Am I qualified for the Colson Fellows program?
Qualified Fellows candidates are mature Christian adults who are committed to growing in their faith and becoming further equipped to engage the culture with the heart and mind of Christ. They have a record of consistent Christ-centered living and are committed to investing the time and effort to fulfill the requirements of the Fellows program.
How long is the program?
This year, the program will begin in August and conclude with the Fellows commissioning at the Wilberforce Weekend in May.
What is the difference between the national and regional programs?
The National program and the Regional Affiliate programs follow the same content and curriculum. The major difference is the Regional Affiliate programs generally meet on a regular basis; the National program provides three weekend residencies that allow you to meet and interact with well-known Christian thinkers and leaders. Each Regional Affiliate operates differently so let us know if you have questions about a regional program and we will connect you with the regional leader
How much travel is involved?
We will have three residencies throughout the program in September, January and May for the Wilberforce Weekend. National students are required to attend at least two of the three residencies. Regional Affiliate students are not required to attend the residencies but will have their own meetings organized by the affiliate leader (usually monthly). Regional Affiliate students may attend the national residencies for a registration fee as space allows.
What is the estimated weekly time commitment required by the program?
Most graduates of the program say that it takes about 10 – 20 hours per week, depending on speed of reading and organizational skills. Here is an overview:
Reading: average a little over one book plus per month
Daily: read and comment on the daily 4-minute Breakpoint received by radio, podcast or email. Read a portion of Conformed to His Image. Complete a devotional Bible study (5x per week)
Monthly: one, sometimes two one-hour teleconferences with authors and leaders
Most have found they re-purpose their current devotional time and a portion of their leisure time to accommodate the program. But don’t forget, this is not intended to be a hobby, but a re-engineering of thinking and focus on life, faith and culture. There are no short-cuts to anywhere worth going!
I work full-time. Can I still be involved?
Most of the Fellows candidates do work full-time. It is up to you to determine if you can fulfill the requirements. Graduates of the program are available to answer any questions you have. Just let us know and we will connect you.
Can you share more info about what the teaching practicum and three-year plan entail?
The teaching practicum and three-year plan arise from Chuck Colson’s concern that the Fellows Program not merely be an “input” operation. The goal is to equip you to put into practice what you learn. The teaching practicum allows Colson Fellows to teach worldview and cultural concepts to others. The Fellows Program provides the content, such as For the Life of the World, video series; the worldview engagement series by Dr. Brown, re:View, and a number of other materials. You can lead these in a Sunday school setting, as a home study, or any other setting you arrange.
How much does the program cost?
The tuition for the program is only a fraction of the cost. The Colson Center works hard to provide the resources to make the Colson Fellows program available. The cost for each student is $1,750 for the year for the National program. Additional expenses include books and materials as well as costs for attending the three residencies.
Scholarships are available as well as a payment plan.
Please e-mail Program Manager, Brooke Colon at bcolon@colsoncenter.org for more information.
What denomination or theological persuasion does the Colson Center follow?
The Colson Center is not a church or school. The Colson Fellows program attracts students from across the spectrum of Christ-centered people. The statement of faith of the Center provides a solid foundation to draw followers of Christ together, not to divide. The goal is to equip believers to make a significant impact through their Christ-centered service.
The Colson Center for Christian Worldview Statement of Faith
We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the Universe, the co-eternal Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where, as truly God and truly man, HE is the only mediator between God and man.
We believe that the Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all its teachings, including creation, history, its own origins, and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct, which is demonstrated by true righteous living.
We believe in the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. We also uphold the holy institution of marriage between one man and one woman, rooted as it is in God’s creation of man and woman in His image and in the relationship between Christ and His Church.
We believe that all people are lost sinners and cannot see the Kingdom of God except through the new birth. Justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
We believe in one holy, universal, and apostolic Church. Its calling is to worship God and witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, preaching the Gospel among all nations and demonstrating its commitment by compassionate service to the needs of human beings and promoting righteousness and justice.
We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual’s new birth and growth to maturity, and for the Church’s constant renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power, and mission.
We believe that Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion. God will fully manifest His kingdom when He establishes a new heaven and new earth, in which He will be glorified forever, and exclude all evil, suffering, and death.
