Student Testimonies
"I love that I am in a program that is focused solely on studying scripture, theology, and figuring out myself. It gives me such great joy to think that I have assignments that require deep thought and journaling in order to sift out my emotions and what I am studying. How often do you get a year of your life to truly study Gods word, wise Christian author's books, and yourself on a daily basis? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." -Cecily
"It's crazy to me how much each week is so different. I am constantly learning new things in uncomfortable ways. But I guess that is part of the forging process." - Amanda
“One of the most humbling experiences I've ever had.” -Joe
“We have the opportunity to learn from the best leaders around. So much of what we need to know about good leadership we get to witness in person.” -Brooke
“This has been a week of discoveries and the breaking of misconceptions for me. This is going to push me much further out of my comfort zone than I realized.” -Andrew
"I'm stunned to silence by God's goodness in giving me this program." -Loren
Guest Speaker & Teacher Endorsements
"There is a continuing need to train young people to become quality leaders in the Christian community. The Forge program with its small number of select students and its intensive program is well suited to meet this need. I highly recommend it." -Jerry Bridges, author, The Pursuit of Holiness
"The Forge is spiritual development in the context of spiritual community. I appreciate Pine Cove's intentional, holistic plan to shape each student's mind, heart, and skills. What a great place for young men and women to grow as they prepare for a lifetime of walking with God!" -David Daniels, Senior Pastor, Pantego Bible Church
"I have worked closely with the leadership of the Forge program for several years. I have observed the students that go through the program...they grow in remarkable ways. I can tell you, as an admissions director, that I love to see Forge students come my way. If they have navigated the Forge program successfully, then I am convinced they are ready to take on just about anything God challenges them to do." -Joshua Bleeker, Diretor of Admissions, Dallas Theological Seminary
"Having taught at the Forge for several years, as well as working with the graduates of the program, I can honestly say that the Forge is a fantastic environment for leadership and character development. Although you will be challenged to grow in your knowledge, Matt Lantz and the Forge staff will also challenge you to grow holistically in your character and life skills. After participating in the Forge, you will leave with an experience that is unforgettable, and equipped to lead in your future vocation, no matter the setting. I cannot commend it more highly!" -Todd Engstrom, Pastor of Missional Communities, The Austin Stone Community Church
"We see graduates of the Forge often at our church in summer internships and longer residencies. We are always excited to recruit for these from the Forge due to the solid spiritual formation that takes place during that time. We see individuals with the foundations of their faith, as well as their identity as a follower of Christ, both well established due to their time in the Forge. I highly recommend this program." - Ed Helbing Director of Staffing, Hill Country Bible Church, Austin, TX
“I’ve had the privilege to teach yearly at The Forge since its beginning. The overall impact of The Forge in the lives of its participants is transformational in their vision, values and godliness. Matt Lantz and his team are skilled master-builders in their diligent, purposeful approach to leadership development.” -John Hawkins, President and CEO, Leadership Edge Inc.
"The Forge operates like a maturity supercollider. Those who enter grow at a remarkable pace, advancing in quantum leaps of personal and communal godliness. If accepted in The Forge, you will be stretched, developed, and blessed forever." -Dr. Wayne Braudrick, Senior Pastor, Frisco Bible Church, Frisco, TX
Thoughts from Parents of Students
"Our son, Loren, was part of the very first Forge group. We consider it the most valuable year of his life to this point. Spiritual disciplines, life skills, and leadership wisdom were all implanted in Loren. But most of all, Loren's heart was stirred towards a lifetime of mentoring; no matter what vocation he chooses to supply the needs of a family." -Vic & Subee Ransom
“Almost daily we see the impact the Forge had in our daughter's life. It was time well invested.” -Dona & David Stone
"When our son, Austin, told us he wanted to enroll in Forge, we were opposed to it. After all, we felt he needed to be making money at a "real job" at that point in his life, rather than gaining further experience as fill in labor for a camp in return for some Bible lessons, (not to mention that he would have to pay for the privelege!) We reluctantly agreed, mostly because he pretty much declared that he was going to do it with or without our approval. It proved to be a great blessing, however. Austin matured in many ways in his year with the Forge, most importantly in his walk with Christ. He remains clear to this day (2 years later) as to his mission to help others come to know the Lord, and has a strong heart for medical missions as a vehicle to do this. He seems quite comfortable with himself, confident, and shows qualitites of compassion and leadership in his life. I attribute much of what Austin has become to the lessons he received at Forge, and would whole-heartedly recommend the program." -David Teitelbaum, D.O.
"When I first heard about The Forge, I immediately thought of our daughter- it sounded "right up her alley" of something to do AFTER college. It was her idea to apply, but she wanted to attend after only 1 year of college- and we were anything but supportive. We were afraid that she'd lose momentum, wouldn't go back to complete her degree, etc. Well, as God often does, He had a lesson for us through her. We soon realized that we were restricting God to work in our little box, and He had bigger ideas for her life- living in community with the other students, learning from the Pine Cove staff and others, memorizing Scripture, working retreats, acquiring an insatiable love of reading, building on foundational faith. It was an incredibly positive life-altering experience. (And she went back to college!)" -Susan & Ken Eveland
