DISCOVER JOSHUA WILDERNESS INSTITUTE
Joshua Program:
Bible & Worldview Training
Biblical Instruction That Prepares the Mind, Heart, and Spirit for a Life That Follows Christ
Learn the Word. Know What You Believe. Live It with Conviction.
At the Joshua Wilderness Institute, we don’t just teach Scripture—we build everything on it. Students immerse themselves in God’s Word, learning how to read, interpret, and apply it with clarity and confidence. Through in-depth study and personal reflection, students come to see the Bible not as a textbook, but as the living truth that shapes every aspect of their lives.
However, biblical knowledge isn’t the ultimate goal. We want students to know what they believe, and why. That’s why our training includes courses in theology and Christian worldview, equipping students to think clearly, engage culture thoughtfully, and stand firm in their faith.
Finally, we challenge students to live it with conviction. Whether through one-on-one conversations with guest speakers, late-night discussions in the Lodge, or practical assignments that connect faith to real life, students begin to live what they’re learning.
Where Knowledge Leads to Transformation
“…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” — Colossians 3:10 (NIV)
At the Joshua Wilderness Institute, this verse captures the heart of our approach to Biblical training. We believe that transformation is not just emotional, it’s intellectual and spiritual.
As students immerse themselves in Scripture, theology, and worldview studies, they are actively being renewed as they learn to:
- Think with clarity
- Live with conviction
- Become more like Christ.
Knowledge isn’t the end goal; Christlikeness is.
Through intentional study, honest questions, and a truth-centered environment, students begin to walk in the identity of the “new self,” formed by the Word and shaped by the image of their Creator.
Written on Their Hearts
Memorizing the Book of Philippians
- Implant God’s Word deep in your heart
- Strengthen the muscle of memorization and focus
- Build confidence in what you’re capable of with consistency and support
- Shape how you think and speak as you understand concepts from a Biblical point of view
- Equip you with Scripture that often returns in moments of need—years later
- Help you grasp the rhythm, vocabulary, and beauty of Biblical language
- Unite with the Joshua community as everyone memorizes the passages together
It’s one of the hardest things many students do during their year at Joshua.
Which is exactly why it means so much.
Biblical Training: Students' Experience
Classes
College Courses Through Biola University
Thanks to our partnership with Biola University, students can earn up to 12 college credits during their gap year at Joshua. These credits are awarded through a prior learning assessment and apply toward Biola’s undergraduate programs. Learn more here.
Courses Include:
Learn to interpret and apply Scripture in ways that shape your character and faith.
Explore core theological concepts and develop a Christian worldview rooted in truth.
Examine the structure, themes, and historical context of the Old Testament.
Get an in-depth look at the people, events, and key teachings of the New Testament.
More Than Just Bible Courses
Scripture Memorization
Anchor God’s Word in your heart as you memorize the Book of Philippians.
Theology
Examine the character of God, the nature of man, and what it means to follow Christ faithfully.
Life Skills
Learn tools for adulthood—like conflict resolution and decision-making—through a Biblical lens
Israel Prep
Prepare for the spring trip to Israel or Turkey with contextual learning on geography, history, and Biblical significance.
Weekly Speakers That Bring Truth to Life
Here’s What Students Experience:
- 20+ guest speakers each year from schools like Biola and Wheaton, plus seasoned pastors, missionaries, and lay leaders
- Speakers teach multiple sessions over several days—allowing students to go deep and ask honest questions
- One-on-one access: speakers live in the Lodge, eat meals with students, and are available for hallway conversations
- Topics cover everything from theology and Biblical interpretation to creation, apologetics, and practical Christian living.
- Many speakers return year after year, becoming trusted mentors and voices of truth.
Meet Some of Your Speakers
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Dr. John Boal
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Dallas DeWitt
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Jen Smith
Josh Sofaer
Darin McWatters
Cory Fenn
Corey Fenn stepped into full-time ministry at age 19 and quickly developed a passion for teaching, discipleship, and leadership development. He’s seen how growth accelerates when leaders pursue mentorship, invest in community, and intentionally develop their skills. Today, Corey serves with Onward, a ministry focused on equipping emerging church leaders for longevity. Through coaching, community, and mentorship, Corey helps shape well-rounded leaders—personally and professionally—who are equipped to carry the mantle of leadership and model it faithfully to those they influence every day.
Jerry Root
Brian Holland
Brian is a disciple of Jesus first who has, by the grace of God, been in some type of pastoral role for 30 years in Southern California. He is currently the Lead Pastor for Ignite City Church. He has a strong desire to see people come to know and follow Jesus passionately and to live in true biblical community. He gets to be married to his best friend, Kelley, and has two amazing sons, Tyler and Dylan. Brian’s purpose in ministry is to help make disciples of Jesus who make disciple-makers.
Jonathan Noyes
A former atheist, Jonathan Noyes came to faith after examining the evidence for Christianity and realizing the Christian worldview best explains reality. He’s been a speaker with Stand to Reason since 2019, engaging culture with thoughtful, honest reasons to trust in Christ. Jon brings over a decade of legal experience and holds a master’s in Christian Apologetics from Biola University. He’s a founding pastor at Soli Deo Gloria Church and serves on the boards of Life Without Limbs and Bible Thinker. Jon lives in Ventura County with his wife, Rheanna, and their four daughters.
Dr. Erik Thoennes
Erik Thoennes is a Professor of Theology at Biola University and a pastor at Grace EVFree, La Mirada. He was voted Professor of the Year twice and was awarded the Faculty Excellence Award by his colleagues at Biola University. He is the author of “Life’s Biggest Questions: What the Bible Says About the Things that Matter Most,” and “Biblical and Theological Studies: A Student’s Guide,” Erik and his wife Donna have four children and love the people and ministry of Hume Lake!
Brad Bell
Joanne Jung
Joanne Jung (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is a professor of biblical and theological studies and the associate dean of online education and faculty development at the Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. She is the author of Knowing Grace; Character Formation in Online Education; and The Lost Discipline of Conversation. She and her husband, Norman, attend Mariners Church in Irvine, California.
Casey Groves
Casey Groves grew up in rural Iowa and came to faith in Jesus at an early age. After moving to Southern California in 2004 to attend Eternity Bible College, he developed a heart for full-time ministry and met his wife, Natalie. Together they spent a decade in Iowa directing a Bible camp, planting a church, and leading youth and children’s programs while also using their gifts in worship, art, and design to share the gospel. Casey even designed and built several of the camp’s key facilities, including a church building and dining hall. Since moving to Solvang in 2019, Casey and Natalie have poured their lives into serving the Santa Ynez Valley through discipleship, evangelism, worship, hospitality, and good food.
It’s About More Than Knowing—It’s About Becoming
Our goal is that every student walks away from Joshua with more than information. We want them to have:
- A deep love for God’s Word
- A well-formed Biblical worldview
- Confidence to live and speak truth
- Wisdom to make God-honoring decisions
- A faith that’s not just learned, but lived
MISSION-DRIVEN
As one student put it, “It wasn’t easy, but it changed everything.”
It’s Not Just Where You Live—It’s How You Grow
- You’ll support and be supported
- You’ll challenge and be challenged
- You’ll grow because you’re not doing it alone
What You Learn from Life in Community
Here’s what students learn:
- How to resolve conflict with grace and humility
- The value of accountability and speaking truth in love
- What it means to serve others before themselves
- How to build deep, lasting friendships rooted in Christ
- That vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness
- How to live with integrity when no one’s watching
- What it looks like to encourage others and be encouraged
- That discipleship often happens in the ordinary moments