What is DOCC |
Starting DOCC in Your Congregation | ||||
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Explore the Heart of Christian Faith Many of us have been exposed to bits and pieces of the
Christian faith all our lives What difference can the Christian faith really make in
our lives?
What Is DOCC? 
Disciples of Christ in Community (DOCC) is a congregational-based Christian formation program for adults that builds community while encouraging individual spiritual growth. Nationally, more than 25,000 people have completed the program. Previously DOCC was administered by the School of Theology Programs Center of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. The program is now administered by Washington National Cathedral in the Diocese of Washington, D.C. DOCC consists of 18 to 24 sessions. Each session contains two parts. The first part is a presentation led by either clergy members or theologically trained lay persons. This is followed by an hour-long response in small groups led by members of the congregation trained to facilitate the discussions. All presenters and facilitators receive 18 or more hours of training. 
When DOCC works, it is because the small groups work, each becoming what we call in DOCC “the church in minuscule.” DOCC offers a step-by-step journey into the heart and soul of Christianity along with a community of fellow-explorers to travel with. Each session consists of a 30- to 45-minute presentation followed by an hour-long conversation in a small group that will stay together for the entire course. The DOCC Journey depends to a large extent on the quality of the small-group experience, and small groups depend on the regular attendance of participants. Potential participants who know that they will have to miss more than two sessions should wait to take the course in another session. How Do I Start DOCC in My Congregation? Be sure you have your rector’s full support. Many churches have reported that DOCC has transformed the life of their parish. When this happens, it is because the rector and vestry are fully behind DOCC. 
Make a commitment to weave DOCC into the fabric of your congregational life. One of your clergy should agree to be the primary presenter of the material, possibly assisted by an informed layperson, such as a graduate of EFM. Recruit two people from your congregation to be small group facilitators for every 7–9 DOCC participants. For example, if you think 18 people will sign up for DOCC, you will need to recruit five leaders: one presenter and four facilitators. Leader Training / Enrollment Presenters and Facilitators pay a one-time licensing fee of $100. Each must attend 18 hours of training. Conferences are held at various locations throughout the United States. We may be able to set up a conference in your general area; please call the DOCC office at (877) 537-2356, toll free, for more information. (It is not necessary for previously licensed presenters or facilitators to pay the $100 fee.) Each presenter will be given the resourceful DOCC Presenter Manual developed by the School of Theology at Sewanee and also the recorded DOCC lectures given by the Very Reverend Samuel T. Lloyd III and the Reverend Canon William H. Barnwell. Facilitators will receive a facilitator manual also developed at Sewanee. To enroll in a DOCC course, individuals pay the host church a fee of 50, $which in turn is sent to Washington National Cathedral. We will award certificates at the end of the DOCC program. The program presenter may apply for the certificates 3 weeks before the program is over by giving us the exact names as they should appear on the certificates of everyone who is graduating from the program. We require at least 2 weeks of lead time from the time we receive the request. More Information
For additional information on the DOCC program, please contact:
Literature and the Bible Extended Course Opportunities Many DOCC graduates will want to take the thirty-six session course on “The Transforming Literature of the Bible.” Seventeen sessions are devoted to the Old Testament, nineteen to the New Testament. You may study either or both. Participants are given a full commentary for each session with questions that will help them relate the great stories and events of the Bible to their life and the life of their church. Written by Canon William Barnwell, the courses have been tried out in six places, from New Hampshire to New Orleans. Click here to learn more about
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