Why School of Discipleship (SOD)?

SOD puts the extra emphasis on discipleship! While SOD includes instruction on different elements of personal, public, and digital evangelism, students will experience a more unique and exclusive training in how to grow into more confident and well-grounded disciples for Christ. Our goal is to train disciples who make more disciples.
  • 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

3ABN School of Discipleship offers a multitude of Bible-based courses. While attending SOD students will learn the following:
  • 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

Z
The Three Angels Broadcasting Network Inc. (3ABN) began with a divine impression given to Danny Shelton on November 15, 1984.  Since then, 3ABN has been dedicated to “reach the world with the undiluted three angels’ messages of Revelation 14 across its nine television networks and five radio networks through cable and streaming services to a lost and dying world.  One that would counteract the counterfeit.”

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

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.

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.

Angela Vandervalk

3ABN SOD Administrative Support
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.

John Lomacang

3ABN Director of World Evangelism, Instructor
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.

Daniel Perrin

Instructor
Daniel Perrin serves as a 3ABN School of Discipleship Instructor. His focus has been on making Bible truths clear to children and youth. He has shared the gospel and the joy of following Jesus with teenagers for 18 years, having served as a Bible Teacher and Chaplain in a Seventh-day Adventist High School.

Risë Rafferty

M.S., RDN, Instructor
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.

Luz Erling

Chef
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

Complete and submit application, along with the application fee, by the deadline, September 10, 2025.

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.

Click here to apply