Fulfilling the Mission

A 21-week, 3-part study focusing on the basics of the Christian faith, connecting with others to share your faith, and deeper faith issues such as accountability and integrity.

It is important for Christians to understand what they believe and why they believe it, yet many people experience Christianity as a “Sunday only” thing that never makes much of a difference during the rest of the week. Fulfilling the Mission helps participants, whether they are new believers or longtime followers of Christ, to live out their faith the way God designed us to—through changed lives that intentionally impact the lives of those around them.

The entire course could be taught in one stretch, or you might take a week or two off between sections. Homework is a part of participating, and the course functions best as a “closed group”—that is, it will not work well for new students to join after the first week. The online Leader’s Guide contains all content, plus suggested answers to the questions and additional guidance for leading the group.

The ultimate goal of this study is to give participants a solid foundation for living out their faith, foster a conversational knowledge of their faith, and build confidence for sharing their faith with others.

Foundations

Discipleship is a process of learning about Jesus and growing closer to him in a personal relationship. It involves deep personal interaction with God’s Word, purposeful interaction with Jesus himself that leads to a transformed life, and sharing that life with others. The first section of Fulfilling the Mission covers what it means to be a Christ-follower, who God is and how we can know him, how to use the Bible, what the Holy Spirit does for us, the nature and purpose of prayer, and how we can tell others about Jesus and our story of faith.

Building Bridges

You cannot share Christ effectively with people you do not know, so it is important to earn the right to be heard by first becoming a trusted friend, walking with people to help lead them to be fully devoted followers of Christ. The second section of Fulfilling the Mission covers how we can discern God’s voice, how we should respond to temptation, how we can forgive others and reach out to them, why it is important to take our faith “outside,” and more about how to share our story of faith with others.

Matters of the Heart

We might differentiate between ethics and morality by defining ethics as one’s “defined standard” of right and wrong—what a person believes—and morality as one’s “lived standard” of right and wrong—how a person actually lives. To have integrity means that a person’s ethics and morality are integrated, that they match. The third section of Fulfilling the Mission covers the integration of our ethics and morality through accountability, financial responsibility, forgiveness, living out our authentic mission as believers, maintaining sexual integrity, serving others, staying humble, and maintaining the proper tension between truth and grace.

Rolland Daniels was raised on a farm in Collinsville, Mississippi. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a Master of Divinity degree, and a double Masters in Executive Leadership and Adult and Continuing Education from Anderson University. In 2010, he earned his Doctorate of Education in Higher and Continuing Education from Ball State University.

Rolland has served as a pastor and authored other books, Church in the Middle and Legacy Maker. His primary focus today is pouring into young leaders, speaking across the country and encouraging pastors and congregations toward personal and Kingdom growth. Rolland retired in 2024 after forty-two years in the ministry.

Ellen Daniels was the fourth of eight children in a family that fostered over five hundred children. She grew up in Indianapolis and graduated with a B.S. in Education from Anderson University. She later earned her MBA., as well.

Ellen has served as discipleship coordinator and director of women’s ministries and held other national positions in the Church of God. She directed the Anderson University School of Adult Learning for many years while also functioning in the role of adjunct professor, teaching in business and personal branding. She now serves as the Director of Engagement for the Servant Solutions Retirement Plan.

Rolland and Ellen have two sons, two daughters-in-law, and four absolutely perfect grandchildren.

Fulfilling the Mission has been a transformative resource both in my personal walk with Christ and in ministry as a pastor and leader. These lessons invite believers into a deeper walk with Christ—one marked by genuine relationship, spiritual growth, and life transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. Rooted in the Scriptures and centered on the Great Commission, this study helps believers not only understand the way of Jesus but also live it out in community. The emphasis on practicing spiritual habits, sharing our stories, and walking alongside others in grace and truth has produced lasting fruit both personally and in the lives of those I shepherd. I’ve seen hearts awakened, faith strengthened, and disciples equipped to disciple others. This is not just a curriculum—it’s a pathway for becoming more like Jesus and helping others do the same, for the glory of God and the good of the Kingdom.

Nathan Bowers, Director of Financial Education, Servant Solutions Retirement Plan

Fulfilling the Mission is an outstanding discipleship course that takes deep, often complex truths of the Christian faith and makes them clear, relatable, and easy to understand. Whether you’re a brand-new believer or someone who’s been in the church for years, this study meets you where you are and helps you grow deeper in your walk with God. As you journey through it, you will find your personal faith strengthened and your heart stirred to step out boldly, allowing God to use your life to draw others to him.

Stacey Bowers

As someone who has been a Christian for over thirty-five, I found this discipleship material to bring fresh perspectives, deep reflection, and a fantastic structure that truly nourished my faith. I was so impacted that I have had the privilege of leading others through it as well. The Leader’s Piece is thoughtfully designed—simple to prepare from, yet rich with opportunities for personal reflection and fresh insight. I highly recommend this resource to anyone seeking a meaningful, well-crafted discipleship study.

Joe Davis, Senior Vice President, Solution Engineering, Momentive Software, Director of Engagement, Catalyst Church

From the very first session of Fulfilling the Mission, my husband and I felt God working in our hearts in a fresh and powerful way. The course invited us to experience Christ more deeply and intentionally in our daily lives and opened the door for us to have conversations we’d never had before—about our faith, our struggles, and how we can encourage each other spiritually. The lessons helped us see how to live out our faith beyond Sunday mornings. We left each meeting feeling challenged, encouraged, and closer to God. If you’re considering this course, I can’t recommend it enough. You will experience a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to others and to Christ.

Vickie Wood, Director of Development and Estate Giving, Taylor University

Fulfilling the Mission helped me build a strong foundation for understanding the gospel and living a Christ-centered life. I’ve gained a greater understanding of God’s Word and how to apply it in my daily walk. The discussions encouraged meaningful conversations that deepened my faith and challenged me to grow spiritually. I’m now also equipped to better share my faith and confidently lead others to Christ. I’m so grateful for how this study has strengthened my relationship with God and prepared me for ministry in everyday life.

Danielle Guion, Director of Development and Estate Giving, Taylor University