Thrive Discipleship School Closes
Jan 27, 2025
General
This past July, Thrive Discipleship Program’s board made the difficult decision to cease operations. The one-year gap program started in 2017 on the Bethany College campus, after the Bible school closed its doors in 2015. Over the course of seven years, there were 69 students who participated in Thrive.
In September, all remaining land and property was sold.
Thrive offered a one-year gap program for students interested in deepening their faith through Bible study, non-accredited course work, and serving practically in local settings such as churches or community-based nonprofits such as MCC or food banks.
“It’s an end of an era,” says former Thrive President Curtis Zoerb. “But it also means that we can figure out how to go forward. Whether it’s dissolving the organization or transferring it to someone else.”
Thrive’s board is currently asking other Bible schools or historical societies to carry on Bethany and Thrive’s legacy — in essence, to manage alumni transcripts, as well as take on financial and educational history associated with Thrive Discipleship School and Bethany College. Zoerb says he is confident that all transcripts will continue to be actively managed.
There is a real possibility of dissolving the organization of Bethany College, which could take up to a year.
“No matter what the future holds, these past seven years impacted the lives of 69 students. The seven extra years were worth it,” says Zoerb.
He goes on to describe how he has seen God work in the lives of students during his time as Thrive president:
“They understand that God loves them for who they are. They're confident in their place as a child of God, which is huge in our world,” says Zoerb. “They’re secure in their faith, secure in their identity, and understand their gifts and how they can serve the church.”
“No decision since I've been there, and I assume before, has been made on a whim. Every decision was made through prayer, tears, and great debate and discussion, trying to find the right course of action. Closing, or potentially closing, was not an easy decision to make — but it was a united decision. I do believe we're following the right path forward, even though no one wanted it to come to this,” says Zoerb.
SKMB Update
SKMB Office Communications
On January 30th the existing Bethany-Thrive Board will complete their ministry with the school and a new board, appointed by the SKMB Executive Board, will begin their stewardship work. Specifically, this new board will maintain the corporation and school charter.
Bethany-Thrive students can request transcripts and diplomas through Horizon College and Seminary who have taken on this role.
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