ARTIOS is a three year training program for Christians who are passionate about serving Christ. It is designed to equip church members with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective ministers of the gospel. The program’s purpose is reflected in the name. ARTIOS, from the Greek, means equipped, proficient, or competent. Paul uses the word when he tells the young minister Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped [artios] for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) ARTIOS will provide participants with a basic foundation for ministry upon which they can build.
The ARTIOS curriculum consists of the courses below. All classes will be taught by the Senior Pastor or others with suitable academic training and practical ministry experience.
The Drama of Redemption I
Overview of the Old Testament, with special emphasis on God’s unfolding purpose of redemption
The Drama of Redemption II
Overview of the New Testament, with special emphasis on the fulfillment of God’s purpose of redemption
Basic Christian Theology I
Core Christian doctrines, with a focus on revelation, God, creation, providence, and humanity.
Basic Christian Theology II
Core Christian doctrines, with a focus on Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things.
Spiritual Formation
Essentials of discipleship and the spiritual life journey
Ministry Skills
Essential skills for effective teaching and for one-on-one ministry and small group leadership
Participants are expected to attend all class sessions and fulfill all out-of-class assignments. In addition, participants must agree to complete all courses in sequence and to serve in church ministry during and after the course of study.
ARTIOS classes will meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30 – 7:30 pm during the fall and spring semesters (10 weeks each). Out-of-class assignments include moderate amounts of reading, hands-on ministry projects, and online collaboration with ARTIOS colleagues during the week.
Tuition to cover the cost of materials is $100 for each course. Scholarships are available. Please reach out to Michael Carlson with any questions.
A new cohort of students is formed in September of each year. Please keep in mind that acceptance into an ARTIOS cohort is not guaranteed. Mentoring and collaboration are crucial components of the ARTIOS curriculum, so class sizes must be kept small. Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are currently open and will close June 29. Please reach out to Michael Carlson with any questions.
ARTIOS LG
Two Semester Program for Life Group Leaders
Artios Life Group is a two semester training program designed specifically for life group leaders. Topics of discussion will include the scriptures, discipleship, christian witness, how to teach adults, and life group core values/leadership. If you feel called to lead or be a part of a leadership team for a life group, do not miss out on this opportunity! Cohorts launch every August.
Artios LG is a tailored, abbreviated version of Artios – a three year training program designed to equip Christians with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective ministers of the gospel. Upon completing Artios LG, our hope for graduates is to launch a Life Group and consider enrollment in Artios.
The Artios Life Group curriculum consists of the following modules:
Foundations of Scripture
Equip leaders with the tools and techniques necessary for effective Bible study and interpretation, thereby fostering confidence in their handling of Scripture.
Discipleship
Teach leaders how to cultivate spiritual growth and nurture relationships within their groups.
Christian Witness
Prepare leaders to effectively share the gospel and engage others in spiritual discussions.
Methods of Teaching Adults
Help leaders understand how adults learn and provide effective teaching and engagement strategies.
Leading a Life Group & Teaching
Train leaders to plan, organize, and lead a successful Life Group while teaching Scripture effectively.
Participants are expected to attend all class sessions and fulfill all out-of-class assignments. Artios Life Group classes meet one hour a week during the fall and spring semesters (15 weeks each). Out-of-class assignments include moderate amounts of reading, “hands on” ministry projects, and online collaboration with your Artios Life Group cohort.
Tuition to cover the cost of materials is covered by the Life Group Ministry at First Woodway.
Please email Connor Griffin, Minister of Discipleship: Life Groups, to enroll.
Enrollment for the Fall 2025 cohort is open July 1 – 31.
ARTIOS U
Summer Internship for College Students
ArtiosU exists to disciple and develop college students into Christian ministry leaders capable of serving in the church and the marketplace. Upon application and approval, these 4-8 students will be placed with a church ministry to serve and minister throughout the week however each ministry lead sees fit. In addition, these students will meet weekly for spiritual formation, ministry equipping, and theological/biblical training. As a capstone to their summer internship, the students will embark on a trip to England to learn ministry in a post-Christian environment in partnership with Birmingham Collective and the Sherman family, global partners of First Woodway.
First Woodway has a unique opportunity and ability to raise up future Christian leaders in the church because of the vast ministry opportunities, wealth of resources, and extraordinary leaders within its walls. ArtiosU is an intentional attempt to offer students the opportunity to use their giftings and abilities to serve within the church, but to also supplement them with teaching, training and discipleship to produce whole and healthy Christian leaders and ministers well beyond the summer.
To the Ministry: The ministries will have an intern desiring to grow and serve in their specific context. This will be the student’s main commitment for the summer which means the ministry and the work asked of them will be a priority, not a side-gig. On top of that, they will be receiving training to support and enhance the ministry they are doing.
To the Student: The students will be supported and equipped with spiritual formation, theological/biblical training, and discipleship that will have an impact on their relationship with Jesus and their ministry. Additionally, they will have weekly, if not daily, hands-on opportunities to apply what they’re learning.
The internship will be a total of 20-30 hours/week (hours may vary depending on church/ministry schedule).
Ministry Time: 15 – 20 hours/week
Each ministry will provide 15-20 hours of work per week.
Class Time: 4 – 5 hours/week
Students will meet twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 9:00 – 11:00 am) to study the Bible, Theology, practice Spiritual Formation, and develop ministry skills. In June, students will attend special seminars on Fridays (11:30 am – 1:00 pm) with a provided lunch that focus on the intersection of Church and prevalent cultural topics.
Homework/Class Prep: 1 – 2 hours/week
Students will have required reading and homework in preparation for class each week.
1-on-1 Mentoring: 1 – 2 hours/week
Students will be assigned a mentor to meet with weekly for discipleship, accountability, and prayer.
Payment is determined by each specific ministry. Students will pay a fee of $100 before June 1 that helps cover books, Friday lunches, and other accommodations. Students will raise support and pay for their trip to England. (Note: Students may be employed outside of FW, but their main priority is to ArtiosU and their assigned ministry.)
Students will apply throughout the Fall and early Spring. After approval of their application, an interview will take place between the student, College minister, and ministry to discern fit. Upon approval, the student will be offered an official invitation to join ArtiosU. It is important to note the College Minister will not be “placing” students without the complete discretion and approval of the specific minister to which they are assigned. Ministries are more than welcome to recruit and invite students outside of the college ministry, but our hope is that these students would still join the ArtiosU program. (Note: Students may apply for multiple ministries. FW Staff reserves the right to offer students a different ministry placement if it seems appropriate.)
While applications for Summer 2025 have closed, please contact Case Smith, Minister of College Students, with any questions.
