Craig Has Been Accepted in the University of the Nations
Masters in Christian Formation Program
Beginning January 2027, he’ll be
hitting the books, writing the papers,
growing, learning, and preparing for
the next decades of ministry!
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Why in the World Do I Want to Start a Master’s Degree at 57 Years Old?
I’ll be nearly 60 when the program concludes… (gasp)! So why? I have two reasons. First, I want to go deeper. For a long time I have felt like there is so much more that God has for me in our journey together. Even after 34 years of ministry, there’s room for me to grow in grace, (just ask Kay Charlotte — ha!). Second, I want to sharpen the tools I’ve been given. I want to be more intentional in making disciples. I want to be more effective in creating more missionaries. And this program at YWAM’s University of the Nations is just the ticket!
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It’s time to dig a deeper well for me to draw from; It’s time to dig a deeper well for me to pour out of…
For Years, I’ve Had a Longing for More
After Levi’s death, I’ve felt like God has been saying, “Come away with me…” I’ve found myself in quiet moments aware of my own mortality. I am inspired to devote my time to growing closer to God, to bear His image well, and to continue to make disciples. I realize what I want is:
Greater loving attachment with God
Less of me; more of Him
My identity more deeply rooted in Christ
A better reflection of Jesus
More experience with God
The MCF aims to answer the questions, “How can I have a deeper relationship with Jesus? How can I live more like Him?”. This is a perfect fit for me now. I know this season will be another ‘greenhouse’ of my growth.
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God’s given me tools to help others. Now it’s time to sharpen them up!
I want to increase my ability to make more missionaries
More and more I spend my time teaching courses in YWAM’s University of the Nations (UofN). More and more, I meet one-to-one and in small groups with students and young adults to help them grow. I have a stack of thank you notes in the drawer of my nightstand that show that I’ve had some success in making disciples. Yet I want to do more. This MCF can help me:
Help people have a more holistic vision of what life in Christ is all about
Create teachings and strategies for increased Christian formation
Teach the story of the Scriptures with greater clarity
Better integrate theology, human development, and practices in my teaching and leadership
Open doors for further opportunities to teach and train in YWAM’s UofN
This MCF will equip me to help create deep people, not just more knowledgeable people.
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The MCF is about human flourishing, both mine and those I serve
This program is academically rigorous and rooted in application and practice
The course starts in January 2027 and finishes up in November 2028. Part of it will be online, and I imagine a decent amount of it will be self-directed. But what I’m really excited about is the four intensives. In February and July each year, the entire cohort of students, staff, and teachers will gather in person for two-week Intensives.
February 2027: Cape Town, South Africa
July 2027: Harpenden, England
February 2028: Cape Town, South Africa
July 2028: Harpenden, England
I’ve been to Harpenden many times, and I look forward to returning. Hopefully there will be time for me to reconnect with my friends and coworkers there. I’ve never been to South Africa, so I’m stoked to visit a new nation!
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Once again, I’ll be participating in our 54-Hole Golfing for Hope Fundraiser!
I’m raising funds for tuition, books, flights, and expenses… by Golfing!
This August I’ll participate again in YWAM San Diego/Baja’s Golfing for Hope fundraiser. As before, each golfer is raising funds for their personal ministry support. This year there are 72 of us that will take over the Baja Mar course for three full rounds and 12+ hours of amazing golf!
If you’d like to golf with me and fundraise for me, I’ve got a slot left in my foursome!
Contact me now, and we can set this up!
All in, expenses for this program look to be close to $25,000 USD. I’m looking to raise at least half of that this year so I’ll be able to focus on study and not on fundraising.
Would you prayerfully consider sending me back to school?
Your investment in me and my ministry will be passed on to those I teach, train, and lead over the next decades. Just click the link below to go to YWAM San Diego/Baja’s GivingFuel page.
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