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Builders will tell you that setting a foundation is absolutely crucial.
This initial phase in building is so important because the entire structure rests on how well the foundation is built. You can’t cut corners.
Short-cuts taken during the foundation phase will show over time.Most of what gets noticed about a building is what stands above the surface, but it’s what’s under ground that determines whether it collapses or stands.
CLBI Foundations is all about getting below the surface.
It’s about digging deep into God and life with others.
Because the higher you want to go,
the deeper your foundation must go.
CLBI Foundations is an innovative 15-week program that is set in Southern Alberta’s Willow Valley and focuses on conversational learning, stretching experiences, and tight-knit Christian community.
Jesus talks about this kind of building in the gospel of Matthew. He said those who hear His words and put them into practice are like wise builders who build their foundation on the rock. When the storms come (and they surely will), these kinds of people will be anchored to something solid.
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards." ~ Matthew 7:24-27
CLBI Foundations is a place to build together. Building works best with others. Here you can get below the surface, wrestle with life’s questions, discover new adventures, and live connected to other believers. Here you can be a part of establishing a foundation that will last.
What are the tools that build this foundation? These are a few that God is using at CLBI Foundations:
CLBI Foundations calls Mountain Valley Ranch its home. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Livingstone Mountain Range, Mountain Valley Ranch is stunning! Mountain Valley Ranch is a 30-minute drive from the closest town (Pincher Creek, AB).
Students will live together in five classic wood-heated cabins. The community will work together on meals, whether it’s around a campfire, in an outdoor kitchen, or in the main lodge. Living simply helps us realize that what we thought were needs, are really just wants.
Imagine your backyard being a mountain range, having class in the middle of a meadow, or discussing things that matter with some of your closest friends under the stars at night.
CLBI Foundations has a rotation of world-class instructors who come and teach week-long courses. Placing high value on interaction, conversation, and narrative as learning tools, instructors teach and discuss the Bible around the table or campfire.
But they don’t do all the talking – everyone’s stories, insights, and questions are needed for a complete learning experience. And the books for each course are novels rather than informational texts. As Mike Yaconelli writes, “Stories find a way to say what we can’t say, to explain what we can’t explain, and to reveal what we didn’t know was there”.
Imagine a place where learning has more to do with living than with lectures, formation than with information, character than with concepts. Imagine a place where you love to learn.
It only makes sense that if we want to grow and change, we are going to have to step out into the unknown. That’s why there are intentionally designed opportunities for you to step out of your ‘comfort zone’ and discover a greater sense of adventure.
Jesus’ intention for his disciples is abundant life. Some of the experiences that lead students toward life to the full include outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and horse-back riding. There are also mission experiences such as inner-city ministry in down-town Calgary and a cross-cultural trip to California and Mexico. There are many challenges that await.
Imagine entering these new challenges and coming out on the other side a more committed, compassionate, and courageous person.
With a maximum of only 12 spaces every year, a close sense of community is created. This way no one gets lost in the cracks and everyone’s gifts can emerge and flourish. Placing high value on interdependence rather than independence, CLBI Foundations is structured in a way that everyone needs to be an active participant in the community.
Part of the experience will include ‘work duties’ that range from chopping wood to helping cook meals. Students will be dependent on each other to make this community work. Added to the mix is a committed and caring staff who love and respect their students deeply.
Imagine being part of a team where you play a vital role, having your gifts fanned into flame in a context of encouragement, or finding friendships that are real and durable.
Cost & Details
Room and Board .................................... $2050
Tuition ................................................... $1300
Book, Activity & Trip Fee ........................ $900
Application Fee ...................................... $50
(International Students-$100)
Registration Fee .................................... $10
Collateral Deposit .................................. $150
Total ..................................................... $4460
For more information about admission, location or course content for the FOUNDATIONS program contact CLBI at 1.888.672.4454 or email Mark Hagen
