Evangelization movement

Encounter Ministries has become a transformative force in Christian ministry, empowering disciples to live a life of faith marked by healing, miracles and a deeper relationship with God. 
 
This evangelization movement will soon be available in our diocese—launching a campus on Sept. 11 in Bismarck.

History of the program

Encounter Ministries was founded by Fr. Mathias Thelen and Patrick Reis, two passionate Catholic leaders who hold a deep conviction that Christians are called to continue the ministry of Jesus—proclaiming the Gospel with power, healing the sick and setting captives free. They realized that many believers were hungry for more than just intellectual knowledge about God—they wanted to experience Him personally.

Born from the heart of Encounter Ministries, the Encounter School of Ministry was established to equip disciples to demonstrate the love of God through the power of the Holy Spirit in their sphere of influence. "Living a supernatural lifestyle" daily is the main goal of the Encounter School of Ministry, a two-year training program that now has 38 satellite campuses in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, Austria and Sri Lanka. 

Satellite campuses continue to expand, with new campuses launching every year. This September, an Encounter School of Ministry satellite campus will be launching in the Bismarck Diocese. Meagan Kline, School Director for the Bismarck campus, has been preparing for the school’s launch along with a dedicated leadership team.
 
Campus in Bismarck

In the fall of 2023, Meagan took a leap of faith, stepping into a season of unemployment while seeking God's guidance. At the time, she was an Encounter student and had been volunteering at healing services led by diocesan priest, Fr. Brian Gross. Prior to a prayer team meeting, she boldly asked God to lead her into deeper ministry. That very day, Fr. Brian called Meagan, suggesting that God might be calling her to help launch an Encounter School of Ministry satellite campus. Shortly after, discussions with Bishop Kagan began about bringing a campus to the Bismarck Diocese.

Students who attend the school can expect an accelerated growth in their relationship with God as they move through eight quarters of transformational content. Class content will cover topics that focus on living a supernatural life of discipleship. The goal for each class session is to ignite faith, activate spiritual gifts and equip believers to bring the power of God into their daily lives. 

The Encounter School of Ministry is for anyone who desires to grow in their faith and learn to live a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Applicants come from all walks of life: college students, working parents, church leaders, grandparents, laypeople, religious brothers and sisters, deacons and priests. 
 
The Encounter School of Ministry Bismarck campus will launch on September 11 and will meet on Thursdays evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. The Bismarck Encounter leadership team is grateful to Corpus Christi Parish for agreeing to be the host site for the school.
 
Those interested in exploring the school are welcome to register for the “Summer Intensive,” an annual event that provides an overview of the content from the first four quarters. The event will take place from August 4 to August 7, 6-9 p.m. at Corpus Christi in Bismarck. Registration is now open, with special discounts available for clergy, religious and parish or school staff.
 
Find out more

Several pre-launch events are planned over the next few months throughout the diocese to promote the school. To learn more about the school or upcoming events, go to www.encounterschool.org/bismarck.