Pursuit

A Journey of Discipleship and Growth

For many years, women’s discipleship resources have been rich in encouragement but often lighter on theological and doctrinal depth. Michelle Clifford, in partnership with  Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), created Pursuit because she wanted to raise the bar for theological teaching to women while keeping it deeply practical and relational.

Pursuit is built around the conviction that women don’t need to choose between encouragement and depth — they need both. The program combines solid biblical theology with a clear discipleship pathway, designed to shape not just what participants know, but how they live as followers of Christ. It includes:

  • Ground their faith in the big story of Scripture, connecting doctrine to daily life.

  • Develop the heart, mission, and lifestyle of a disciple through a supported and structured journey.

  • Walk with a community of peers who provide accountability, encouragement, and friendship.

  • Discover a renewed sense of identity and calling as they see their lives in God’s larger mission.

Now, through this partnership, our goal is to bring Pursuit to the women in Anne Arundel County starting in the Fall of 2026. In addition to hosting local cohorts, we are also partnering with neighboring churches and ministries to walk alongside their women’s ministry directors and volunteers, equipping them to bring Pursuit to their own communities.

18-Month Cohort Format

Pursuit is designed as an 18-month discipleship journey, conducted in a cohort format. Each cohort begins together and walks through the entire program side by side, creating a deep sense of shared commitment, accountability, and community. The journey is structured in four-month (Sept-Dec), six-month (Jan-Jun), and four-month cycles (Sept-Dec), with a summer break between the 2nd and 3rd cycle. This covers The Heart of a Disciple, The Mission of a Disciple, and The Life of a Disciple. This cohort approach enables participants not only to deepen their understanding of Scripture and doctrine but also to foster lasting relationships as they encourage one another to apply what they are learning.

Heart of a Disciple

Year 1: September through December

Sanctification – Awaken from spiritual slumber, examine hidden idols, and surrender fully to God.
Imago Dei – Embrace your eternal calling as an image-bearer, living a holy life that reflects and delights in God.
Trinity – Grow in confidence by knowing the triune God, His indwelling presence, steadfast love, and guiding leadership.
Pneumatology – Release false appearances, accept emptiness, and rest securely in the Spirit’s hands.

Mission of a Disciple

Year 1: January through June

Creation – Clarify your mission for God’s glory toward others, the lost, and the Church.
Discipleship – Live the disciple’s mission: follow Christ, make disciples, shine as light, and carry the cross.
Missiology – Engage mission at the cross, in God’s Kingdom, on life’s battlefields, and through prayerful dependence.
Humility – Pursue humility by abiding in Christ, serving as His vessel, and loving God wholeheartedly.
The Already and Not Yet – Let eternal realities fuel present joy, new-creation living, and obedient response to His call.
Ecclesiology – Step into mission now by meeting needs, applying knowledge, and serving fearlessly.

Life of a Disciple

Year 2, September through December

Hamartiology – Confront sin, questions, and emotions honestly, seeking deeper intimacy with God and others.
Bibliology – Apply Scripture to suffering, life seasons, culture, and difficult relationships.
Christology – Look to Christ for direction, refuge, hope, and love.
Soteriology – Desire more of God, bear lasting fruit, mature in faith, and pray for revival.

Committed Speaker Examples

Below is an example of DTS speakers who have taught in the 2-hour Saturday morning monthly doctrine lectures and Q&A sessions. As we get closer, the names could change based to schedule availability.

Dr. Michael Balbier Dean of Distant Education
Dr. Herman Baxter Dean of Students, Student Life
Dr. Stacey Davis Assistant Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership
Dr. Kyle DiRoberts Adjunct Professor
Dr. Sue Edwards Professor of Educational Ministries and Leadership
Dr. Sandra Glahn Professor of Media Arts and Worship
Dr. Glenn Kreider Professor of Theological Studies
Dr. Michael Svigel Department Chair and Professor of Theological Studies
Dr. Torey Teer Assistant Professor of Theological Studies
Dr. Josh Winn Vice President for Communications and Community
Dr. Mark Yarbrough President
Dr. John Dyer Vice President for Enrollment Services and Educational Technologies; Assistant Professor of Theological Studies
Prof. Rebecca Carrell Educational Ministries and Leadership
Dr. Gary Cook Adjunct Professor of Theological Studies

The Details

We are preparing to launch our first Pursuit Cohort in Fall 2026 right here in Anne Arundel County. This 18-month journey will guide women through a carefully structured discipleship path, combining deep biblical teaching, practical application, and life-giving community. The estimated cost is $300 per person for the entire program. This cost covers all materials, monthly breakfasts during our in-person sessions with Dallas Theological Seminary faculty, and an honorarium for the professors who invest their time and scholarship in us.

Because Pursuit is designed to be experienced in a cohort fashion, once the journey begins, new participants cannot join midway. Each group starts and finishes the program together, ensuring shared accountability and transformation.

Once a month, the entire cohort will meet for 2 hours on a Saturday morning before the day gets busy. This is when we have the DTS-based lecture on that month’s topic, followed by an open Q&A session where people are free to ask any questions.  Then the small groups meet at least once a month, two weeks before/after the Chort meeting, based on that small group’s scheduling and preferences.

Since Pursuit is lay-led, here are the key volunteer roles that are needed:

  • Disciple-makers are the women who will be facilitating the individual monthly small discipleship groups.
  • Shepherd(s) to the Disciple-makers, where this person(s) is entrusted to pray for and support the disciple-makers.
  • A prayer leader is a person who is committed to praying over all the people and elements of the program, including before, during, and after programming.
  • The hospitality lead is in charge of the elements included in the larger group gathering times.
  • Registration and administration lead is in charge of the registration, group placements, and administrative needs along the way.

If you’re interested in being part of this inaugural cohort, we’d be delighted to keep you updated as details are finalized. Share your name and email below, and you’ll be the first to hear when registration officially opens.

Interest Form