FAQs
Submit a QuestionIs it possible to White Label the Builder?
What lessons does the Builder currently include?
Download the Overview of Lessons PDF to view (1) What lessons are in the Builder, (2) What lessons are almost in the Builder, and (3) What lessons are currently being written to go into the Builder! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter (@DLbuilder) and Like us on Facebook for curriculum updates.
How customizable is the Builder?
The Builder is customizable in the sense that you can choose your curriculum sessions and arrange them in your desired order. Some users have wondered if the system itself would automatically tweak each individual session to meet the needs of people in your context (i.e., If you are ministering to High School students and choose a lesson on prayer, will the lesson be catered to the prayer life of High School students?). The system isn't designed to do this. We are working towards providing specific lessons for certain demographic backgrounds, but the current system is loaded with preset PDFs (i.e., using the previous example, everyone would use the same lesson on prayer and adapt it to the context as they deem necessary).
How much does it cost?
The official price of the Builder is $49.95 for an annual individual subscription. Let us reiterate: This isn't a monthly fee, it is a YEARLY fee (just over $4 a month!). But, most our users will find it easy to access the Builder for even cheaper through invites and other discounts that are floating around via Twitter, Facebook, and email. It is important to note, however, that each subscription is meant to be used by one individual and not shared among a group. One person can use it as many times as they want with as many different "disciples" or groups as they want, but each leader/disciple-maker should purchase their own subscription.
Do you offer site licensing or a church/group pricing structure?
Yes, we do. We do this by providing two options:
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Option 1
- Payment: GROUP PAYS up front for a set amount of codes.
- Example: A small groups pastor wants each of the church's 10 small group leaders to utilize the tool, so the church pays for 10 subscriptions.
- Discount: 50% off ($25 for a year subscription).
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Option 2
- Payment: INDIVIDUALS PAY with a code from the group that will expire in a set amount of time.
- Example: A para-church director wants all 25 of the organization's Bible study leaders to have access to the Builder at a discounted group rate, so Downline will activate the promo code "ExamplePromoCode" for the month of March. We can either limit the promo code to 25 uses or make it unlimited.
- Discount: 40% off ($30 for a year subscription).
If you're interested in taking advantage of this group pricing option, email builder@downlineministries.com. (*Note: There is no minimum or maximum number for churches to take advantage of group pricing.)
Can a husband and wife share an account?
No, we ask that married couples who both desire to use the Builder purchase their own subscriptions.
What is the theological/doctrinal basis for these lessons?
The curriculum in the Downline Builder was put together by Downline Ministries. We are an evangelical and inter-denominational ministry, holding to the essentials of the Christian faith as expressed in our statement of beliefs. When it comes to the non-essentials of the faith, our curriculum is written in such a way as to present what the Bible affirms and leave a more nuanced interpretation in the hands of the discipler, who can contextualize to his or her particular denominational beliefs.
Who wrote the lessons in the Builder?
The final editor of the lessons is Downline's Director of Online Resources, Corey Latta. He came on staff with Downline in 2016, and creates, edits and updates Downline Builder lessons. Before Corey, Jason Seville was responsible for all Builder content. He began writing and developing the idea for the Builder in early 2010. Corey and Jason both enlisted the help of some excellent curriculum writers and disciple-makers across the country. This includes submissions from pastors as well as seminary students, grads, and professors from at least eight different seminaries. We didn't just go after the "ivory tower" intellectuals, but for thoughtful theologians who also had their feet on the ground in practical discipleship ministry.
Will my subscription automatically renew at the end of the year?
Yes, it will automatically renew. You can cancel at any time and you will be given a reminder 30 days prior to the renewal date.
If I purchased a discount code at a conference, when does my subscription begin?
Why do you make us put life-on-life sessions into our curriculum?
One of the big emphases here at Downline Ministries that we wanted to carry over to our curriculum is that discipleship involves life and truth transference in the context of real relationships. Too often, discipleship involves teaching truth and doctrine, but doesn't involve getting genuine, authentic times in each others' lives where deep transformation takes place. We're hoping that requiring you to schedule life-on-life times will help counteract this current weakness.
Can I upload my original content into the Builder or into the curriculum that I've built?
What do the blue and green icons on each lesson mean?
We tried to classify our lessons as either doctrinal (blue icon) or practical (green icon) in nature. We are convinced that doctrinal lessons should be lived out practically and that practical lessons must be doctrinally based, so the lines are admittedly blurry at times. But, we still felt like these were helpful distinctions to use.
What's next for the Builder?
We're dreaming of several big things as the Builder continues to expand over the next year:
More lessons. We will continue to write lessons based on the categories reflected in the customization survey (i.e., right now not all bubbles you can click are linked with actual lessons and we're working to change that).
More topical series. We will be expanding various topics in to series (i.e., for those who want six weeks on "Lust & Purity" and not just one).
Bible books. Though all over our lessons are currently based on Scripture, we want to start providing some lessons where you can walk through a whole series on individual books of the Bible.
Multiple languages. Each year, starting with this first year, we will start translation of the Builder into 4 or 5 languages, Lord willing.