Northgate creates an environment that challenges students to seek the Lord and develop intimacy with Him as they study about Him in His word.  The result of this will be true service out of love and a desire to sow the seeds of love among those who do not know Him. 

Seek

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:13

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

Serve

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, to give His life a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:45

“And he sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” - Mark 9:35

Sow

“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you; and lo,  I am with you always, even to the end of the age, Amen.” - Matthew 28:20

Study

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” - 2 Timothy 2:1

The school of discipleship will run three times a year, once in the Winter (Jan-April), then again in the summer (May-Aug) and then finally in the fall (Sept.-Dec). Each term will be four months in duration.  Students will come to Perth in Ontario, Canada.  Northgate has a three bedroom house appointed for discipleship called the Flint House.   Perth is a beautiful town that will allow students the small town experience, yet the location is close enough to allow them to sow the seeds of Christ within the extended local community.

Students will be required to seek through an aggressive reading program that will have them reading through the Bible in their time at Northgate. The students will also be required to spend long lengths of time seeking the Lord together through prayer and fasting that will be built into their schedules.  Students will be required to attend Northgate Fellowship in Perth and attend bible studies as well.

Students will be required to serve at the local fellowship of believers in different ways that are suited to their gifts and abilities.

Students will sow the seed of Christ through evangelizing the local community by acts of love: serving in local nursing homes, and volunteering in outreach opportunities in the area.

Students will study the Word of God in two ways. The students will have one class each week that will take them through different aspects of God’s Word. The students will also be required to read 5 books by different authors that will enhance their knowledge of scripture while challenging them in their faith.

Students at Northgate will also be involved in many fun, physical activities to develop teamwork. These activities will identify individuals weaknesses and strengths to be able to deal with people. These activities will range from hiking, running, canoeing, sailing, to ice-skating and cross-country skiing.

Who can attend Northgate?

Anyone over the age of 18 who has a relationship with Jesus Christ can attend Northgate. Individuals who are interested will be asked to fill out an application and then be required to take part in an interview before being accepted to the program. Only 6 students will be accepted at Northgate per term.  Each term will either be all females or all males.

What is the cost to attend Northgate?

We prayerfully consider each person interested in our discipleship program.  For this reason, we do not specify a cost for the program.  Students will be responsible to purchase their own food.  Students will be encouraged to get part time jobs to help them cover this cost.

Room and Board

The students at Northgate will be staying in Flint Discipleship House.   Flint House is a three-bedroom house in Perth.  Students will be learning to live in a way that challenges them to learn to live frugally and healthy in this world. The students will cook and clean for themselves.  They will be required to make a menu for a two-week period. The staff will go over the menu and approve it based on its nutritional value as well its cost effectiveness. The students will work together and share responsibilities.

Testimonials

	"Discipleship for me was a time of learning who I am in Christ. I was challenged to listen to what God says about me, and to follow the plans he has for me, in spite of what others say or plan for me. My religious mind set was greatly shaken, taking me deeper into a relationship with a God who not only loves me, but who also wants to be a part of every aspect of my life. That last part blows my mind; my God wants to be a part of every aspect of my life! My time with the Schilke family helped cultivate a great love for God’s word. It is my solid foundation which cannot be shaken! I have grown and been blessed in so many ways through discipleship. It marks the beginning point in my life of deeper intimacy with my saviour.” Rebekah Smith, Winter ‘07
	“Coming to Northgate for discipleship was a complete turning point in my life.  It stirred up a hunger and a passion to become closer to Jesus Christ in our relationship.  Dan continually challenged me and was always there to encourage and push when I needed it.  I look back and thank Jesus for that one-month I put aside to completely focus on Him!  From there on, I have continued to venture into the unknown that God has planned for me, and the hunger continues to grow that was first stirred up doing discipleship.” Josh Dobbie Spring ’07
	“The discipleship experience has been a real help in building the disciplines and pushing me out of the comfort zone to listen to God’s direction. It was great to be involved with different forms of ministry throughout the course. Not to credit the course, because it’s just a tool God uses to shape people, but it really helped me discover God is needed in this community, and it was an eye-opener to the everyday need people have for Jesus, whether you can see it on the surface or not. Allowing God's Word to be a guide and a source of conviction in your life, applying it and sharing it with others. Praise God for his unconditional love towards his sons and daughters.” Will Baker Spring ’07
	“Steve was a soul that somehow got lost along the way in his short life. He was lucky enough to find Pastor, Dan and Northgate ministries. The Discipleship program allowed Steve to be more focused and committed to God’s teachings. He was intent on serving the lord and sharing the word of God with all those around him. The lord blessed Steve with intelligence, humour, and a skill to communicate with almost anybody. He used his tools to bless everyone he came in contact with. A line from a song by the Rolling Stones emphasizes Steve’s contact with the lord: “You can’t always get what you want, but you just might find, if you try, you get what you need.” Flint House is named after Stephen who influenced and touched so many lives, with the help of Jesus, in such a short time.” by Rob Flint, father of the late Stephen Flint Spring ’07
	Because I chose english a-level in school I had to advanced my english skills. Therefore I tried to get an address somewhere in the USA where I would get the chance to do so. It was a miracle that I was brought to the Schilke family.  Since I became a Christian I always experienced that when I was at a point where I wanted to change my life God always gave me a chance to. Before I came to Canada I got to that point.  Arriving in at the Schilkes house Dan´s first question was: „What about your spiritual life?“ This question followed me till I left Canada. There was a great mixture of theoretical things but also a lot of practical things what helped me to grow in a deeper relationship to God and to lay a good foundation for my life in the future.  Dan taught me how to life a live experiencing God´s love instead of a christian life which always had to get proved again if I am a good christian or not.  I also got the chance to go to Ottawa where I met Andy and his family. There I saw the work with ex-alcoholics and ex-drug addicts which encouraged me a lot seeing what God did in their lives.  I can say that my whole understanding of a relationship with God was changed. I haven´t experienced God´s love that intensivly before. Dan taught me how important it is to be in a close and ongoing relationship with God and how important it is to include the bible in my life. I learned how practical God´s word is for christian and how I can apply it.  Shorty after I returned to Germany I wrote a song that I think reflects my time in Canada the best: My God you are, all I´ve ever wanted. My God you are, all I´ve ever needed. My God help me to remain faithfull. My God help me to walk in your paths. Praise and streight, wisdom and power Belongs to my God forever. Glory and honour, devotement and love All that belongs to my saviour. You are the one I want to live for. Praise to you all my life.