Watching the Olympics and Paralympics, I’m reminded of how every athlete trains with purpose to excel in their sport:

  • They have a coach, either individually or as a team.
  • They carefully choose what they eat to fuel their bodies for the best performance.
  • They practice daily.

When I think about soul training to become more like Jesus, I see that God has given us much. Like an Olympian, I also need (1) a coach/team, (2) to be mindful of what I take in—both physically and mentally—and (3) to practice every day.

The goal of the International Leadership Institute (ILI) is to change history by accelerating the spread of the Gospel of Jesus. Wes and Joy Griffin are the international directors of ILI. Wes prayed with me and sat beside me for an entire day on one of the most pivotal days of my career. Joy shared a message about Rahab during Advent at my new church. These two have equipped men and women worldwide to effectively share the Gospel.

“A God-shaped life is like a tree planted by God’s hands, flourishing and strong. Those who trust in God and find their confidence in Him are like a tree planted by water, with leaves that stay green and always bear fruit.” Always green. Always bear fruit.

Christian to the Core is a curriculum to guide disciple-makers to discover eight core values for a transformed life in Christ Jesus. There is a curriculum for adults, youth, and children. Christian to the Core is grounded in expectations for the future. 

  • Christian to the Core
  • Christian to the Core to the Youth: Rooting in a Deeper Life
  • Christian to the Core to the Kids: Sprouting in God’s Love

Each core value is backed up with scripture and begins with 

  • “God is looking for men and women who….”, 
  • “God is looking for young men and women who…”, 
  • “God looks for boys and girls who…”

The youth and kids curriculum guides are not an add-on to tie a bow on an adult curriculum. All the curricula for adults, youth, and kids are offered as a free pdf here. The materials are thick with developmentally appropriate language and sticky storytelling from life and the scriptures, guided object lessons and discussion, and filled with clear, impactful teaching for leaders to lead littles and bigs to sold-out living for Christ Jesus. 

Too many disciples never fully develop into transformed disciple-makers thereby suffering the consequences of a shallow life. Our great God invites us to be involved in His Kingdom here on earth. Ready to transform your life, relationships, and legacy? 

Let’s go!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10