Foundations in Christ Workshop

“Anyone in Christ is a new creation:  the old has passed away; behold, the new has come!”  – 2 Corinthians 5:17

We all have lenses through which we view life and its circumstances.  The Foundations in Christ workshop is an opportunity to take a closer look at our perspectives and how they impact our awareness of God, ourselves, and reality.

In this workshop adults come together to explore—in practical ways—core issues of faith and daily life with God.  The workshop focuses on the presence and activity of God and the freedom God gives us for new life in Christ.  So we explore questions that cut to the heart of faith—questions like:

• “How does God interact with us on a daily basis?”
• “What if my spiritual life sometimes feels stagnant—like I’m not close to God?”
• “Where is God in the midst of suffering?”
• “Why does the work of discipleship at times seem like a burden?”
• “Can I really rely on God’s grace?”

Expecting the Holy Spirit to work among us, this workshop offers time and space to learn about God and ourselves in fresh ways.  Through a variety of approaches—including interactive presentations, exercises, and group discussions—we examine practical cornerstones of our faith and explore how Christ sets us free in extraordinary ways.  What each person discovers in the workshop is, by God’s grace, specific and unique to them.

The workshop takes place over two weekends:  Friday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both weekends, with a weekend off in between.  Lunch is provided.  On the two Sunday mornings, the group worships with a local congregation.  In addition to the workshop facilitators, participants receive assistance from trained small group “Guides.”

Participant Reviews

“I enjoyed these weekends more than I can say.  I feel free in ways I can’t describe.  It’s like there have been kernels of ideas in my head all my life that are finally, FINALLY, popping!”

-Elizabeth, Westminster Presbyterian Church

“The Foundations workshop was a true blessing to me. The Lord opened my heart to Jesus Christ acting through the presence of the Holy Spirit in the here and now in my life and in the lives of those around me, in the midst of the train wreck.  Participating renewed a glimpse of the sacred in everyday life.”

-Paul, Covenant Presbyterian Church

“My whole life I’ve had these pieces of what I believe—like a steering wheel here and a front bumper there—but this is the first time I’ve finally been able to see the pieces snapped together and an outline of the whole car!”

-Jennifer, Community in Christ Lutheran Church

“In Foundations, God met me where I was.  Participating in this workshop was one of the most transformational and sustainable experiences of my life.”

–Marcy, Sharon Presbyterian Church

Link to Answers to Common Questions about the Foundations in Christ Workshop

Registration Information

ICSM offers the Foundations in Christ workshop to the public once a year, usually in winter.  The next Foundations workshop will be held the two weekends of January 17-19 and January 31-February 2, 2025, at ICSM’s office in south Charlotte (7615 Colony Road, Suite 21).  ICSM is currently accepting registrations for the Winter 2025 workshop.

Fees help defray expenses and make future workshops possible.  ICSM realizes that each participant has a different ability to pay, and we are committed to making this workshop available to all who feel called by the Spirit to attend. The fees for Foundations in Christ workshops are broken down into three tiers which allow participants to select the amount that is right for their specific situation.

Tier 1:  $150 – ICSM is able to offer this level due to the generous support we receive from individuals and sponsors who give their time and financial resources.  In addition, full and partial scholarships to cover all or a portion of the $150 are available confidentially upon request.

Tier 2:  $300 – This is the midpoint between Tier 1 and Tier 3 and available for participants who would like to support more of the cost of their Foundations in Christ workshop, but are not able to pay at the Tier 3 level.

Tier 3:  $450 – This tier more closely reflects the cost per participant of attending a Foundations workshop, taking into account fixed and variable expenses such as food, materials, leadership, and facilities, and it provides support for other participants who need scholarship assistance.

ICSM invites you to select the tier that works for you or request a scholarship when you register.  We want you to come, so please do not let costs keep you from joining us!

Finally, for individuals who are interested in supporting other participants, ICSM welcomes donations and sponsorships to help cover the cost of Foundations in Christ workshops and provide scholarships.

Foundations workshops are limited to 15 participants, so early registration is encouraged. To register or for more information, please complete and submit an online Registration Form or contact Rev. Sarah Kromer at 704-554-2490 or [email protected].

Foundations in Christ Workshops for Groups

Attending a Foundations in Christ workshop together as a small group offers a common language and bedrock for the group to engage more deeply in conversation, Bible study, and discipleship together following the workshop.  For church leaders, staff members, and teachers, the Foundations workshop provides a base of practical knowledge and tools for teaching and leading others in the church.  If you are interested in bringing a Foundations workshop to your church or want to attend as a group, contact Rev. Sarah Kromer at 704-554-2490 or [email protected].