The Apprentice Institute was established at Friends University in August 2009 by James Bryan Smith. Below is a timeline of our history and the programs that have played an instrumental role in helping us become a leader in the field of Christian spiritual formation.

2009: We created a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation (CSF), as well as an option for a second major or certificate. There are currently 120 graduates and 54 students enrolled in our Christian Spiritual Formation program.

2011: We hosted our first annual national conference, The Apprentice Gathering. This 3-day conference connects authors and speakers with attendees from all over the world to learn and engage in Christian spiritual formation. In its first nine years, The Apprentice Gathering has warmly welcomed over 4,000 attendees to the campus of Friends University.

2014: We launched the Apprentice Experience, an 18-month adult certificate program focused on Christ-centered learning and training in community. In a cohort model, participants engage in an experiential journey and learn from the leading voices in the field of Christian Spiritual Formation. Over 150 people have graduated from the Experience since its inception.

2017: Three years later, we developed the Master of Arts in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership (MACSFL). It is designed as a personal growth, academic and professional program for both lay people and people in professional ministry. You will receive the tools and resources for developing a framework for spiritual formation, while building a stronger theological foundation.

2018: The “Things Above” podcast debuted in August. Hosted by James Bryan Smith, the name of this podcast comes from Colossians 3:2-4. Each episode of Things Above offers listeners a glorious thought to “set their minds on” that is both encouraging and uplifting. Three episodes are released each month, one of which features a guest for a “Things Above Conversation.” The podcast has over a quarter million downloads. More importantly, we love hearing about the impact the podcast has had in our listener’s lives.

2019: We established the Dallas Willard Endowed Chair for Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University. The endowed chair is named in recognition of the significant role Dallas Willard and his teachings have played in the development of the Apprentice Institute and the Christian Spiritual Formation programs at Friends University. The first person named to hold the Willard Chair is our very own Dr. James Bryan Smith, nationally recognized author and speaker, Associate Professor of Spiritual Formation at Friends University and Executive Director of the Apprentice Institute.