A Gen Z Christian’s Guide to Choosing the Right Discipleship Course

In a world filled with endless choices, finding the right path for your spiritual journey can feel daunting, especially as a Gen Z Christian.

If you are seeking to deepen your faith and grow as a disciple of Christ, you may be considering a discipleship training course. Discipleship courses offer a structured way to explore your beliefs, connect with like-minded individuals, and develop the skills needed to live out your faith and share it with others in an authentic way.

As you embark on this journey, it's essential to choose a program that aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations. At YWAM Salem, home of Discipleship Training School (DTS), a renowned discipleship and missions training program for young adults, we liken ourselves as experts in the discipleship process.

We know what makes a good program - an experience that enables Gen Zers to become powerful disciples of Jesus Christ - and we know what to look out for when choosing the discipleship program that's right for you!

Check out our comprehensive guide for Gen Z Christians below, and if you want to learn more about our Discipleship course and see if it's a right fit for you, check out our DTS FAQ or contact us to talk to a coach today!

Understanding Your Spiritual Journey as a Gen Z Christian

As a Gen Z Christian, your spiritual journey is uniquely shaped by the cultural landscape and digital age around you. As you grow up in this rapidly changing world, you may grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging.

Truly understanding your spiritual journey involves introspection and exploration of your beliefs, values, and relationship with God.

For many Gen Z Christians, traditional forms of church and religious practice may not resonate as strongly as they have with previous generations. Instead, you may seek authentic community, meaningful engagement, and opportunities for growth that speak to your generation's unique values and experiences.

Discipleship courses offer a space for you to delve deeper into your faith, through personal prayer and peer discussions, wrestle with tough questions, and discover what it means to live as a disciple of Christ and embody the Holy Spirit in today's world.

YWAM Salem recognizes the unique needs and desires of Gen Z Christians and offers discipleship programs tailored to meet them. With a focus on relational discipleship, practical training, and international mission trips, YWAM Salem provides a supportive environment where young adults can explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and make a difference in the world.

Apply for our missions training experience today!

Finding Your Fit: Assessing Your Personal Goals and Needs

As we will discuss in this blog, there is a lot that will go into your decision when choosing a training program or missions experience, like YWAM Salem's DTS. But before you start that process, you must first look within yourself to determine your own, more personal parameters for what makes the right discipleship course.

Basically, you have to know your goals before you go searching for a Christian community that aligns with them. Here are two important personal factors you have to consider as you prepare for the beginning of your journey to DTS or another discipleship course.

• Personal needs: Identify what aspects of your faith you want to strengthen. Do you crave deeper Bible study, a focus on service, or guidance in applying faith to daily life? Do you want to learn more about how to pray to God more effectively? Are you interested in learning how to lead prayers for the sake of others? What drives your spirit to seek out discipleship courses in the first place?
• Learning Style: Consider your preferred learning methods. Do you learn best through lectures where you listen quietly and take notes? Are you more into discussions, where your voice and the opinions and thoughts of your peers are learning tools? Do you like small groups or solo activities? Are you a visual learner or prefer hands-on activities? Knowing how you learn will help paint a clearer image of the right discipleship course for you.

Don't make decisions on the surface level. In order to get the most out of your training courses, you must first reach a new depth of knowledge and understanding within yourself.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Discipleship Program

So, you want to take part in a discipleship program? With so many great programs across the country and the globe, narrowing it down to one program can be tough.

When selecting the right discipleship program for you, it's essential to consider a variety of factors so you make a choice that's right for your journey into ministry and you can emerge a powerful disciple able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Here are some key factors to think about:

Discipleship Training Structure and Content

Every program is different. And the teachings of one might not align with you as much as the teachings of another. Plus you have to be able to take part in the program without negatively derailing your life.

Be sure to consider the following:

• Discipleship Curriculum: Explore the program's curriculum to ensure it resonates with your spiritual aspirations. Look for courses that align with your interests, whether it's deepening your biblical knowledge through scripture studies, exploring apologetics, leading worship, or enhancing your understanding of Christian living in the modern world.
• Length and Time Commitment: Consider the program's duration and time commitments carefully. Whether you're planning a gap year or balancing attending the program with your studies, ensure the program fits seamlessly into your schedule.

A discipleship course is only valuable to you if it helps you spread the Gospel in a way that works with God's plan for your life.

Qualified Leaders and Mentors

A program is only as good as the people running it. Sure, anyone can encourage you to know God more, but only qualified individuals and experienced disciples can walk with you on your journey in a proactive, tangible way.

Here are some ways to assess the leadership of a program:

• Instructor Qualifications: Take the time to research the instructors' backgrounds and expertise. Ensure they possess the knowledge and skills to provide valuable guidance and mentorship tailored to your needs as a Gen Z Christian. Are they experienced in the skills and lessons you will be taught?
• Mentorship Opportunities: Seek programs that offer robust mentorship opportunities. Personalized mentorship and small group discussions can provide invaluable support and encouragement throughout your discipleship journey. How involved are leaders in the program outside the classroom?

Being in a community of like-minded believers is the first step. But you can get far more support and additional help from true leaders and mentors who go beyond the basics.

Community and Program Environment

When considering a discipleship program, it's crucial to evaluate the community of people you'll be spending your time with and the environment in which you'll be living. Here's how to ensure you find a setting that nurtures your spiritual growth and fosters a sense of belonging:

• Peer Group: Look for a program that boasts a diverse peer group. Interacting with individuals from varied backgrounds and demographics can enrich your learning journey and provide different perspectives you otherwise may have never encountered.
• Program Values: Seek out programs that align with your personal values and beliefs. Choose a community that prioritizes authenticity and open communication, and encourages you to explore and deepen your faith journey without judgment.

Technology Integration

In today's digital age, technology is a part of everything we do - even discipleship. The truth is, we can't be effective disciples without technology. Gen Z Christians understand and embrace this new facet of ministry. Unfortunately, a lot of traditional training courses have not.

Be sure to consider programs that leverage technology to enhance your learning experience. Look for platforms that offer interactive resources, engaging content, and opportunities for virtual fellowship.

Authenticity and Open Communication

Prioritize programs that cultivate genuine discussions and create a safe space for you to ask questions and share your thoughts openly. Seek environments where authenticity is valued, and your voice is heard and respected.

By thoughtfully considering these factors, you can select a discipleship program that not only meets your spiritual needs but also empowers you to grow as a leader and disciple of Christ.

Navigating the Options: Types of Discipleship Courses Available for Gen Z

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to check out some of the options that will be available to you. As a Gen Z Christian seeking a discipleship course, it's essential to understand the variety of options available, because there are a lot!

Here's a breakdown of the types of discipleship courses you may encounter:

• Traditional Classroom Setting: These courses offer a structured classroom environment with lectures, discussions, and homework-like assignments. They’re ideal for those who thrive in a formal learning setting and prefer face-to-face interactions with instructors and peers.
• Online Programs: With the rise of digital learning, many discipleship courses are now available online. These programs provide flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and engage with course materials from anywhere with an internet connection. Young Christians in school or already in the workforce may benefit from an online program.
• Hybrid Models: Combining elements of both traditional classroom settings and online learning, hybrid models offer a blend of in-person and virtual experiences. This format provides the benefits of structured learning while accommodating busy schedules and remote participation.
• Intensive Retreats: Some discipleship courses take the form of intensive retreats or immersive experiences that take you away from your community and head first into a Christ-centered environment. These short-term programs often focus on deepening spiritual practices, fostering community, and providing a transformative experience in a condensed time frame. They can also include a mission trip or some other type of travel-focused service.
• Specialized Tracks: Many discipleship courses offer specialized tracks or concentrations, allowing you to focus on specific areas of interest such as missions, leadership development, counseling, or theology. These programs cater to your unique passions and ministry goals, providing targeted training and mentorship.

At YWAM Salem, our discipleship experience has it all! Our DTS boasts traditional classroom learning with an emphasis on technology and online studies during the campus phase. We embody intensive retreats as all DTS students live together during their session in dormitory-style living on our beautiful campus just outside of Salem, Oregon.

During the campus phase, we also offer unique elective courses that give students tailored training in the area they are most passionate about, from worship to sports and fitness discipleship training. Finally, in the second half of DTS, called the outreach phase, we send students on the international mission trip of a lifetime.

Finding the right discipleship course takes a lot of work. With YWAM Salem, you don't have to do the heavy lifting alone. Contact us today to talk to one of our friendly staff members and learn more about DTS to see if it is the program you've been searching for.

Do a DTS Today!

Whether you choose YWAM Salem or a different discipleship training course, we're happy you've taken the first step - reading this blog! Now you're armed with all the tips and tricks you need to continue down the path toward a lifetime of global missions.

Our goal is to help Gen Z Christians Know God and then Make Him Known to those in the nations otherwise unfamiliar with the love of Jesus Christ. Be a part of our unique, Gen Z-focused movement – apply for a DTS online today!