A Masterclass from
Susan Allen
About This Masterclass
How do you build a faith that holds when life gets hard?
You know how to believe the right things. But when life changes, prayer feels quiet, or disappointment lingers, what helps faith become more than information? How does it take root deeply enough to shape the way you live?
In Faith Formation, Susan Allen invites you into a six-session journey from religious performance to authentic relationship with Jesus. Explore what it means to respond to His invitation, move from watching faith to participating in it, and develop rhythms that help you remain rooted through joy, doubt, change, and pain.
Drawing from Christian spiritual formation, education, and years of missionary experience, Susan offers a practical vision for faith that grows through Scripture, prayer, community, service, worship, and the Holy Spirit.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, pastor, or simply hungry for a more resilient faith, this class gives you language, practices, and hope for the journey.
Come as you are. Let Jesus meet you in the process—and begin forming a faith that lasts.
What you'll learn in this class....
- Recognize the difference between religious performance and authentic spiritual formation.
- Learn to respond to Jesus’ invitations in everyday life.
- Move from observing other people’s faith to participating in your own journey with God.
- Establish simple rhythms that nurture lasting faith and awareness of God’s presence.
- Create a healthy formation ecosystem through Scripture, prayer, community, service, and the Holy Spirit.
- Explore how the five-fold gifts can help you grow and disciple others.
- Practice learning with greater joy, curiosity, and grace.
- Walk through pain, doubt, and disappointment without losing hope.
Sessions: 6 | Length: 3hrs 13min
Session 1: Faith That Lasts
18 min
What is Jesus inviting you into in this season? Begin with an honest look at your faith, distinguish lasting formation from temporary moments, and discover how simple practices can grow deep roots and durable fruit.
Session 2: From Spectator to Participant
30 min
It’s easy to admire someone else’s faith while remaining on the sidelines. Explore what it means to step into your own story with Jesus, awaken fresh desire, and let community help you grow.
Session 3: From Religion to Relationship
33 min
You can know about Jesus and still feel far from Him. Explore the difference between striving and abiding, and discover how grace, union with Christ, and daily participation lead to genuine transformation.
Session 4: Biodiverse Faith Formation
31 min
A single stream can nourish you, but a healthy faith grows through a wider ecosystem. Discover how Scripture, prayer, worship, service, community, and the five-fold gifts work together to form resilient disciples.
Session 5: Joy-Filled Learning
42 min
What if growing with Jesus could feel less like pressure and more like joyful practice? Explore how repetition, reflection, mentoring, and the five-fold lenses help truth become something you can live—not simply understand.
Session 6: Walking with God Through Pain
39 min
Hard seasons can challenge what you thought faith would look like. Learn to bring pain, doubt, and disappointment into God’s presence, walk compassionately with others, and remain rooted in hope when answers take time.
Join the Conversation
Share insights, ask questions, and connect with other members.
Session Notes
Review key insights and reflect on what you’re learning.
Learn at Your Pace
Make room to grow with teaching that fits your schedule.
Faith for Everyday Life
Find encouragement for the people and places God has entrusted to you.
About the Teacher
Susan Allen has spent her life helping people encounter God across cultures, classrooms, homes, and generations. Raised as a YWAM missionary kid in Hawaii and Southeast Asia, she later taught in the United States before serving for 14 years in Malaysia with her husband, James, and their four children.
Susan holds a master’s degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University and serves as Principal of Bethel Christian School. She also speaks and consults with Christian schools around the world and helped create the BCS Encounter Home School Program.
Her passion is to see children, families, and communities encounter God together. In Faith Formation, Susan brings that experience to a practical invitation: cultivate a living, resilient faith in yourself and help those you lead grow in the same.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a parent, teacher, or ministry leader to take this class?
No. Faith formation is for anyone who wants to grow in a deeper, more resilient relationship with Jesus. Parents, teachers, pastors, and leaders will find practical tools for discipling others, but the journey begins with allowing God to continue forming your own heart.
What if my faith feels dry—or I’m carrying questions I don’t know how to resolve?
You don’t need to arrive with polished faith or easy answers. Susan makes room for questions, disappointment, doubt, and pain, inviting you to bring them honestly to Jesus. The goal isn’t to rush the process, but to grow in relationship, healthy practices, and hope as you walk with God.
What is Bethel Leaders Network?
Bethel Leaders Network (BLN) is an expression of the Bethel Church family in Redding, California. Our heart is to connect, encourage, and equip leaders to live out Kingdom culture and see God move in their homes, workplaces, churches, and communities. Through resources and opportunities for meaningful connection, we help people grow in their walk with God and in what He has called them to carry.
Who are these masterclasses for?
If you’re hungry to grow in your relationship with God and bring His heart into everyday life, these masterclasses are for you. Whether you’re raising a family, leading a church, building a business, or serving your community, our hope is that you leave encouraged and equipped for where God has placed you. You don’t need a leadership title to have an impact.
How much does it cost to access the masterclasses?
Our masterclasses are included in all three memberships, so you can choose the support and connection that best fit your season:
- BLN Learn — $12/month or $120/year: Grow at your own pace with access to our library of 40+ masterclasses and new content added monthly.
- BLN Engage — $37/month: Enjoy everything in Learn, plus community, sphere-specific mentors, learning pathways, and live calls to encourage you along the way.
- BLN Influence — suggested contribution of $225/month: Receive everything in Engage, plus personal connection, coaching, and pastoral support for senior leaders and their spouses. An application is required, with a $200 non-refundable application fee.
Can I watch at my own pace?
Absolutely. You can watch on demand through the BLN platform on the web or mobile app throughout your active membership. Make space in a rhythm that works for you, pause to reflect, and return to a session as you put what you’re discovering into practice.
How do I get started?
Select “Get Started” to explore our memberships and choose the one that best suits your season and the ways you’d like to grow. You can join Learn or Engage directly, or apply for Influence if you’re a senior leader seeking deeper connection and support.
