“Men who want to be godly leaders in their family, business, community, or church
would greatly benefit from this intense discipleship course. It is not for the faint of heart
but for men who want to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and be prepared to teach
others about Jesus. The Scripture memory, doctrinal studies, and real life application
make this an excellent course for any individual or church.”
Bob Russell
Retired Senior Minister
Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
“The only thing better than seeing a man pursue God is seeing him do it with other men.
Kurt and Eric’s material will be a great blessing to all brothers who want to help each
other be more like Jesus.“
Rick Atchley
Senior Minister
Richland Hills Church of Christ (Fort Worth, TX)
“As a Bible college professor, I evaluate books, and this one is excellent—discerning in
both scope and sequence. As a preacher, I evaluate lives. I spent a year working at
Southeast Christian Church and saw firsthand the lives this book transformed. I saw the
people who went through the material grow in depth, wisdom, hunger, and godliness.
Thanks, Kurt and Eric, for making disciples and for making a great discipling tool.”
Matt Proctor
President
Ozark Christian College (Joplin, MO)
We have had the wonderful experience of leading DC/Thoroughly Equipped groups both
in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and in Southwest Florida. This material is relevant
and challenging regardless of geography. It is exciting to see men and women grow in
their relationship with God and be used by God in many ways.
Dwight Wilkins
Administrative Pastor
New Day Christian Church (Port Charlotte, FL)
Because the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint, those who want to run the race with
perseverance would be well advised to pick up Thoroughly Equipped. This
comprehensive program of Scripture memorization, Bible reading, and doctrinal
discussion has spurred many of our church members on to a deeper relationship with
Jesus and closer community with others.
Dave Stone
Retired Senior Minister
Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
“When an average guy learns how to take his ordinary, everyday, walking around, going
to work, playing with kids, hanging out with neighbors kind of of life and places it daily
before God…extraordinary things happen! Beyond the inspiration of a men’s retreat or a
weekend church service, these materials help guys get to know God on a deeply personal
and consistent level.”
Mike Breaux
Teaching Pastor
Heartland Community Church (Rockford, IL)
DC/Thoroughly Equipped has been a great Bible Study at Laurel Church of Christ here in
Knoxville, TN. It has been an unexpected blessing for the DC members to be able to open
up and have honest and informed discussion on so many topics. Of course, some of the
topics – and definitely how people really see them – are considered almost taboo in many
churches. Not so in DC. When you start with the Bible, and have a basic understanding
of how to read and appreciate the Scriptures, no subjects are out of bounds. More
importantly, many of our ingrained ideas are exposed as weak or even unsupportable by
the Word. Sections of the Bible that were incomprehensible and unexplored become the
source of increased faith. Of course, other matters we thought were clear and simple
have become more nuanced. One of our primary mission statements at Laurel is to be
honest seekers of the truth and to encourage others on that path. DC is a great way to
further that goal. Thanks for all your good work.
John B. Waters III
Laurel Church of Christ (Knoxville, TN)
“As a graduate of DC, I had the opportunity to participate in and see firsthand how this
curriculum changes the lives of women. The discipline of memorizing Scripture, reading
through the Bible, tackling tough topics, and growing in leadership skills was profound
and humbling at the same time. I would recommend DC for anyone seeking a strong
Biblical foundation. It is not easy, but it is more than worth it!”
Debbie Scheller
Former Women’s Ministry Team Leader
Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
I am currently in the process of leading the third DC series at Lake Superior Christian
Church. Our first class at LSCC had 10 graduates. The class was so successful that
seven of the graduates were nominated for eldership and accepted the nominations.
Our second class has just completed with five graduates and I am currently leading the
third class which is going into the 400 series with seven of the nine attendees still
participating.
The DC classes are very informative and influential in imparting a new knowledge of the
Scriptures. Since the entire Bible is covered and discussed during the 100-400 level
classes everyone gets to ask their questions and receive Biblical based answers.
DC belongs in every Christian church.
Howard Schram
Lake Superior Christian Church (Marquette, MI)
Our intent in starting DC was to strengthen our leadership team. The result of the
first two years has far exceeded expectations. DC has been a life changing experience for
each member of our leadership team. Strengthened by DC, our leadership team radiates
faith, love, and harmony. And their deepened commitment to God’s mission moves
others to join in and energetically participate in the work of lovingly bring people to a
living relationship with Jesus Christ. We so appreciate your efforts and
the miraculous impact of DC. Thank you.
Art Zoss
Mount Olive Lutheran (Greenwood, IN)
DC has taken me on an interesting and unexpected voyage…I didn’t anticipate becoming
a better husband, son, father, brother, and friend. This class has challenged me and
changed me in many aspects of my life. My relationships with my wife and children have
improved. My ability to appropriately respond to temptation has improved drastically by
the grace of God…I have been blessed with brothers in Christ who will pray for me
whenever needed. Who will correct me when correction is required. Who will encourage
me through times of trial. And, who will help me when I no longer have the strength to
carry my cross on my own. I highly recommend this class to anyone interested in
growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The men’s discipleship class has truly been a blessing, and a life changing opportunity. I
had many questions going into the first class last fall, and so far the answers have
exceeded my wildest desires for every query I had. The in-depth Bible study has led to a
greater understanding of my place with the Lord, and the Lord’s place in my life, with
scripture as a solid backing for every type of daily circumstance. The weekly memory
verses are a unique tool. I have used them in many instances, and I am still amazed at the
number of times these scriptures have been exactly what was need at precisely the correct
time. The fellowship with other brothers in Christ has been more fulfilling than I had ever
hoped. More importantly, our relationships are still growing, and I look forward to seeing
my new friends every week. The work has not always been easy. I don’t suppose the Lord
would have it any other way. Would I start the class again, knowing what I know now?
Twice as fast and with half the trepidation.
The difference in my life was quick & noticeable to both me and my wife. I by no means
became perfect, but I actually noticed God becoming a larger part of my day to day life.
He was no longer confined to prayer & weekend worship. Memorizing verses &
frequently studying (sometimes daily) were like wearing corrective lenses for the first
time. The things that worried me before seemed smaller when I was so frequently
reminded how enormous our God is. The best thing I could compare this class to is
intensive physical conditioning, but in this case it is spiritual conditioning. Just like
physical conditioning, getting started seems hard and intimidating. Quickly, though, you
see the results of the training. Your spiritual endurance begins to improve. When you skip
bible study, you actually MISS it & are excited for the next time you make to get back in
the Word. I pray you consider making this commitment so that you can feel the same
reward of a stronger relationship with God.
Various DC grads
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (Columbus, IN)
Because of DC, lives have been changed for the good. There have been people in our
congregation for many years who are now rejuvenated. There are those who are willing
to step out in faith and get involved, where previously passivity reigned. We have quiet
ones who are now praying openly with others, sharing what God is doing in their lives.
Another observation is the bond that the DC groups have formed, sisterhood and
brotherhood relationships where accountability is upheld and where people have a safe
place to seek prayer and wisdom. It is so refreshing to witness these changes in the lives
of others who are making a big difference in the church body.
Sandy Baker, Westport Road Baptist Church (Louisville, KY)
I signed up to take the DC course at Christ’s Church at Mason (OH) in January of 2006.
At 48 years old, I had always attended a church, but had never read the entire Bible. I
knew something was missing in my walk with Christ and I sensed it was time for me to
jump in, knowing that I would at minimum complete my goal of reading the entire Bible.
I soon discovered that this course is much more than Bible reading.
I was one of ten men who were in the initial DC course at Christ’s Church at Mason.
Since 2006, we have had seven DC groups with over 50 men completing the course. I
have co-facilitated four of the seven groups. Men often ask me why I keep showing up on
Sunday mornings to go through the course again and again. I tell them the reason is
simple. After 25 years of attending church and adult Sunday School, I have finally found
a comprehensive study that keeps me in The Word daily and challenges me to think
through all the topics that make Christianity relevant in today’s world. In addition, this
course has allowed me to build life-changing relationships with other men. Thanks to the
DC course, I now have a “Band of Brothers”—to go to battle as I journey through the
fallen world.
At Christ’s Church at Mason, we tell men who inquire about the course that this is not
your father’s Bible study. It is Your Father’s Discipleship Plan, designed especially for
you. As we say often during the course, you are not graduating from church upon
completion. You are “Thoroughly Equipped” to make disciples of others as our Lord and
Savior Jesus has commanded us to do.
Doug Parrott, Christ’s Church at Mason (Mason, OH)
The program is now a requirement for all future Elders.
Daniel Sanders, Countryside Christian Church (Marionville, MO)
DC was vital to my spiritual growth, as well as learning leadership skills. When I first
signed up for DC, I was really hungry for God’s word and was studying daily, but I
wanted to go deeper. I knew that getting in a group with other believers who had a zeal
for the Word would feed that desire. It seemed like the natural progression in my spiritual
growth to join what I thought was the ultimate Bible study.
Though I started the course to gain more scriptural knowledge for myself, my motives
started to change about midway through the course. My purpose had now grown into
something different: how could I use the knowledge and skills I was learning for the
benefit of others. What good is knowledge if you can’t use it to benefit others?
The growth I felt during the two years in DC was phenomenal. Shortly after graduating, I
was given the opportunity to lead a group. I resisted at first, but soon realized that this
would be a great way to help other grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. Tackling
the hotly debated issues of Christian doctrine was eye-opening and allowed me to study
scripture to an even deeper level than before. The relationships the Lord built within our
group were also a tremendous blessing. The time in DC also took my marriage to a
higher spiritual level and my wife ended up taking DC while I was leading.
In summary, DC has allowed me to be able to speak the gospel easily with confidence,
cement my scriptural beliefs, and show grace to other believers regardless of their place
in the Christian walk. After taking the DC curriculum and leading a DC group myself, I
feel thoroughly equipped to make disciple who make disciples. Currently, I am
participating in a Weekend Group teaching mentorship and owe this opportunity to my
time in DC, where I learned a wealth of facilitation skills as well as lesson presentation.
Thank you for the time you spent in preparing the DC curriculum. The Lord has used you
mightily!
Jason Newsome, Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
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“Growing up in the church but not really in the Bible, I was ready to dive in and catch up on all the years I had missed reading and studying God’s word after I was baptized. DC was an amazing opportunity for me to do just that.
The deeper walk with Jesus while studying His word, as well as the relationships and the encouragement from my DC brothers resulted in God leading me into full-time ministry just 3 years after completing the course.”
Scott Gordon, Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
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“I am so grateful for my time in DC. Not only did I gain a better understanding of God’s Word, but it also showed me the importance and the impact of disciple-making. The time I spent in DC gave me the confidence and the competence to pursue full-time ministry.”
Brent Dennison, Southeast Christian Church (Louisville, KY)
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From Jason Chambers
“DC was a wonderful experience that not only gave me a sound structure and a plan to study the Bible, memorize scripture and develop “soul training” habits but also gave me an opportunity to develop deep relationships with other like-minded men over the 18 months program. I’m just a bit embarrassed that I am such a slow learner and had to go through the program twice—once as a student and then again as a co-leader. I would recommend DC to anyone who wants to grow in their competence and confidence with the Bible and who also wants to deepen their relationship with Jesus.’
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From Chris Greeley
“The DC program gave me a strong Biblical foundation and a clearer understanding of doctrinal truths. The in-depth study and the accountability deepened my faith and equipped me to lead both in my home and in my church.”
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From Matt Price
“DC helped me by teaching me to think about Biblical context—historically, literally, and multiple literary ways. DC prepared me in much the same way. When I am making leadership decisions, I find myself falling back on the principles learned in DC to prepare and make sure I’m ready to support/defend or suggest in line with the Divine Word.”
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From Jason Duggar
“The DC curriculum offered a program of accountability for me to read God’s word regularly and intentionally. While completing the assignments, I also developed many disciplines such as journaling, scripture memorization, and focused research themes. These lessons have certainly influenced my spiritual growth in a profound way and because of the DC study, I am better equipped for life as a lay minister.”
