own spiritual journey and equip the disciple to become the discipler. The purpose of The Encounter is to provide the opportunity to encounter Christ in community with other believers, as well as equip them to effectively communicate the truth of the indwelling, empowering presence of Christ as Life. The students will participate in community with fellow students, as well as have opportunities to meet with a personal mentor.
Who is it for?
Any individual who desires to grow deeper in their walk in God, get grounded in their identity in Christ, and/or wants to be equipped to understand and communicate Christ’s Life in us!
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The training is conducted by Freedom Path Counseling staff and other gifted speakers via video. Completion of The Encounter does not qualify one as a counselor, however, it is the first step to receiving your Network 220 Discipleship Counselor certificate, which will be granted on completion of the second segment Equipping the Discipleship Counselor. Students will be required to complete outside reading, podcasts and other homework assignments in addition to class attendance if a certificate is desired.
Essentials to Know
PROGRAM FORMAT
Weekly Encounter: Typically 2 hours or so each week of live sessions. The weekly program is approximately 7 months.
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THIS CLASS MEETS VIA ZOOM
SAMPLE TOPICS
Study of Romans Chapters 5-8
Identity in Christ & Concept of God
Law & Grace, Brokenness to Entrusting
Forgiveness, Co-dependency, Guilt & Shame
Listening, Intimacy with God
REQUIREMENTS
Attend and participate in class
Complete all Required Reading and Listening
Complete journal assignments
Write a final paper on your personal encounter with Christ.
Application Fee: $28.00
Program Cost: $1,500.00
Books are student’s responsibility to purchase.
VIEW REQUIRED MATERIALS LIST (COMING SOON)
Getting Started
Step 1: Attend By Divine Design Seminar
Our By Divine Design Seminar is a prerequisite to The Encounter. We offer this seminar in a variety of formats, go on over to our seminar page to learn more!
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Step 2: Submit an Application
The application process will include several steps: fill out personal info, answer a series of questions, select three references, and pay for assessment ($25.00).
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Step 3: Complete Assessment & Interview
We want to get to know you! After you have submitted your application you will receive an online assessment via email, this assessment will cost $25.00. Once it is completed, please contact our front office to set up an interview with our program director.
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Step 4: Ready to go!
Following your interview we will assign you to a group and contact you with next steps.