Seminary in the Living Room: Biblical Discipleship Through Hospitality

By Maria Ignas (BA 25)

To Professor of New Testament Studies Dr. Matt Harmon, biblical discipleship is essential to equipping students for the good works God has planned for them.

“For students to be prepared for a lifetime of discipleship and ministry, they need someone who knows who they are, what they struggle with, and how they need to be prayed for,” he said.

In 2006, the seminary faculty formalized this process through mentorship groups, in which faculty welcome a handful of students into their homes for fellowship and Bible study. These gatherings offer students a glimpse into how their professors live faithfully outside the classroom.

“I want them to see I’m not just an expert in a content area they need for their degree but also a follower of Christ,” said Harmon.

Each week, Harmon and his students meet to share life updates, pray for one another, read the Word, and discuss application. Crucial to the group is Kate, Harmon’s wife, whom he calls a “fountain of wisdom and knowledge” and is adored for her homemade desserts.
Group members Caleb Voth and Emily Donat find the meetings to be invaluable in their spiritual walk.

“Dr. Harmon shows genuine care and interest in our lives as students,” said Voth. “His great insight and investment are the reasons I’ve made his mentor group a priority.”

“Dr. Harmon’s mentor group has truly been one of my favorite parts of my seminary experience,” said Donat. “I’ve loved getting to connect with and glean wisdom from both him and my fellow classmates. It’s refreshing to my soul.”

The relationships continue when students walk off campus with their diplomas. In the last 20 years, Harmon has mentored students who have become Grace staff, such as Vice President of Advancement John Sloat (BS 10, MDiv 12) and Dean of Chapel & Community Life Brent Mencarelli (MDiv 13), as well as Charis Fellowship pastors, such as Zac Hess (BS 10, MDiv 13), all of whom he continues to keep in touch with today.

To Harmon, it’s a reward to watch graduates’ spiritual and professional journeys after graduation.

“I’m continually challenged and encouraged by the faith our students walk by as they face challenges in life and ministry,” said Harmon. “These groups are a formalized way we mentor students, but our biblical discipleship extends well beyond the groups. It’s a part of who we are.”

Learn more about our seminary programs.

Read more stories about how we’re doing biblical discipleship at Grace Theological Seminary. 

Our Core Values.