FDCM Logo
What is FDCM?
Foundations for Discernment of Christian Ministry is an exciting new program of Christian education. Designed for use in small groups of between 5-8 adults, the FDCM curriculum covers the basics of Christian literacy while introducing students to a variety of tools and modes of discernment. It upholds the importance of learning within the context of an intentional, prayerful community, and is intended to be FUN. The theological content is traditional, but the methodology is not.

  • The FDCM program, if followed to completion, extends for four years, but each year is totally separate, and students may begin the program with any topic:

    • History of Christianity
    • Theology and Ecclesiology
    • Wisdom Literature and New Testament
    • Old Testament

    The history of liturgy is integrated into all four years of the program.

  • Students receive an FDCM Guidebook each of the four years of the program. The Guidebooks all treat the same general theme each week, although with increasing depth and sophistication. All students do the theological reflections together.

  • Students begin the year by writing a spiritual autobiography, portions of which are shared in the group. Journal writing ("Daily Pages") is encouraged as a centering discipline throughout the year. Mid-way through the first year, students are encouraged to write a Rule of Life, if they have not already done so.

  • The program has 32 units per year, designed for weekly meetings to discuss both the Topical assignments and the Guidebook chapters. The meetings begin with student-led prayer time. With groups drawing from a large geographical distance, day-long meetings every three weeks work quite well, with only minor changes to the program.

  • The cost to students for the program, which includes all the textbooks, is $295 per year. Mentors who gather at least 5 students are entitled to a monthly stipend of $60. Mentors who gather the maximum 8 students may also designate one scholarship student, who may then participate in the program tuition-free.

  • One-time Mentor certification can be obtained in a variety of ways, including attendance at periodic training week-ends. Online and telephone support for mentors is available for the duration of the program. Refresher training is available, but not required.

  • The History of Christianity curriculum is now available for general use. The Theology and Ecclesiology curriculum is entering its pilot year, and is available in 2006 only for students within comfortable driving distance to the Twin Cities, and will be released for general use in 2007. The Wisdom Literature and New Testament curriculum will be available in 2008, and the Old Testament curriculum in 2009. Spanish Language versions will be ready in 2007.

Return to the home page.