What is the Caleb Institute?


The Caleb Institute is a wilderness experience for followers of Christ who desire to live a more faithful, thoughtful, and purposeful life.

The Institute is designed by Christian educators, Tentmakers staff, and learned ministry leaders who have a passion for building people who will make a mark as a servant-leader of Jesus Christ. Key elements and learning objectives of the Caleb Institute include developing an integrated worldview, strengthening learning and thinking skills, "detoxifying" from culture, practicing the spiritual disciplines, gaining a framework for life-long learning, living in community, and learning from our elders.

The Institute takes place at Wilderness North, which is located approximately one hour north of Duluth, MN, in the Superior National Forest.



Five-day Caleb Institute Course

The Caleb Institute is an incomparable, 5 day immersion into a wilderness experience that will bring a fresh perspective on what it means to be a purposeful follower of Christ.

You will strengthen:
  • Learning and thinking skills that will help you become a motivated life-long learner
  • Worldview discernment skills as you compare and contrast prevailing and historical worldviews with the Christian worldview
  • Wisdom-seeking skills as you interact with respected, accomplished elders, gaining greater life perspective and wisdom
  • Spiritual disciplines as you focus on your inner life and your walk with Christ.

Teaching sessions will be presented in an interactive format, with time for discussion, conversation, and further study in time-alone periods during the day.

ELEMENTS OF THE UNIQUE CALEB EXPERIENCE...

"And when day came, He departed and went to a lonely place"
                                                                                     Luke 4:42

An opportunity to enjoy some extended solitude time in a cozy, private log cabin nestled by a private lake in the Superior National Forest.

  • Time without the interruptions of television, radio, telephone, fax, Internet
  • Time to reflect, journal, pray, study, and meditate on the Word of God
  • Time to read from some of the great classics of history and the faith
  • Time to stretch and sharpen your discipleship skills while in the company of a small group of fellow believers. You would strengthen:
  • Learning and thinking skills as you sharpen your ability to reason, communicate, study, learn from others, think critically, and live a more balanced life.
  • Worldview discernment skills as you compare and contrast prevailing and historical worldviews with the Christian worldview.
  • Wisdom-seeking skills as you interact with respected, accomplished elders, gaining greater life. perspective and wisdom
  • Spiritual disciplines as you focus on the greatness of God...


Time for some healthy manual work, taking long walks, going to sleep and waking up to the sounds of the forest, paddling (or snowshoeing) across a beautiful private lake, worshiping daily, and being in an environment of mutual respect and appreciation with others who are growing in the Lord. Growing in the confidence and conviction of who you are in Jesus Christ, and as one who can influence others for Him.

Enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals in an atmosphere of conversation around a common table.

Cultivating the habit of daily solitude time and taking time to seek the voice of God.

This will all happen at the Caleb Institute.

The Caleb Institute is an incomparable, five-day immersion into a wilderness experience that will bring a fresh perspective on what it means to be a purposeful follower of Christ, with an academically and spiritually qualified faculty teaching and training in:
  • Reasoning and thinking principles and practices
  • Bible study and skills for self-motivated learning
  • History of the faith through the centuries
  • Spiritual disciplines for walking intimately with Christ
  • The literary classics of antiquity to the contemporary
  • The art of asking questions
  • Living a balanced, purposeful life
  • Thinking critically about popular culture and media
  • The elements of orthodox Christianity
  • The fundamental tenets of various world-views



The Daily Schedule

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The Caleb experience takes place in an interactive format, with time for discussion, conversation, and further research in time-alone periods during the day.

Each participant (or couple) will be housed in a private log cabin situated along a wooded ridge near the shores of Lake Murphy. Cabins are simple and nicely furnished with a comfortable log bed(s), wood stove, propane light and furnace, hardwood floors, desk, and rocking chair.

Learning Objectives

Each participant will grow as a Christ-centered leader through four major learning objectives:
  • Learning and Thinking Skills
      "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will." -Romans 12:2 NIV

      This session involves sharpening question-asking skills, study skills, and reasoning skills; building a framework for the integration of all learning with faith and life; and developing tools for life-long learning.
  • Spiritual Disciplines
      "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul...Love your neighbor as yourself."
      -Matthew 22:37,39 NIV

      Participants will have time to contemplate and practice some of the rich, classical spiritual disciplines such as study, meditation, prayer, solitude, service, worship, and living in community.
  • Wisdom-seeking and Coaching Skills
      "The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death." -Proverbs 13:14 NIV

      This session involves developing plans and sharpening skills to establish purposeful and meaningful relationships with wise elders and mentors, and practicing strategies to coach those who are seeking wisdom and direction.

  • Worldview Discernment Skills
      "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." -1 Peter 3:15 NIV

      Participants will study the worldview of Jesus Christ, especially within the context of his Jewish culture. They will also compare and contrast this worldview with other prevailing worldviews and gain skill in dialoging with others who hold different perspectives.

Participants

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Part of the Caleb Institute is experiencing inter-generational community. Anyone over 18 years of age is invited to apply. Groups will be a mix of adults of all ages from 18 to 100!

Financial Investment

Price includes Caleb Institute five-day course fee, resource materials, text books, five nights lodging, and all meals.

The cost is $595 per person; or $895 if you and your spouse (or son or daughter) choose to come together. The discount scholarship price for 
full-time college students is $375.

Registration

There is a maximum group size of 20; therefore, the sooner you apply the better your chances of securing your spot. Registration deadline is 30 days before each session.

Next Session:
(For Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leaders)
August 19-24, 2012