How a Christian Gap Year Program Can Shape You as a Leader

Embarking on a gap year journey marks a significant transition in the lives of many young adults—a pivotal moment of exploration, growth, and self-discovery.

At YWAM Salem, we believe that this year can be more than just a break from academia; it can be a transformative experience that equips you with the leadership skills and spiritual foundation needed to make a meaningful impact across the nations.

In this blog, we dive into how our Christian gap year programs, particularly our Discipleship Training School (DTS), can shape you as a leader. Or, if you already know DTS is for you, apply for our immersion gap year program online today!

Discipleship Training School: Leadership Training for Recent High School Graduates

DTS serves as a launching pad for young adults seeking to deepen their faith, discover their purpose, and develop leadership skills during a gap year. Comprising two distinct phases—the campus phase and the outreach phase—DTS provides comprehensive missions training and leadership development within the context of a gap year.

DTS offers a transformative journey of self-discovery and service, providing a structured framework for personal and spiritual growth. As part of YWAM Salem's gap year programs, DTS equips recent high school graduates with the tools and confidence to become effective leaders for global missions.

Whether your passion is community service or leading others in worship, or you're seeking the chance to serve alongside experienced ministry leaders to learn how they effectively disciple others - DTS is for you!

The Campus Phase

During the campus phase, students engage in intensive worship, small group discussions, and service projects, laying the groundwork for spiritual growth and community engagement.

This phase takes place on our stunning campus in Salem, Oregon, just an hour away from the bustling streets of Portland. We boast our own coffee shop, a spectacular background of God's natural creations, and fun, dormitory-style living.

The highlight of the campus phase is our elective courses. Each student will pick a course that defines their time at DTS and aligns with their unique passions and God-given talents to influence their future life in global missions.

Our elective offerings include:

• Evangelism & Apologetics
• Youth Ministry
• Sports Ministry

Get the skills you need to spread the love of Jesus Christ to the untouched people across the nations.

The Outreach Phase

After 11 weeks of training, the outreach phase offers hands-on experience in international missions, where students apply their newfound leadership skills in diverse cultural contexts.

Travel to a destination abroad where many people have never encountered the Holy Spirit. Help create and experience true Christian community through service opportunities, personal connections, attending church with community members, and leading worship.

In the outreach phase, we partner with local non-profit organizations to make a difference in the lives of the people who live in the communities we travel to, both spiritually and physically.

Potential outreach destinations include:

• Europe
• South East Asia
• Latin America
• The Caribbean
• Africa

Don't miss out on the mission trip of a lifetime - apply for DTS today.

Secondary Courses for College Credit

While taking a gap year means taking time off from or before continuing your education, most DTS students plan to return to school when the year is up.

Since DTS is only 5.5 months long - just under half of your gap year - we also offer secondary schools for DTS graduates who want to push further into their missions training and earn college credits while gaining a deeper understanding of God's plan for their lives.

Our secondary schools provide further training and specialization in areas such as counseling, missions, and leadership. Our courses include:

• School of Biblical Studies
• Foundations for Counseling Ministries
• Outward Apologetics School
• Addictive Behavior Counseling School

Are you a DTS graduate seeking a Christ-centered community to continue your gap year? Apply for a secondary school today.

Aspects of YWAM Salem's DTS that Help Develop Leadership Skills

DTS and our additional Christian gap year program opportunities are essentially non-stop learning and personal growth. There is no limit to the skills and leadership lessons you will learn while at YWAM Salem.

But to help you get a clear picture of the personal benefits of doing a DTS, we've highlighted a few key leadership skills and aspects of DTS, including:

• Servant Leadership: Our programs emphasize serving others and prioritizing the needs of the community, instilling a leadership style focused on collaboration and upliftment.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Grounding decision-making in Christian principles like honesty, integrity, and compassion equips young adults to become ethical and responsible leaders.
• Stewardship: Involvement in caring for the environment or managing resources at our YWAM campus fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages students to take initiative.
• Project Management: Opportunities to organize events, lead small groups, and participate in mission trips away from our YWAM base provide gap year students with experiences in planning, delegation, and problem solving.
• Communication Skills: Engaging in public speaking, leading discussions, and interacting with diverse communities hone communication and interpersonal skills crucial for leadership at any level.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing real-world situations and encouraging open communication equips young adults with conflict resolution skills essential for effective leadership.

Not only will these skills help students during the duration of their gap year, but these are skills you can carry with you throughout the rest of your life - whether you reenter academia, join the workforce, or devote yourself to traditional ministry.

How Our Christian Gap Year Programs Promote Mentorship

Mentorship plays a pivotal role in our gap year programs. DTS exposes young people to strong, established Christian leaders who embody the aforementioned leadership qualities and provide valuable guidance in navigating leadership challenges.

Through mentorship, students are empowered to cultivate their own leadership potential, seek wisdom from experienced mentors, and build lasting relationships within the Christian community. All of this culminates into a powerful recipe to help students turn into effective Christian mentors themselves.

A Gap Year in a Christian Community: The Path to Better Character Development

A gap year in a Christian community offers a unique opportunity for character development. Being surrounded by our peers allows us to prioritize our values such as humility, empathy, and accountability.

Beyond acquiring skill sets, our gap year programs focus on the nurturing qualities essential for ethical and trustworthy leadership. By immersing yourself in a supportive Christian environment, you will be encouraged to embrace these values and embody them in your leadership journey.

And at the end of the day, leadership is all about personal character development. You can't have one without the other, as strong leaders must first have strong character.

Do a DTS with YWAM Salem Today!

Leading is about action, personal growth and accountability, and being a positive disciple of God. We know you want to be a leader in whatever sphere of society you are drawn to, but you don't know where to start.

While a gap year allows you to search for answers, DTS and YWAM Salem's Christian gap year program paint a clear picture of the path you must take and give you the tools and confidence you need to take the first step down that road. Apply for a DTS today!