ICPF International

ACTIVATE

STUDENT LEADERS TRAINING

Program Guide, Instructor Assignments & Teaching Schedule 

30 Sessions  •  3 Levels  •  5–7 Instructors  •  10–11 Months

Introduction

This training equips international student leaders with a firm foundation in Scripture, a lived pattern of discipleship, practical skill in evangelism and campus mission, and the theological and spiritual depth to think, live, and serve faithfully in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The curriculum is arranged into three progressive levels, moving from the foundation of the Word, to the outward mission of sharing Christ, to the inward depth of apologetics and spiritual formation. The program opens with a dedicated orientation session so that every participant begins with a shared understanding of the program's purpose, expectations, and format before the teaching content begins. 

Program Overview

Total sessions - 31  (1 Orientation session + 30 topical lessons)

Frequency - Three classes each month

Class duration - 45 minutes

Estimated program length - About 10–11 months

Training levels - Three, ten lessons each

Main Topics

The program covers four major topic areas across the 31 sessions:

Orientation & Introduction

A welcome to the program: purpose, expectations, format, and what students can expect across the year ahead. (1 session)

Level 1 — Biblical Foundations and Discipleship

Knowing the Word and following Christ: the Bible's story and structure, how to read it well, the gospel, and what it means to be and make a disciple. (10 sessions)

Level 2 — Evangelism and Campus Mission

Sharing Christ and making disciples on campus: God's mission, the Great Commission, personal testimony, relational evangelism, and long-term follow-up. (10 sessions)

Level 3 — Apologetics, Spiritual Formation, and Life in the Spirit

Thinking faithfully, living deeply, and serving in the Spirit: answering hard questions, spiritual disciplines, the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, and Spirit-empowered witness. (10 sessions)

 Instructor Assignment & Scheduling Plan

To make scheduling simple, the 30 lessons are grouped into six contiguous topic blocks (plus orientation), so each instructor teaches one consistent subject across several consecutive weeks rather than jumping between topics. This uses 7 people; the plan can be run with as few as 5 by combining blocks as noted below.

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#    Instructor / Role      Topic Block                                         Lessons Covered    # Sessions    Approx. Weeks

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 Orientation Lead      Program Director / Lead Pastor             Session 1 only      1             1 week

1    Instructor 1          Bible Foundations                                   Lessons 1–6         6             6 weeks

2    Instructor 2          Discipleship                                             Lessons 7–10        4             4 weeks

3    Instructor 3          Evangelism Foundations                        Lessons 11–16       6             6 weeks

4    Instructor 4          Campus Ministry & Follow-Up               Lessons 17–20       4             4 weeks

5    Instructor 5          Apologetics                                              Lessons 21–25       5             5 weeks

6    Instructor 6          Spiritual Formation & the Holy Spirit    Lessons 26–30       5             5 weeks 

Running the plan with fewer instructors

●      5 instructors: combine Block A + B under one Level 1 instructor (10 sessions), and Block E + F under one Level 3 instructor (10 sessions); Block C + D remain as one Level 2 instructor pairing or stay split.

●      6 instructors: keep Levels 1 and 2 split as shown, and combine Block E + F into a single Level 3 instructor (10 sessions).

●      7 instructors (recommended): use the plan exactly as shown above — each person teaches one focused sub-topic of 4–6 sessions, which is the easiest load to prepare for and schedule around availability.

●      The Orientation session (Session 1) can be led by the Program Director, lead pastor, or whichever instructor is teaching Block A, since it flows directly into Level 1.

Full Session Schedule

Three sessions per month, 45 minutes each. Each row shows which instructor is responsible.

Month

Month 1

Session 1

Orientation & Introduction to the Training Program

Orientation Lead

Session 2

Introduction to the Bible

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Session 3

The Main Story of the Bible

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Month 2

Session 4

Overview of the Old Testament

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Session 5

Overview of the New Testament

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Session 6

How to Read and Understand the Bible

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Month 3

Session 7

Understanding the Gospel

Instructor 1 (Block A)

Session 8

Introduction to Discipleship

Instructor 2 (Block B)

Session 9

Characteristics of a Disciple of Christ

Instructor 2 (Block B)

Month 4

Session 10

Obedience, Community, and Accountability

Instructor 2 (Block B)

Session 11

Growing and Helping Others Grow

Instructor 2 (Block B)

Session 12

The Mission of God

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Month 5

Session 13

The Great Commission

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Session 14

Introduction to Evangelism

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Session 15

Explaining the Gospel Clearly

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Month 6

Session 16

Sharing Your Personal Testimony

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Session 17

Relational Evangelism

Instructor 3 (Block C)

Session 18

Understanding Campus Ministry

Instructor 4 (Block D)

Month 7

Session 19

Discovery Bible Study

Instructor 4 (Block D)

Session 20

Prayer and Dependence in Evangelism

Instructor 4 (Block D)

Session 21

Follow-Up, Accountability, and Long-Term Ministry

Instructor 4 (Block D)

Month 8

Session 22

Introduction to Apologetics

Instructor 5 (Block E)

Session 23

Can the Bible Be Trusted?

Instructor 5 (Block E)

Session 24

Faith and Science

Instructor 5 (Block E)

Month 9

Session 25

Suffering, Evil, and the Goodness of God

Instructor 5 (Block E)

Session 26

Jesus, Other Religions, and the Question of Truth

Instructor 5 (Block E)

Session 27

Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Instructor 6 (Block F)

Month 10

Session 28

Spiritual Disciplines and Quiet Time

Instructor 6 (Block F)

Session 29

The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Instructor 6 (Block F)

Session 30

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Instructor 6 (Block F)

Month 11

Session 31

Spirit-Empowered Campus Witness

Instructor 6 (Block F)

Session 1: Orientation & Introduction

Welcoming Students and Setting the Foundation for the Year

Suggested Content

●      Welcome and introductions (students and instructors)

●      Purpose and vision of the Student Leaders Training

●      Overview of the three levels and what each one covers

●      Expectations: attendance, participation, preparation, and conduct

●      Format of each 45-minute session and how instructors will rotate by topic block

●      Opening prayer and commissioning for the year ahead

Suggested Scriptures

●      Psalm 78:4

●      Proverbs 9:9

●      2 Timothy 2:2

●      Philippians 1:6

Level 1: Biblical Foundations and Discipleship

Knowing the Word and Following Christ

Topic Block A: Bible Foundations   —  Instructor 1  •  Lessons 1–6  •  6 weeks

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Bible

Understanding What the Bible Is and Why It Matters

Key Areas

●      The Bible as the written Word of God

●      The Bible as a collection of sixty-six books

●      The relationship between divine inspiration and human authorship

●      The division between the Old Testament and New Testament

●      The purpose of Scripture in teaching, correction, spiritual growth, and ministry

Scriptures That Could Be Used

2 Timothy 3:16-17  •  2 Peter 1:20-21  •  Psalm 119:105  •  Hebrews 4:12

Lesson 2: The Main Story of the Bible

Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration

Key Areas

●      God as Creator

●      Humanity created in the image of God

●      The entrance and consequences of sin

●      God's covenant and redemptive promises

●      The coming of Jesus Christ

●      The Church and its mission

●      The return of Christ and the restoration of creation

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Genesis 1:26-28  •  Genesis 3:1-19  •  Genesis 12:1-3  •  Luke 24:25-27  •  Revelation 21:1-5

Lesson 3: Overview of the Old Testament

God's Covenant, People, Law, and Promise

Key Areas

●      The books of the Law

●      The historical books

●      Poetry and wisdom literature

●      The Major and Minor Prophets

●      God's covenant with Abraham and Israel

●      The Law and the holiness of God

●      Israel's successes, failures, exile, and hope

●      Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Genesis 12:1-3  •  Exodus 19:3-6  •  Deuteronomy 6:4-9  •  Psalm 1:1-3  •  Isaiah 53:1-6

Lesson 4: Overview of the New Testament

Jesus Christ, the Church, and the Christian Hope

Key Areas

●      The four Gospels

●      The life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus

●      The Book of Acts and the growth of the early Church

●      The letters of Paul

●      The General Epistles

●      The Book of Revelation

●      The ministry of the Holy Spirit

●      The return of Christ and the Christian hope

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Mark 1:14-15  •  John 1:1-14  •  Acts 1:8  •  1 Corinthians 15:1-4  •  Revelation 22:12-13

Lesson 5: How to Read and Understand the Bible

Reading Scripture Carefully and in Context

Key Areas

●      Observing what the passage says

●      Understanding the original audience

●      Recognizing historical and cultural background

●      Identifying different types of biblical literature

●      Reading verses within their surrounding context

●      Comparing Scripture with Scripture

●      Moving from interpretation to personal application

●      Avoiding the misuse of isolated Bible verses

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Nehemiah 8:8  •  Luke 24:44-45  •  Acts 17:11  •  2 Timothy 2:15

Lesson 6: Understanding the Gospel

The Good News of Jesus Christ

Key Areas

●      God's holiness and love

●      Humanity's sin and separation from God

●      The person and work of Jesus Christ

●      The meaning of the cross

●      The resurrection of Christ

●      Repentance and faith

●      Salvation by grace

●      New life in Christ

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Romans 3:23  •  Romans 5:8  •  Romans 6:23  •  1 Corinthians 15:1-4  •  Ephesians 2:8-10

Topic Block B: Discipleship   —  Instructor 2  •  Lessons 7–10  •  4 weeks

Lesson 7: Introduction to Discipleship

What It Means to Follow Jesus

Key Areas

●      The meaning of the word disciple

●      The call to follow Jesus

●      Learning from Christ

●      Obeying Christ

●      Becoming like Christ

●      Participating in Christ's mission

●      The difference between church attendance and discipleship

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Mark 1:16-20  •  Luke 9:23-25  •  John 8:31-32  •  John 15:4-5

Lesson 8: Characteristics of a Disciple of Christ

The Visible Marks of a Life That Follows Jesus

A disciple of Christ:

Key Areas

●      Loves God and others

●      Obeys the teachings of Jesus

●      Abides in God's Word

●      Depends on prayer

●      Demonstrates humility

●      Bears spiritual fruit

●      Serves others

●      Lives in Christian community

●      Receives correction

●      Makes other disciples

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 8:31  •  John 13:34-35  •  John 15:8  •  Galatians 5:22-23  •  James 1:22

Lesson 9: Obedience, Community, and Accountability

Growing Together as the Body of Christ

Key Areas

●      Obedience as a response to Christ's love

●      The importance of Christian fellowship

●      The role of the local church

●      Accountability and honest relationships

●      Receiving correction with humility

●      Encouraging and strengthening other believers

●      Confession, forgiveness, and restoration

●      Avoiding isolated Christianity

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Acts 2:42-47  •  John 14:15  •  Hebrews 10:24-25  •  James 5:16  •  Galatians 6:1-2

Lesson 10: Growing and Helping Others Grow

From Personal Discipleship to Disciple-Making

Key Areas

●      The importance of spiritual mentoring

●      Teaching by example

●      Studying Scripture with another person

●      Praying for others

●      Encouraging obedience

●      Walking patiently with new believers

●      Multiplication through disciple-making

●      Avoiding control and unhealthy spiritual dependence

Scriptures That Could Be Used

2 Timothy 2:2  •  Colossians 1:28  •  1 Thessalonians 2:7-8  •  1 Corinthians 11:1

Level 2: Evangelism and Campus Mission

Sharing Christ and Making Disciples on Campus

Topic Block C: Evangelism Foundations   —  Instructor 3  •  Lessons 11–16  •  6 weeks

Lesson 11: The Mission of God

Understanding God's Heart for the Nations

Key Areas

●      God's promise to bless the nations

●      Israel's calling to represent God

●      Jesus seeking and saving the lost

●      The Church as God's witnessing community

●      God's concern for every culture and people group

●      Campus ministry as participation in God's mission

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Genesis 12:1-3  •  Isaiah 49:6  •  Luke 19:10  •  1 Peter 2:9  •  Revelation 7:9-10

Lesson 12: The Great Commission

Christ's Command to Make Disciples

Key Areas

●      The authority of Jesus

●      Going to people

●      Making disciples

●      Baptizing new believers

●      Teaching obedience

●      Depending on Christ's presence

●      The connection between evangelism and discipleship

●      Witnessing locally and globally

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Matthew 28:18-20  •  Mark 16:15  •  Luke 24:46-49  •  Acts 1:8

Lesson 13: Introduction to Evangelism

Communicating the Good News with Clarity and Love

Key Areas

●      The meaning of evangelism

●      The gospel as the message of evangelism

●      Dependence on the Holy Spirit

●      Love and compassion for people

●      Respectful communication

●      Avoiding pressure, manipulation, and arguments

●      Faithfulness rather than numerical success

●      The role of personal character

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Romans 1:16  •  1 Corinthians 9:19-23  •  2 Corinthians 5:18-20  •  1 Peter 3:15-16

Lesson 14: Explaining the Gospel Clearly

Presenting Christ Without Confusion or Church Jargon

Key Areas

●      Beginning with God rather than human need alone

●      Explaining sin clearly

●      The identity of Jesus

●      The meaning of the cross

●      The importance of the resurrection

●      Grace, repentance, and faith

●      The cost of following Christ

●      Inviting a response without forcing one

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 3:16-17  •  Romans 3:23-26  •  Romans 5:1  •  Romans 10:9-10  •  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Lesson 15: Sharing Your Personal Testimony

Telling the Story of Christ's Work in Your Life

The testimony could include:

Key Areas

●      Life before encountering Christ

●      How the person came to understand and trust Christ

●      How Christ is changing their life now

●      Keeping Jesus central

●      Avoiding unnecessary details

●      Avoiding exaggerated claims

●      Using language understandable to non-Christians

●      Remaining honest about ongoing struggles

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 9:24-25  •  Acts 22:1-16  •  Acts 26:1-23  •  1 Peter 3:15

Lesson 16: Relational Evangelism

Building Genuine Friendships and Trust

Key Areas

●      Loving people without conditions

●      Listening before speaking

●      Remembering names and personal details

●      Following up consistently

●      Sharing meals and time

●      Serving practical needs

●      Being present during difficulty

●      Remaining a friend even when someone does not accept the gospel

●      Avoiding manipulative friendship

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 4:4-26  •  Luke 19:1-10  •  1 Thessalonians 2:7-8  •  Philippians 2:3-4

Topic Block D: Campus Ministry & Follow-Up   —  Instructor 4  •  Lessons 17–20  •  4 weeks

Lesson 17: Understanding Campus Ministry

Recognizing the Needs, Opportunities, and Challenges of the Campus

Key Areas

●      Academic pressure

●      Loneliness and isolation

●      Questions of identity and purpose

●      Cultural and religious diversity

●      International student experiences

●      Mental and emotional pressure

●      Secular ideas and competing worldviews

●      Campus policies and respectful conduct

●      Natural places for conversations and relationships

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Matthew 9:35-38  •  Acts 17:16-23  •  Colossians 4:5-6

Lesson 18: Discovery Bible Study

Helping Seekers Discover Biblical Truth

Key Areas

●      Selecting an appropriate passage

●      Allowing students to read the passage for themselves

●      Asking open-ended questions

●      Avoiding preaching during the discussion

●      Keeping the conversation connected to Scripture

●      Allowing honest questions

●      Helping participants identify personal application

Core Discovery Questions

●      What does this passage say?

●      What does it teach us about God?

●      What does it teach us about people?

●      What truth stands out to you?

●      Is there something to obey?

●      How should we respond?

●      Who could you share this with?

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Mark 2:1-12  •  Luke 15:11-32  •  John 3:1-17  •  John 4:1-30

Lesson 19: Prayer and Dependence in Evangelism

Trusting God Rather Than Human Ability

Key Areas

●      Prayer for open doors

●      Prayer for receptive hearts

●      Prayer for spiritual boldness

●      Prayer for wisdom

●      Prayer for compassion

●      Prayer for the work of the Holy Spirit

●      Prayer walking

●      Praying in pairs or groups of three

●      Asking permission before praying directly for a student

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Acts 4:23-31  •  Ephesians 6:18-20  •  Colossians 4:2-6  •  1 Timothy 2:1-4

Lesson 20: Follow-Up, Accountability, and Long-Term Ministry

Caring for Students Beyond the First Conversation

Key Areas

●      Following up after spiritual conversations

●      Inviting students to Bible study

●      Connecting students with Christian community

●      Supporting new believers

●      Respecting those who are not interested

●      Recording important questions and prayer needs appropriately

●      Weekly team debriefing

●      Processing rejection

●      Celebrating faithfulness instead of numbers

●      Preventing burnout

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Matthew 13:3-9  •  1 Thessalonians 2:8  •  Colossians 1:28  •  2 Timothy 2:2

Level 3: Apologetics, Spiritual Formation, and Life in the Spirit

Thinking Faithfully, Living Deeply, and Serving in the Spirit

Topic Block E: Apologetics   —  Instructor 5  •  Lessons 21–25  •  5 weeks

Lesson 21: Introduction to Apologetics

Giving a Reason for Christian Hope

Key Areas

●      The meaning of apologetics

●      Giving reasons for Christian faith

●      Understanding the person behind the question

●      Listening before answering

●      Clarifying the actual objection

●      Responding with gentleness and respect

●      Admitting when an answer is unknown

●      Avoiding unnecessary arguments

Scriptures That Could Be Used

1 Peter 3:15-16  •  Acts 17:2-4  •  Jude 3  •  2 Timothy 2:23-25

Lesson 22: Can the Bible Be Trusted?

Understanding the Reliability and Authority of Scripture

Key Areas

●      The Bible's historical setting

●      Eyewitness testimony

●      The writing and preservation of biblical texts

●      The relationship between inspiration and human authorship

●      The unity of Scripture

●      The role of manuscripts and translations

●      Responding to alleged contradictions

●      Recognizing the limits of simplistic answers

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Luke 1:1-4  •  John 20:30-31  •  2 Peter 1:16-21  •  2 Timothy 3:16

Lesson 23: Faith and Science

Understanding Conflict, Compatibility, and the Limits of Science

Key Areas

●      What science studies

●      What theology studies

●      Scientific and philosophical questions

●      The difference between science and scientism

●      Creation and the order of the universe

●      Christian contributions to scientific study

●      Areas of disagreement among Christians

●      Speaking carefully about topics that remain debated

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Psalm 19:1-4  •  Romans 1:20  •  Colossians 1:15-17  •  Hebrews 11:3

Lesson 24: Suffering, Evil, and the Goodness of God

Responding to One of the Hardest Questions of Faith

Key Areas

●      The reality of suffering

●      The entrance of sin into the world

●      Human freedom and moral evil

●      Natural suffering

●      The limitations of human understanding

●      God's presence in suffering

●      The suffering of Jesus

●      Christian hope and final restoration

●      Knowing when to listen rather than explain

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Genesis 3:14-19  •  Job 38:1-7  •  John 11:32-36  •  Romans 8:18-25  •  Revelation 21:4

Lesson 25: Jesus, Other Religions, and the Question of Truth

Communicating Christian Convictions with Respect

Key Areas

●      The identity of Jesus

●      The claims of Christ

●      Salvation through Christ

●      The difference between respecting people and agreeing with every belief

●      Understanding religious diversity

●      Avoiding mockery and misrepresentation

●      Asking sincere questions

●      Learning from the perspective of people from other faith backgrounds

●      Presenting Christian convictions with humility

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 14:6  •  Acts 4:12  •  Acts 17:22-31  •  1 Timothy 2:5  •  Colossians 4:5-6

Topic Block F: Spiritual Formation & the Holy Spirit   —  Instructor 6  •  Lessons 26–30  •  5 weeks

Lesson 26: Introduction to Spiritual Formation

Becoming More Like Christ

Key Areas

●      The meaning of spiritual formation

●      The role of the Holy Spirit

●      Transformation of character

●      Cooperation with God's work

●      The importance of habits

●      The danger of public ministry without private spiritual growth

●      Avoiding performance-based spirituality

●      Growth through community and obedience

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Romans 8:28-29  •  Romans 12:1-2  •  2 Corinthians 3:18  •  Colossians 3:1-17

Lesson 27: Spiritual Disciplines and Quiet Time

Building a Consistent Life with God

Key Areas

●      Personal Bible reading

●      Meditation on Scripture

●      Prayer

●      Worship

●      Fasting

●      Silence and solitude

●      Journaling

●      Christian fellowship

●      Rest and Sabbath

●      Establishing a realistic quiet-time routine

●      Avoiding legalism and guilt-driven devotion

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Psalm 1:1-3  •  Daniel 6:10  •  Matthew 6:5-18  •  Mark 1:35  •  John 15:4-5

Lesson 28: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit

The Character of a Spirit-Formed Disciple

Key Areas

●      The difference between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit

●      Love

●      Joy

●      Peace

●      Patience

●      Kindness

●      Goodness

●      Faithfulness

●      Gentleness

●      Self-control

●      Fruit as evidence of spiritual maturity

●      The danger of gifts without character

Scriptures That Could Be Used

John 15:1-8  •  Galatians 5:16-25  •  Colossians 3:12-15

Lesson 29: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Spirit-Given Abilities for Serving Others

Key Areas

●      The Holy Spirit as the giver of gifts

●      Different gifts within one body

●      Gifts given for the common good

●      Serving rather than gaining status

●      Discovering gifts through prayer, service, and community

●      The need for biblical order and accountability

●      The relationship between gifts and character

●      Respect for differences among Christian traditions

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Romans 12:3-8  •  1 Corinthians 12:1-31  •  Ephesians 4:11-16  •  1 Peter 4:10-11

Lesson 30: Spirit-Empowered Campus Witness

Integrating the Word, Character, Mission, and Spiritual Power

Key Areas

●      Being rooted in Scripture

●      Living as a disciple

●      Communicating the gospel clearly

●      Building genuine relationships

●      Answering questions humbly

●      Maintaining spiritual disciplines

●      Demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit

●      Using spiritual gifts responsibly

●      Depending on the power of the Holy Spirit

●      Participating in accountability

●      Remaining faithful through success and rejection

●      Helping others become disciples

Scriptures That Could Be Used

Luke 4:18-19  •  Acts 1:8  •  Galatians 5:25  •  1 Corinthians 12:7  •  2 Timothy 2:2