A Community for Wholehearted Disciples
Because surface-level Christianity isn't enough anymore.
I remember sitting in a plush chair at church, sipping coffee, watching my pastor work himself into a sweaty mess during his sermon. The building was designed for comfort, to help me focus on Jesus.
I couldn't help but think:
There has to be more to following Jesus than this.
When I've experienced the closeness of God, I wasn't getting pampered. It was when I was tired from loving, serving, and caring for others.Â
Surface-level consumer Christianity doesn't satisfy my need to be alive to God.Â
I want to be immersed in grace, living my life with a God who loves me. I want to live with purpose, straining to imitate Jesus even as I'm conscious of my inevitable selfishness. I want to surround myself with disciples of Jesus - not just churchgoers but people attentive to the glory of God as we love and serve our neighbors.
If you feel like this too, I understand. After enduring spiritual abuse, it took me years to find language to describe what had happened and rebuild my faith.
Since high school, I've faced persistent doubts - which led me to study philosophy in college and seek the truth with skeptical students when I served as a campus minister at Harvard College.
It's so lonely to be in religious environments where we have to soften our prayers, bite our tongues, and conform to others' expectations rather than do what Jesus says.
That's why I created the Academy.Â
We aren't building a monument to my spiritual insights but a platform where we respond to God together.
In the Academy, we gather weekly to study Scripture deeply, share our questions openly in our public and private forums, and regularly encourage each other when we face challenges.
This isn't pure intellectualism - we take truth seriously because we want our hearts filled with God's love and our lives shaped by his kingdom. Because loving our neighbors and advocating for justice isn't easy.
If you're ready to move beyond surface-level Christianity into an authentic, active, and deeply connected faith, I hope to meet you soon.
Hi, I'm Carson
For over twenty-one years, I've walked through the highs and lows of ministry—seeing lives transformed by God's love while facing my failures, doubts, and struggles.
Through seasons of wrestling with God and healing from spiritual abuse, I've discovered something profound: God never fails. I've learned to rest in knowing God as a faithful Friend who meets us where we are.
You're not alone if you've ever felt stuck in your faith, burdened by doubts, or unsure how to move forward. I created the Academy as a place where we can wrestle with hard questions and grow together with intellectual honesty and emotional health.
This isn't about polished answers or one-size-fits-all programs. It's about joining a community where we study Scripture deeply, share honestly, and encourage one another to live wholeheartedly for Jesus.
With degrees from Rhodes College, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (anticipated graduation in May 2025), my academic journey has equipped me to approach questions with both rigor and compassion. But what matters most is creating a space where you feel welcomed, challenged, and inspired to grow.
I hope you'll join me and our community as we pursue Jesus together.
Not Another Program
What it looks like to participate in the community.
Most programs either water down theology or make it purely academic. I wanted to create something different - a community where everyone can access deep biblical insights in ways that actually change how we live.
This isn't a quick fix or a three-week program. It's a year-long journey of growing closer to God, together. We understand you have a busy schedule, limited energy, and pressing commitments. We're going to support and encourage you as you make God a priority.
Our Four Connected Paths to Growth:
Deep Scripture Study
Instead of surface-level Bible reading, we study together through weekly discussions and over 300 carefully crafted lessons organized into 11 courses.
Supportive Community
You'll join a global community of disciples who share your passion to know Jesus and follow his example.
Personal Guidance
Outside of my family and closest friends, serving this community is my joy and focus. We'll get to know each other as you engage with lessons and build friendships.
Daily Rhythms of Connecting with God
You'll develop sustainable habits that help you walk closely with God and love others well.
Join a Global Community Committed to Authentic FaithOur Pathway to Spiritual Growth
Evaluate Your Options
I want to grow closer to God, but...
 Why are you charging?
The reality is that we bear substantial costs to offer personalized guidance, intensively prepare for our weekly meetings, provide excellent courses on a best-in-class platform, and build a global community of thoughtful believers.Â
Free resources can be a good start, but they often lack depth and personal connection. Your membership supports easy-to-use technology, qualified moderators, and the latest scholarship—everything that helps a global community of disciples follow Jesus together.
What do you believe about God?
Our community is rooted in historic Christian orthodoxy as expressed in the Nicene Creed and the Cape Town Commitment—a modern declaration of evangelical faith and practice developed through the collaboration of global church leaders in the Lausanne Movement (founded by John Stott and Billy Graham).
We welcome thoughtful discussion on challenging topics—like how to understand difficult Bible passages, navigate cultural issues, or apply faith to everyday decisions—even as we remain committed to essential Christian doctrines: the authority of Scripture, the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the church's mission to make disciples. Our goal isn't to reinvent Christianity but to love Jesus more.
Will I be able to keep up?
Life is busy. But because it's an online community and our courses are mobile-friendly, you can connect or complete a lesson whenever it fits your schedule.
Is this too academic for me?
Whether you’re a pastor, a parent, a business leader, a student, or retired, what unites our community isn’t credentials—it’s curiosity. Together, we’ve explored nearly 2,000 topics with over 12,000 posts, making space for everyone to grow at their own pace.
What about my local church?
This isn't meant to replace but complement your church. Many of our members find the Academy equips them to lead and serve in their local church. Whenever you face difficult situations or challenging questions, you'll have another safe place to get support and answers.
Will I fit in?
In the Academy, you’ll find people from their teens to their 70s, from all walks of life and various denominations. Some are lifelong believers, others are rediscovering faith after challenges. Whether you prefer to share or quietly reflect, what matters is your desire to grow closer to God and support others. If you've enjoyed our free resources, I think you'll love joining the Academy.
Dr. Max Baker-Hytch, Tutor in Philosophy, Wycliffe Hall
I have every confidence that Uncommon Pursuit will be a blessing to people who are seeking to understand Christian faith more deeply and desiring to live it out more fully.
The Feedback We Hear:
You're Invited - Join the Community
I'd love for you to try our community for 30 days. But I know it's a risk.
So, if it's not what you're looking for, you'll get a complete refund - no questions asked.
But we're going to get you off to a great start.
Immediately after joining, you'll receive:
• A personal welcome call
• Full access to all eleven courses
• Invitation to our weekly community calls
• Access to our private discussion forums
• 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Imagine looking back a year from now, knowing you’ve grown closer to God, gained confidence in studying the Bible, and found the courage to participate in his mission... Take the first step today and join our global community of wholehearted disciples.
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Monthly Membership
Start your journey today. •Immediate access to all our courses •Join the Uncommon Pursuit community •Ironclad, 30-day money-back guarantee
