Why School of Discipleship (SOD)?
- Stronger emphasis on true discipleship
- More time with instructors outside of class
- Less academics, more spiritual growth and personal devotion
- Quiet country campus setting
- Central U.S. location
- Daily breakfast and lunch provided
- Comfortable and clean housing
- Affordable cost
SOD Handbook
Download the SOD handbook
Courses
- How to Study the Bible
- Apologetics
- Sanctuary Doctrine
- Church History, Mission, and Religious Context
- The Great Controversy
- Conquering the Crave
- Essentials of Evangelism
About Us
The 3ABN School of Discipleship (SOD) is committed to teaching and cultivating minds in preparing a people to finish the gospel work in accomplishing what we call the three E’s: Edify, Equip, Excel. It is our goal to Edify students with invigorating Bible instruction that will Equip them to live and share the undiluted three angels’ messages with a lost and dying world. Through personal scriptural training and instruction, students will Excel in becoming genuine disciples and thrive in their efforts of growing the Kingdom of God.
Staff
James Rafferty
3ABN Director of Discipleship, Instructor
James Rafferty is Director of Discipleship Ministry for 3ABN. He is an ordained pastor, evangelist, and author of several books. He has been in full-time gospel ministry for over 38 years with a special focus on Daniel and Revelation. God has opened doors for James to share the everlasting gospel in America, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the South Pacific. He has been married to his lovely wife Risë for 33 years and they are blessed with two adult children.
Ian Vandervalk
Assistant Coordinator
Ian Vandervalk was born and raised in South Florida. He spent the majority of his life searching for an identity in all the wrong places and lived for the pleasures of the world. After spending 12 years in the United States Army, Ian turned his life over to the Lord and began a new journey. He is a graduate of the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism. Currently Ian serves as a 3ABN Producer and is the Assistant Coordinator of the 3ABN School of Discipleship. He and his wife Angela, who also works for 3ABN in production, have two wonderful children together.
Terri Stanley
Terri Stanley is a devoted mother to her two grandchildren and a dedicated servant of Jesus. After moving from Florida to Illinois, she was delighted to join the 3ABN family. Always eager to connect with others, Terri shares her faith and encourages everyone to know Jesus as their personal Savior. She enjoys being out in nature, and looks forward to Christ’s soon return.
John Lomacang
John Lomacang is 3ABN’s Director of World Evangelism, and appears on many 3ABN programs, including the 3ABN Sabbath School Panel, 3ABN Worship Hour, and 3ABN Today programs. His music ministry and his vast experience in sharing the gospel throughout the world have made him a valued network speaker and vocalist. An ordained minister for over 30 years, he serves as pastor of the Thompsonville Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his wife Angela works in our 3ABN Radio Network.
Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson is the General Manager of the 3ABN Dare to Dream Network. For years he has served as an ordained pastor, working closely with young people, bringing his passion for sharing the gospel. Committed to spreading the remnant message, Pastor Johnson seeks to engage communities and to educate people in godly Christian principles through media and outreach, ultimately readying them for Christ’s return.
Risë Rafferty
Risë Rafferty, MS, RDN is wife, mother, and registered dietitian. Her enthusiasm for promoting spiritual and physical health fuels her service and ministry. Her faith, family, the role of lifestyle in promoting health, preventing disease, and the quest for wholeness are her top passions.
Angela Vandervalk
Angela Vandervalk is a valuable member of the 3ABN Production team. Born in Louisiana and raised in South Florida, Angela grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist household. However, during her early teenage years, she strayed from her faith. It wasn’t until many years later, through the grace of God, that she found her way back and rededicated her life to the Lord. Angela has a passion for serving others and spreading the message of Jesus. She works alongside her husband, Ian Vandervalk, in ministry at 3ABN and they have two children together.
Luz Erling
Luz Erling, originally from Puerto Rico, moved to the United States as a child and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. After marrying, she settled in Florida, where she raised her two wonderful daughters. Luz has a deep love for family and the culinary arts. She has a God-given gift of hospitality, she delights in serving others and creating warm, welcoming environments.
Application Procedure
To complete the application, go to the application page, then submit the completed form along with the application fee, as prompted. Applications will not be processed until the application fee has been received. If students want to submit a video of themselves describing why they want to attend SOD, it should be emailed to contactsod@3abn.org once the online application has been completed. Applications will be reviewed and processed by the SOD committee, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program.