RAD DISTINCTIVES

RAD’s approach is unique in that it seeks to impact the whole person to produce life-lasting change. RAD seeks to educate not merely the intellect, but the areas of body, soul and mind, as well. Our focus expands to include each student’s entire character: his or her morals, habits, desires, hopes, dreams, and fears. RAD also desires not to simply “spoon-feed” information to its students, but to foster students’ spiritual and emotional growth, reaching a level where they can teach, equip, mentor, and disciple others into a radical walk with Christ.

Experiencial Learning

The first distinctive feature of RAD’s ministry is that it employs the best experiential-based learning techniques from other interactive, initiative styles from around the world. Hands-on teaching creates the most effective type of learning, especially when the goal of the education extends beyond being purely academic to include the whole self. Statistical studies have shown that we retain: 5% of lecture , 20% of what we see, 50% of what we discuss, 75% of what we practice, 90% of what we TEACH and what we DO. All of RAD’s classroom teaching is therefore integrated with experiential activities and wilderness adventures.

Group Dynamics

RAD recognizes the need for students to grasp what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ, having a deep commitment to the health of their unit. One person’s benefit is the benefit of all, and one person’s harm is the harm of all. Conversely, the students will also begin to see that the team can be a place of healing for each member, and that the whole body functions better when all members are well. RAD’s hope is that the high
emphasis on group dynamics and group challenges will lead students to better understand the function of the Body of Christ, appreciating others included within, and recognizing their own position and purpose in this structure.

Safe Environment and Time Structure

RAD is unique in that it allows the student the ability to develop and change within a safe, secure, and protected environment. Pinpointing weaknesses, conquering fears, facing failure and dealing with consequences while on the RAD campus will be much less detrimental to the student when surrounded by people who will love, lift up and encourage. This enables students to realize the seriousness and severity for making right decisions, while protecting them from “real life” results. The RAD program is nine months long, which allows ample time for the student to grow in these areas.

Progressive Education

Where most discipleship ministries drop the student immediately into ministry positions, RAD recognizes the need to first invest personal ministry into the heart of the student. RAD conducts this “personal ministry” by running the course as a stair step model. As the training unfolds, students will gradually step up earning more and more freedom, responsibility, and privileges. By taking this progressive route, RAD ensures that the student establishes a firm foundation and then moves towards being fully capable of leadership and decision-making responsibilities. The result is a grounded, empowered, radical disciple of Christ.

Uninhibited Career Goals

Although the foundation of RAD’s curriculum is God-centered, RAD realizes that not everyone is called into Christian ministry. Therefore, rather than an emphasis on encouraging students to go into fulltime Christian service the focus is directed towards how they can serve where God has called them. For many, this will include the workplace, college, armed services, or ministry of their choice. RAD is not limited to those looking to get into the ministry, but encourages servant leadership in all areas of career development.

Ongoing Accountability

The final feature that distinguishes RAD from other programs is its long lasting plan for continued mentoring for students after graduation. RAD would like to expand the levels of accountability, prayer and discipleship once the student has graduated, via email, telephone and returning for short-term visits. RAD is committed to seeing its students connect with pastors and strong Christian communities. RAD will do everything possible to help a student find an accountability relationship with someone in their new environment, and will also stay in touch with the student for one year. Six months after graduation, the RAD team will invite alumni back to the graduation of the current RAD students to share stories and experiences of what life is like after going through the RAD program. Graduates will therefore be an encouragement to the younger student, and the mentoring activity will help graduates to remain focused on Christian principles as they disciple others. In the future, RAD hopes to have a fully developed alumni office with staff committed to keeping in contact with past students and planning reunions and other such events.

Description of RAD >