Fellows Program
Foundations for Christian thought and life
The Fellows Program offers a structured pathway for students who want to grow in theological understanding and learn to think Christianly about all of life. Through careful engagement with Scripture, guided discussion, and shared reflection, Fellows helps students connect the Christian faith to their studies, relationships, vocations, and everyday decisions. The program is shaped around the conviction that theology is not an abstract discipline, but a lived wisdom meant to form faithful disciples. Students are encouraged to read Scripture attentively, ask honest questions, and develop habits of thoughtful Christian reflection grounded in the gospel.
Fellows brings together intentional study, mentoring, Christian community, and practical formation during the college years, helping students navigate faith, vocation, and life together.
Going Deeper Together
Real Life Fellows gives students an opportunity to move beyond simply attending weekly gatherings and intentionally pursue deeper Christian formation alongside other students and mature Christian mentors.
We emphasize the formation of the whole person—what we believe, how we live, how we relate to others, and how we serve Christ in our vocations, churches, communities, and everyday lives.
Fellows Program Structure
- Year One — Foundations & Connections An introduction to the Christian story and Christ‑centered community, and their significance for life, study, and vocation.
- Year Two — The Grand Story Exploring the sweeping narrative of Scripture, God’s redemptive purposes in history, and how our lives are caught up within His story.
- Year Three — Cleaning the Lens: An Introduction to Good Theology Learning how theology works, why it matters, and how it shapes faithful thinking, living, and biblical understanding. We do not worship theology; rather, good theology serves our worship by helping us know the God we worship more truly.
- Year Four — Theology & Thought in Real Life Integrating Christian doctrine and the biblical narrative with culture, calling, and everyday life.
Foundations & Connections is offered every year to new students, while Years Two through Four are offered on a rotating basis.
Reading with the Church Through the Ages
Alongside engagement with Scripture, the Fellows Program introduces students to selected voices from the early church. Readings from figures such as Athanasius, Augustine, and John Chrysostom help students see how the gospel was received, articulated, and lived by Christians shaped closely by the apostolic witness.
These writings are approached not as authorities over Scripture, but as faithful guides—pastors and teachers who help students read the Bible with greater historical awareness, theological depth, and humility. Encountering the Fathers reminds students that they are part of a long, living conversation and encourages careful, rooted Christian thinking shaped by the church across time.
Four Areas of Formation
Christian Life
Growing in personal faith, spiritual disciplines, prayer, character, and life with Christ.
Christian Thought
Learning to think carefully and biblically about Scripture, theology, culture, vocation, and the questions students encounter in college and beyond.
Community
Building meaningful Christian friendships and learning to live, serve, encourage, and grow alongside others.
Mentoring & Vocation
Receiving intentional guidance from mature Christians while exploring calling, work, leadership, service, and faithful life after college.
Elements of the Fellows Experience
The Fellows experience is built around shared practices and life together at the House:
Want to Pursue Fellows More Intentionally?
Students who want a more structured formation experience may pursue the Real Life Study Center Fellow’s Certificate, which builds on the Fellows Program through additional mentoring and individually designed learning components shaped around a student’s interests, gifts, and sense of calling.
Explore Certificate PathwaysInterested in Real Life Fellows?
If you want to learn more about the Fellows pathway or connect with us, we would love to talk with you.
"Come In. Sit Down. Stay Awhile."
Whether you're looking for a place to study, a conversation, Christian community, or simply somewhere to spend a little time, you're welcome at the Real Life House.