Forge FAQs
What are the dates of the program?
What types of experiences are there in the program besides classes?
Why should I put off getting a job or take 2 semesters off from school for this program?
What are the options for paying the cost of the program?
What should I do about my other expenses like car notes, cell phone bills, student loans etc.?
What will the classes be like?
When does the application process begin? What are the requirements to be chosen?
Is this for former Pine Cove staff only?
What about medical insurance during my time at the Forge?
Can I get college credit for my time at the Forge?
What will Forge students do during weekends & holidays?
Q: Why is it called the Forge?
A: The Leadership Research & Design Team has examined the title of “Forge” for this program in looking at this passage in 1 Peter:
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Peter 1:6-7, NASV
The concept of being tested, or “refined,” fits the vision for the program. The process of taking iron, steel, silver or gold and heating, refining, shaping, and honing it into a more effective and useful tool is the perfect analogy for what students will experience.
Q: What are the dates of the program?
A: Last week in August to the first week in May.
Q: What types of experiences are there in the program besides classes?
A: During the course of the program, students will embark on 5-6 trips together. Our trips will vary in purpose, challenge and culture. Additionally, a regular part of the program will be a 10-day tour of Israel.
Q: What is the workload like?
A: Since the Forge is not purely an academic enviornment, our assignments are not purely academic either. Expect to have plenty of work assigned, but within a variety of different disciplines. Expect your time outside of class to be spent as follows:
- Reading 30%
- Writing papers/journaling 20%
- large-scale projects 40%
- Other assignments 10%
Assignments are given feedback, but not assigned a grade. They are designed to challenge the student to evaluate, process, and/or apply the different ideas and experiences within the program.
Q: Why should I put off getting a job or take 2 semesters off from school for this program?
A: Our friends at Hume Lake Christian Camp in California have noted in their leadership training ministry, called the Joshua Institute, that it is important and valuable to take time to turn aside just as Moses did. During his first encounter with God, Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up" (Ex 3:3 NASV). Moses “turned aside” right in the middle of his daily work and was changed into the leader of the exodus. We, too, are inviting you to “turn aside” from the flux of everyday life, school, work, or whatever that means for you and see how God will shape your life and prepare you for future leadership.
Q: What are the options for paying the cost of the program?
A: We encourage you to raise support for your time at the Forge. Once you apply, we will give you helpful instruction on how to fundraise. However, you are welcome to pay for it outright if you so desire. Remember, you will be required to work 6 weekends per semester as part of your tuition. However, you are also welcome to work additional weekends for a Pine Cove event for extra spending money.
Q: What should I do about my other expenses like car notes, cell phone bills, student loans etc.?
A: Forge students are not allowed to work outside the program. Since you will not have a regular income, we recommend students discontinue as many regular expenses as convenient before beginning the program. Unless prior arrangements are made, these costs will continue to be a distraction to the time set aside towards being here. However, if students still have expenses that need to be addressed while here, students can work additional weekends at Pine Cove (if it is not one of your required work weekends). If those weekends do not provide enough funds, then students will need to make outside arrangements to cover those expenses.
Q: What will the classes be like?
A: We give you a schedule of what a typical week would be like, but there won't be many weeks that are “typical.” Some classes, like Sanctus for example, are about the application of sanctification to all areas of life, so they necessitate a variety of different activities and methods to teach the lesson. Other classes, like Basic Theology, will be much like a graduate-level discussion class complete with tests, papers, etc. Come prepared for the full spectrum of learning environments.
Q: When does the application process begin? What are the requirements to be chosen?
A: o Applications are accepted year round, but most students begin applying in January of the year in which they would like to attend. The application deadline is May 1st, but if the class has not been filled, we will continue to review applications until all 24 students have been selected.
There aren't any “requirements” per se, other than those listed in the application (statement of faith, for example). We will be selecting students based on a lot of different areas because we are seeking a well-rounded team of mature men and women who are devoted to being leaders in ministry and dedicated to the process of being refined. Applicants must have graduated from high school and be unmarried. Given the nature of the program, most applicants will probably have some proven leadership traits, some prior informal leadership, and a strong desire to be a godly leader in ministry and/or business.
Q: Is this for former Pine Cove staff only?
A: No. We are encouraging anyone who is passionate about being a leader in ministry to apply.
Q: What about medical insurance during my time at the Forge?
A: We have spoken with many insurance companies and they have indicated to us that your attendance at the Forge may still qualify you as a “student.” However, you will need to check with your insurance company to make sure that you will be covered and considered a student. Please contact us if you need us to verify anything for your insurance company. We will work with you to make sure you get coverage.
Pine Cove does have a supplemental health insurance policy that will help cover Forge students while they are on Pine Cove property and participating in Forge related events. The policy is supplemental and should not be utilized as full medical coverage.
Q: Can I get college credit for my time at the Forge?
A: Absolutely. The Forge is currently in the process of developing partnerships with universities and seminaries that offer Forge graduates various opportunities to continue their training at a Master’s level. In some cases, Forge graduates will receive advanced standing and/or transfer credit towards a Master’s degree at a participating university or seminary. Our current partnerships are listed here.
Q: What will Forge students do during weekends & holidays?
A: Each Forge student is required to work 6 weekends each half, without compensation, as a part of his/her training. Our resident staff at each camp place Forge students in a position to be able to pracitce, on a weekly basis, the skills and principles they are learning. Whether it is managing a work crew, being up front on the microphone, or running a children's program - Forge students are given the opportunity to practice in real ministry situations. This work-study program also helps to substantially defray the cost of the program.
During all other weekends, the students have no official responsibilities and are free to go home, work on assignments, relax, work at camp for extra money, etc. The Forge will recess for Thanksgiving and Christmas with a similar schedule to most universities.
As you look through this information, please feel free to call the Forge office at 1.877.4PINECOVE or e-mail mlantz@pinecove.com if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
