The Storyline Institute

A man giving a presentation in a room with an audience seated and listening attentively. The man is standing on the right side, wearing a purple shirt and jeans, with a microphone headset. There is a screen behind him displaying a slide, and a framed sign on the wall with a prayer text.

At Storyline Church, the Bible and theology are accessible to everyone through active learning environments.

Grow in your love and knowledge of God in the context of community.

The Storyline Institute is a one-year discipleship program that immerses participants into a deep discipleship program in the context of the local church. The program’s curriculum seeks to equip believers in three areas of discipleship—Christian Story, Christian Belief, and Christian Formation. By weaving together these three elements into a holistic approach to discipleship, men and women have the opportunity to grow in their love for God, Scripture, and His mission.

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2026-2027 APPLICATIONS

ARE NOW CLOSED

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year are now closed.

Three pillars of the Storyline Institute

  • Icon of an open book on a green background

    Christian Story

    The most fundamental and important claim in Christian theology is that God has made Himself known in Scripture. We’ll spend nine months working through major historical-redemptive events in salvation history in order to come to a greater understanding of who God is and what He has done to reconcile the world to Himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

  • Green background with a white cross in the center.

    Christian Belief

    All Christian belief and theology is rooted in what is revealed in Scripture. As the curriculum moves through the Bible, significant time will be spent teaching and articulating the major doctrines of the Christian faith and we will see that doctrine, insofar as it is rooted in the Christian Story, is foundational for all disciples of Jesus Christ.

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    Christian Formation

    A major component of the Institute is considering how Christian Story and Christian Belief function to shape and form us into the kind of people who live in the world according to the way of Jesus Christ. In the Institute we hope to form people into servants, worshipers, members, and disciple-makers who are fluent in the Gospel.

What is The Storyline Institute

  • The Institute curriculum is built around three fundamental aspects of Christian discipleship: Christian Story, Christian Belief, and Christian Formation.

    Throughout the year, we’ll spend a significant amount of time in Scripture examining the God who came to establish His kingdom. We will also study the doctrines believers have held to throughout the history of the church and we will consider together how our participation in the Christian story invites us into a life of worship and mission.

  • The class meets once a week over two semesters. Class sessions are comprised of lectures, table discussions, and formation exercises.

    An important component of The Storyline Institute will be participating in a table cohort. Because we believe in the nature of doing theology in community, the year will be spent in conversation with this table about what is learned in class. Making a commitment to the table is a foundational part of the learning experience.

    Participants in The Storyline Institute will be asked and held accountable to faithfully attend class and complete assignments throughout the duration of the program from August to May. Each week will hold required reading from the Scriptures and/or printed materials, as well as additional books spread throughout the course. Participants will be expected to complete written assignments as well as doctrinal statements throughout the program.

  • The program lasts one year, with a fall semester (August–December) and a spring semester (January–May). The Institute will take place at Storyline Church on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.

  • There is a seminary track available for those who want to receive seminary credit for participation. Applications for the Institute are open each year in May.

  • A group of people seated at round tables in a conference room, engaging and smiling during a workshop or seminar.
  • A man giving a presentation or lecture to a seated audience in a conference room, with a large whiteboard and a monitor displaying the word 'Questions'.
  • People seated at a table listening during a presentation or meeting in a room with a large wall text that says, 'We exist to live in God's story by knowing Jesus and loving all people.'
  • Close-up of an elderly person's hand holding a pen and writing in a notebook on a wooden table, surrounded by books, a coffee cup, and a closed laptop.
  • A man in a purple long-sleeve shirt speaking to an audience in a conference room, with a large screen behind him and an illuminated wall sconce.

Frequently asked questions

  • Applications are now open!

    Apply now

  • Each week, participants can expect 2-3 hours of reading and homework and will be required to attend the weekly class on Wednesday nights from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

  • The Institute is primarily for our members, but membership is not a requirement.

  • We believe in the power and growth that comes from gathering in-person for The Storyline Institute and for that reason, classes are not available online.

  • The cost is the Institute is $300 and helps to cover the cost of building use, guest speakers, and weekend seminars.

    Participants will also need to purchase books in addition to this cost.

    The cost of the Seminary Track is $1,500.

  • The seminary track is designed for those who want to go deeper in their learning and formation. It will be about double the reading, double the assignments, and a bit more technical in overall scope. Those who complete the seminary track will receive 21 credits to Southern Seminary.

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