FAQ
Questions people usually ask.
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Getting started
What if I do not have a theology background?
You are exactly the kind of person this School was built to serve.
Theology simply means learning to speak truthfully about God. We are less interested in turning every question into a debate and more interested in helping you know Jesus, understand the whole story of Scripture, and see how your life fits within it.
The School is designed to serve both people building a foundation for the first time and longtime Christians who want to go deeper. Wherever you are starting, there is room to grow.
Who is School of Discipleship for?
The primary student range is 18–25.
We are especially focused on the transition from youth group into adult discipleship, when young adults are asking bigger questions and deciding what it means to follow Jesus for themselves.
Can high school students join?
Sometimes. Mature students ages 16–17 may be considered with a parent or pastor’s recommendation.
For a minor to participate, their church also needs to send an adult leader who participates in the group and takes responsibility for that student.
What if I am older than 25?
We would still love to talk.
Adults 26+ may participate as learners case by case, but we especially invite them to help strengthen the room as mentors, volunteers, discussion leaders, teachers, or support team members.
Why focus on ages 18–25?
We want to serve this season of life well.
The transition from youth group into adult faith is one of the most fragile and important seasons in the church. Keeping the student range focused helps the room stay relational, honest, and meaningful for the young adults we are trying to serve.
Do I need prior Bible knowledge?
No.
We start with foundations and build from there together.
The rhythm
How long does the full pathway take?
The full formation pathway typically takes around three years to complete. That is a realistic estimate, not a fixed graduation date.
The curriculum has a defined path, but guest teachers, special gatherings, holidays, breaks, weather, and the needs of the cohort can reshape or extend the calendar along the way.
The Cohort Schedule page is the best place to see exactly what is currently planned. It reads from the same backend calendar our leaders use, so when the schedule changes, the public page changes with it.
Can I join after Cohort 02 has already started?
Yes. We hope to begin Cohort 02 with a committed core group, but the cohort remains open as the journey continues.
If you discover GoodLion later, reach out. We would rather help you find your place in the journey than tell you that you missed your chance.
What does a normal gathering look like?
Most gatherings happen Sunday nights from 6–9 PM in the Yukon / Oklahoma City area.
The evening begins with about 30 minutes of food and fellowship, then continues with roughly two and a half hours of biblical teaching and discussion woven together. Questions and discussion happen throughout the teaching.
What if I miss a week?
We understand that work, illness, family responsibilities, and travel happen.
We ask students to attend consistently, communicate when they cannot, and review missed material when it becomes available. Nobody is graded, but the relationships and formation deepen through faithful participation.
When possible, we provide resources or guidance to help students reconnect with material they missed.
Does the community continue outside Sunday nights?
Yes.
The cohort also shares a group chat where students can keep asking questions, share prayer requests, encourage one another, discuss theology, and stay connected between gatherings.
Details
Is there tuition?
No. Students are not charged tuition.
The School is supported by donors, ministry partners, and bivocational work by our leadership team. If you would like to help sustain it, you can learn more on the support page.
Where does it meet?
The School meets in the Yukon / Oklahoma City area.
Exact location details for the next cohort will go out as plans are finalized.
When does the next cohort begin?
Cohort 02 is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
That is the launch of the new community, not a one-time enrollment deadline. Students can still join while the cohort is underway.
Is this a church?
No.
GoodLion is a discipleship ministry that strengthens young adults and sends them back into their churches and communities with deeper roots.
Is this accredited?
No.
GoodLion School of Discipleship is a local discipleship ministry focused on biblical teaching, spiritual formation, and community.
Can pastors bring students?
Yes.
That is one of the best ways to participate. We encourage pastors and leaders to come with their students, learn alongside them, and help guide discussion.
Pastors can also refer a student after the cohort has already begun. The door does not close after launch night.
What is the long-term vision, and how does funding affect it?
The long-term vision is a sustainable school that forms young adults deeply and sends them back into their local churches, cohort after cohort.
Our heart is to keep the School free and accessible to students who need it. We would rather remain small and care for people well than grow beyond the leadership and support we have.
GoodLion’s leadership is currently bivocational. GoodLion founder Aaron Salvato carries the primary teaching and day-to-day building of the School while supporting his family through outside client work. Additional funding would give him more focused time for student care, church partnerships, teaching preparation, and future cohorts.
We hope to welcome more students over time, but healthy growth requires the right mentors, volunteers, and financial partners. Funding determines the pace and capacity of the work, while faithfulness and financial responsibility guide every stage.
Can our church send someone to help teach or lead?
Potentially, and we would be glad to explore it with you.
Teaching and leadership roles require theological alignment, pastoral trust, demonstrated character, and a good fit with the room. Reach out and we can talk about the person you believe should be considered.
Still curious? Come and see.
Cohort 02 begins in early 2027 and remains open as the journey continues. Adding your name does not commit you to attend. It begins the conversation.