Citadel Cadet Discipleship | Legacy Discipleship Encouraging Future Leaders

Citadel Cadet
Discipleship

Ministry Overview

Each week Mike and Joanne Chastain enjoy their travel from Savannah to Charleston to meet with cadets at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. They have teamed up with the Navigators Discipleship leaders, Eric and Dorita Deierlein, on Monday evenings. They gather with these young men for supper, conversation, and the substantive study of God’s Word.

These gatherings provide a setting where cadets can step away from the demands of academy life and spend time opening the Scriptures, asking questions, and thinking carefully about what it means to know and follow Christ. Over time, these weekly meetings often grow into meaningful discipleship relationships as cadets seek to build their lives on the truth of God’s Word.

The goal of this ministry is simple: to encourage these future leaders to know Christ deeply, to understand the Scriptures clearly, and to carry a strong biblical foundation into the many spheres of influence where they will one day serve.

Why the Citadel?

The Citadel holds a special place in this ministry because of the profound influence it has had in the lives of many who studied there.

Mike Chastain graduated from The Citadel in the Class of 1974, and it was during his years there that the Lord graciously called him to Himself and immediately introduced him to men who intentionally and personally poured into him in discipleship. The relationships, conversations, and spiritual influences he experienced during those years left a lasting mark on his faith and ministry, truly shaping the direction of His life.

Several years ago, Mike and Joanne were moved to develop the Discipleship Intensives because a number of Citadel alumni asked Mike for a means to be poured into in discipleship. Mike and Joanne responded to the call and began to have Citadel alumni into their home for a long weekend of intense training and encouragement in how to walk closely with Christ. They then caught the vision of this kind of discipleship to again be available to Citadel cadets who are in their formative years of leadership training. They joined with Mike and Joanne in forming Legacy Discipleship Ministries, a nonprofit organization to fund and assure the continuing effectiveness of these ministries. These alumni carry a strong commitment to see substantive biblical discipleship continue among cadets today.

This ministry grows out of that shared desire—to invest in the next generation of Citadel men by providing thoughtful, faithful discipleship grounded in the truth of Scripture.

Mike and Joanne don’t just provide materials and prayer, they go themselves and gather regularly with cadets, opening the Bible together, and teaching and encouraging them in their walk with Christ. Mike and Joanne seek to pass on the same kind of spiritual influence that once helped shape Mike’s life and the lives of many others who walked those halls before them.

Monday Evenings at the Citadel

Monday evenings at The Citadel are a time set aside for fellowship, encouragement, and thoughtful engagement with God’s Word. Each week Mike and Joanne gather with cadets for one hour allotted to the cadets for attention to their spiritual lives.

The evening begins with a good meal. Sharing a working supper together creates a relaxed setting where cadets can talk, feel loved, and relax in a safe environment from the natural disciplines of military cadet life.

The heart of the evening centers on opening the Scriptures. The Chastains and the Deierleins teachthrough the Essentials of Discipleship books, helping cadets understand the foundational truths of the Christian faith and how those truths shape everyday life. The group also works through devotional commentaries that encourage thoughtful reflection on Scripture and its application.

Scripture memory is another important part of the evening. Cadets regularly recite passages they are learning, strengthening their familiarity with God’s Word and storing it in their hearts.

Throughout the evening, cadets are encouraged to ask questions. Honest questions are welcomed, and thoughtful discussion is an important part of the time together. The goal is to create an environment where young men can explore their faith seriously, knowing that there are thoughtful and biblical answers to the questions they face.

These Monday gatherings provide a steady rhythm of fellowship, teaching, prayer, and conversation—helping cadets grow in their knowledge of Christ and in their confidence in the truth of God’s Word.

Support the Citadel Cadet Ministry...

Prayer is one of the most meaningful ways to participate in this ministry. Please pray for the cadets who gather each week and for the ongoing conversations and relationships that develop through these meetings. You can also support us by telling others about Legacy Discipleship and, if the Lord moves you, we could use your financial support.

PRAY FOR THE CADETS

That they grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ.

That they hunger for God's Word and commit to live by it.

Ask God to give the cadets a desire to follow Christ in challenging environments and the He offer wisdom and courage in all circumstances

They develop lasting discipleship relationships among other cadets.

That these young men and women carry their faith with them into future leadership roles.

PRAY FOR THE MINISTRY

Please also pray for the continued fruitfulness of this outreach.

Wisdom and strength for Mike, Joanne, Eric and Dorita as they invest in the lives of cadets

Opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and Scripture

That God would raise up future leaders who love Christ and serve Him faithfully

That the cadets would love Christ deeply and want to memorize and meditate on His Word and in prayer and have a hunger and thirst for knowing God deeply.

ENCOURAGE THE WORK

Another simple but meaningful way to support this ministry is by encouraging others to pray for the cadets and by sharing about the work of Legacy Discipleship Ministries with friends who may have a heart for discipling young leaders.

Together we hope to see these cadets grow deeply in Christ and carry the truth of the gospel into the many places of leadership where God will one day call them.