Rooted in the Church. Focused on discipleship.
VIA is built on a simple belief: real growth takes time, Scripture matters, and faith grows best in relationship, with a platform designed to support the local church.
Our Story
VIA is developed by Disciple One, a ministry committed to steady time in Scripture and one-to-one discipleship within the local church. Disciple One exists to help churches move discipleship from hope to clarity.
From the beginning, Disciple One has been shaped by collaboration with pastors, leaders, and ministry partners who share a commitment to discipleship through the local church. Together, we are building a free app and the Disciple One Platform, a church leadership system that helps churches support relational, Scripture-centered formation throughout the week.
VIA helps people spend time in Scripture in a way that works for them. The Disciple One Platform helps churches understand and encourage that formation. Together, they support a clearer, more relational approach to discipleship rooted in Scripture and connected to the life of the local church.
Our Theology and Philosophy
Scripture at the Center
Spiritual formation begins and ends with Scripture. We believe regular, thoughtful engagement with God’s Word shapes faith over time and grounds discipleship in truth.
Formation Over Information
Discipleship is more than learning content. Real growth happens as Scripture moves from knowledge to lived practice through time, trust, and obedience.
Directional Growth
Spiritual growth is a journey, not a scorecard. What matters most is direction over time, not perfection, pace, or comparison.
Spiritual Rhythms
Lasting formation grows through simple, repeatable practices. These rhythms create space for the Spirit’s work without turning growth into performance.
Discipleship in Community
Faith is formed through shared life and trusted relationships. Disciples grow best together, within the life of the local church.
Technology Used Pastorally
Technology should serve people, not lead them. Our tools are designed to support pastoral care and discernment, not replace relationships or the Church.
Statement of Faith
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The Holy Scriptures
We believe the Holy Scriptures were divinely inspired as originally given and are infallible, entirely trustworthy, and the supreme and final written authority in all matters of faith, formation, and Christian living.
2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:20–21; Psalm 119:105; John 17:17
Leadership
Meet the people behind Disciple One.
Doug Coburn
Doug Coburn is the Founder and President of Disciple One, where he leads the vision, product direction, and development of the VIA discipleship platform. With a background in church leadership and organizational operations, Doug has worked closely with pastors and ministry teams to strengthen discipleship beyond programs and into daily life.
Disciple One was born out of a consistent challenge Doug observed across churches: while teaching and community were strong, personal spiritual formation throughout the week was often assumed rather than supported. VIA is being built to help churches cultivate steady engagement in Scripture and relational discipleship, while providing meaningful insight into spiritual growth over time.
Doug leads Disciple One with a focus on serving the local church, ensuring that technology supports pastoral care rather than replacing it.
Team
Abdalkader Alhamoud
Abdalkader Alhamoud, known as Abd, serves as Lead Engineer for Disciple One, contributing to the architecture and active development of the VIA mobile application and church leadership platform. He works across both frontend and backend systems, helping shape the platform’s technical foundation as it continues to grow.
Abd plays a central role in translating the product vision into functional, secure, and accessible technology, supporting the development of tools that serve both individuals and churches in meaningful ways.
Sharon Cowburn, CPA
Sharon Cowburn serves as Chief Financial Officer for Disciple One, overseeing financial stewardship, budgeting, and organizational operations. As a Certified Public Accountant, she brings professional expertise to the responsible management of resources as the platform continues to grow.
Bernice Brennan
Bernice Brennan serves as Fractional Chief Marketing Officer for Disciple One, supporting website strategy, category messaging, and go-to-market for the VIA app. She works across both strategy and hands-on execution, helping Disciple One and VIA tell one connected story to churches and the people they serve.
Bernice brings two decades of growth marketing experience with deep roots in tech startups. She has scaled companies from early stage through scale-up and acquisition, and led brand and demand generation for Fortune 500 brands. Alongside her corporate work, she has consulted with youth, education, and faith-based nonprofits.
Supporting Contributors
Disciple One is supported by a growing group of contributors and ministry partners who assist in development, design, feedback, and ongoing refinement of the platform.
Favour Anyalewechi
Contributes to Disciple One through user experience strategy, interface design, and product refinement.
With special thanks to Ryan Allsman of Empower Tech Solutions, StartUp Garage, and James Bulmahn of Brand Spark Creative, along with many others who have contributed to the vision and development of VIA.
Board of Directors
Disciple One is governed by a Board of Directors who provide strategic oversight and accountability for the organization.
Bill Simmons
John Chappell
Governance & Accountability
Disciple One is a registered nonprofit organization recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates with a commitment to transparency, financial integrity, and faithful stewardship.
Board Oversight
Our organization is governed by an independent board of directors who provide strategic oversight and ensure accountability in all our operations. Resources entrusted to Disciple One are directed toward sustaining discipleship tools, supporting churches, and advancing the mission of disciple-making through the Church.
501(c)(3) Status
Disciple One is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. EIN: Available upon request.
Our Commitment
We steward every gift responsibly, keeping VIA free for individuals and equipping the local church.
Is VIA Really Free?
VIA is free for individuals to use. Churches access leadership tools through a subscription model that supports ongoing development and platform infrastructure, while keeping the core experience accessible to individuals.
Join the Mission
We would love for you to be part of what God is doing through Disciple One. Whether you are a church leader, a believer looking to grow, or a potential partner, there is a place for you.