GCSD

Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-9:00PM and on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30PM, from September 2023 to May 2024. Classes also take place on the first Sunday of each month during our 9AM church service.

In large class settings, students will hear from speakers from GateCity Church. In addition to large group instruction and equipping, students grow in small groups within GCSD and have time in the prayer room. Through these weekly classes and gatherings, students will grow in intimacy with God through prayer, receive a depth of biblical instruction, and walk out GateCity's core teachings in community.

Students will also have the opportunity to participate in an overseas missions trip supporting the ongoing and future church planting efforts of GateCity Global. This will allow them to apply what they have learned throughout the year and witness God’s work from our neighborhoods to the nations!

Casey Ryon, Director of GCSD, will lead the school with the assistance of Lauren James, the Executive Training Director. Classes will be taught by GateCity leaders and pastors.

Students will engage in 7-12 hours a week of classes, community connection, prayer room time and home study.

Each week, students will be assigned a passage of the Bible to read and write a short reflection on. Occasionally, students will be invited to share their biblical reflections with a small group.

Students will be required to schedule and spend at least 2 hours a week in the prayer room. They can use this time as personal devotion, to complete GCSD homework, to serve in the prayer room as a worship leader or room manager, or to engage in a time of corporate prayer and worship.

Each month during our Global Bridegroom Fast, students will gather in the prayer room together during scheduled class times.

Yes! With evening sessions held twice a week, our school is tailored for busy adults of all ages, allowing them to balance their work life and other commitments with ease. The course load of the GateCity School of Discipleship is designed to be manageable for those that work full-time or have other obligations. Students can expect 2-4 hours of work time outside of class per week.

The missions trip will range between $1700 - $2500. This will include lodging, airfare, food, and any group activities. Final details for the trip will be shared during the second semester of GCSD.

If you are unable to attend a class, please reach out to GCSD leadership and your small group as soon as possible. It is advised to connect with your small group to get class notes and recordings. We would ask that you try to not miss more than 2 scheduled class times/ gatherings per semester.

Casey Ryon is the Director of GCSD and a pastor to our community at GateCity Church. He is passionate about equipping students to grow in the Word while growing in simple devotion to Jesus. One beautiful aspect of the school is that, in addition to Casey's direction, many other leaders also serve on it.

To find out more about our leadership at GateCity, you can check out this page.

Childcare will be available for Sunday morning classes and Wednesday evening classes. Childcare will not be available on Tuesday evenings.

Since GCSD is a ministry of GateCity Church, students will be deeply connected to our spiritual family at GateCity. Students will attend Sunday services, serve on teams, engage in the prayer room, and be a part in a variety of ministry opportunities throughout the year.

The investment for the GateCity School of Discipleship is $950 per individual or $1585 for married couples (each spouse applying separately).

This includes all class materials and a $50 application fee. It does not include the cost of the overseas missions trip. Students and staff alike will raise the funds for the trip (estimated between $1500-$2000).

GCSD tuition funds the many experiences of the school, including the kickoff orientation, various conferences and seminars, honorariums for speakers and teachers, GCSD merch, and celebrations throughout the year.

However, we don’t want finances to be a barrier for anyone with interest in attending GCSD. We offer need based scholarships ranging from $50 - $700.

No, GCSD is not replacing our internships. We will still offer Prayer Room Internships in the Summer. GCSD is designed to allow people to have an internship experience without having to step away from full-time obligations.