FIRE Institute challenges a new generation
Mooney
Whitlock
By Amber Weigand-Buckley
National Youth Ministries announces the rebirth of FIRE Institute, the discipleship resource to empower a new generation of students in the Word and Spirit. Evangelist Rich Wilkerson produced the original FIRE Institute in 1985 in response to his desire to see students reach a greater degree of commitment in their walk with Christ. Thus, FIRE Institute was born as a 13-week intensive program divided into four core emphases: Foundation, Inspiration, Responsibility and Evangelism.
In 2007, with Wilkerson’s permission, the FIRE materials were expanded and updated to stretch today’s student in their walk with Christ by taking him or her through in-depth Bible and theological study, evangelism basics, scripture memorization and more — with every level requiring more focus, intensity and commitment.
National Youth Director Jay Mooney remembers the profound impact the original FIRE Institute had on his teens as a new youth pastor: “In 1988, a fellow youth pastor shared the FIRE Institute with my wife Laura and I. Nothing we endeavored in local youth ministry produced more lasting fruit than the FIRE Institute. It helped us identify, disciple and deploy bold leaders for Jesus Christ.”
One of the main updates expanded the FIRE Institute from one 13-week session to four separate, 8-week sessions. The first two volumes of FIRE Institute, “Foundation” and “Inspiration,” released in 2008. The remaining session manuals, “Responsibility” and “Evangelism,” are being released at Orland09 this week.
As well as adapting to changes in youth ministry and culture from 1985 to now, Student Discipleship Director Rod Whitlock, who headed the project’s revival, says the 2008 version incorporates powerful Web features for students and leaders.
“Web technology has given us opportunity to give students and leaders participating in FIRE Institute immediate access to downloads, study notes and applications that are able to be continually updated and added to,” Whitlock said. “This access not only makes the FIRE Institute an incredible tool for continued discipleship, but also gives great return on a small monetary investment. FIRE Institute may very well be the best all around discipleship tool ever offered for leaders and students.”
As the institute pioneer, Wilkerson is excited about a new generation of students connecting with this life-changing tool: “Since the first class my wife Robyn and I taught, over 30,000 students have gone through the FIRE Institute. Thousands of these men and women are affecting their generation in every field of opportunity for God’s kingdom. Utilizing the FIRE Institute alongside the FIRE Bible Student Edition will help you turn your city right side up for Jesus!”
For more information on the FIRE Institute, FIRE BIBLE Student Edition, FIRE Starters or other FIRE line accessories, see www.fireinstitute.com or visit the AG Bookstore in the main Exhibit Hall.