The transformation that takes place between freshman and senior years requires students to transition from childhood to adulthood, from their parents' faith to their own relationship with Christ, from dependence to autonomy. The College years can be a challenging rite of passage, filled with joys and triumphs, set-backs and defeats, parameters and possibilities, and a growing awareness of the uniqueness of each person's design and capabilities set somehow in the larger picture of the Kingdom of God and His purposes.
Within this journey of discovery, the Discipleship Small Group Ministry (DSG) was established 26 years ago by students who were burdened for their peers to be encouraged in their faith in the midst of the journey. They believed that students needed the safety of a small group to share their faith struggles and personal needs.
Today, DSG is a small group ministry overseen by the Chaplain's office with an Advisory Cabinet of Juniors and Seniors. Each student-led group consists of 4-6 members. The groups are uniquely designed to provide Wheaton College students the safety of a trusted group where faith struggles and personal needs can be shared as they journey together with and towards Christ. The goal for each group is to learn how to practically apply personal faith to their lives as students.
DSG fosters what matters most in life…honesty, prayer, accountability, ministry to others, support, spiritual growth, knowledge of the Bible, community, encouragement, friends, and authentic relationships.
If you are interested in being involved in a DSG group, there are two ways to get into one. If you are living in Smith, Traber or Fischer, you can sign up on your floors at the beginning of the year. If you are an upperclassmen, you can gather a group of friends to form a group and contact Clayton, an apartment AGRA, or a member of the DSG Cabinet for resources, training, and support.
Applications for Leadership
There are three leadership positions in DSG: Small Group Leader, Floor Leader, and Cabinet. Apply online or print an application and turn it in to Clayton Keenon in the Chaplain's Office in lower Beamer Center.
- DSG Cabinet: The DSG Cabinet is made up of Floor Leaders who also help cast vision and help train other leaders on campus. They work closely with the DSG Coordinator and GRA. (Online application, Printable PDF application)
Coordinator for Discipleship Small Groups and Grad Chapel
Clayton Keenon began as DSG Coordinator in the 2010-11 school year. A native of Glen Ellyn, IL, Clayton graduated from Wheaton College in 2005 with a double major in Christian Formation and Ministry and Biblical Studies. He went on to complete a Masters degree in Biblical Exegesis in 2010 and his Masters degree in Historical and Systematic Theology in 2011. Prior to and throughout his years at Wheaton, Clayton was involved in ministry at Wheaton Bible Church. His ministerial experience on staff at the church included serving as Associate Discipleship Pastor, High School Pastor, and Director of College and Young Adult Ministries. Clayton is married to his high school sweetheart, Michelle (also a Wheaton grad), and they have a beautiful baby girl named Annalise.