Embarking on a gap year journey is a pivotal moment in many young adults' lives—a time for exploration, growth, and discovery. But what if this year could be more than just a break from the academic routine? What if it could be a transformative experience that ignites your faith, clarifies your purpose, and sets your life on a trajectory of meaningful impact?
In this blog post, we explore the ability of Christian gap year programs to do just that. At YWAM Salem, our Discipleship Training School is our flagship program designed to bring together young Christians seeking an authentic, meaningful gap year experience.
DTS is just the start, opening the door to a range of secondary schools and other programs to fill your entire gap year with opportunities to become the powerful missions leader God always planned for you to be. Apply for YWAM Salem DTS today and read on to learn more about our Christian gap year program.
What is a Gap Year?
A gap year is a deliberate pause in one's educational journey. Recent high school graduates typically take this break after completing high school and before starting college or university, but some college students may opt for gap years during their college career as well.
This time is dedicated to exploration, personal growth, and experiential learning outside of the traditional academic setting. During a gap year, individuals have the opportunity to engage in activities such as travel, volunteer work, community service, internships, or pursuing personal interests.
It's a chance to gain new experiences, develop new skills, and broaden perspectives before continuing with formal education or entering the workforce. Gap years are increasingly recognized for their value in fostering independence, self-discovery, and readiness for future academic and life challenges.
What is a Christian Gap Year?
For students who want to ensure they get the most out of their gap year, a Christian gap year allows them to explore themselves and their future while they experience a true Christian community.
Unlike a conventional gap year solely focused on personal growth, a Christian gap year emphasizes deepening one's faith, understanding Christian values, and discerning God's purpose for one's life. It involves immersing oneself in faith-based programs or initiatives that prioritize spiritual formation, community engagement, and missions.
It offers you the unique opportunity to not only explore the world and develop new skills but also to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and actively live out your faith in service to others.
The Benefits of Taking a Gap Year
There are many benefits to participating in programs designed for Christian gap years, including:
- Spiritual Growth: Engaging in a Christian gap year program provides a dedicated period for deepening one's relationship with God, nurturing spiritual disciplines, and exploring faith in practical ways.
- Discernment of Purpose: Taking a gap year within a Christian context offers individuals the opportunity to discern God's calling for their lives, gaining clarity on their vocation, passions, and mission in alignment with Christian values.
- Service and Mission Opportunities: Christian gap year programs often include service projects and mission trips, allowing participants to serve others in need, share the gospel, and make a tangible difference in communities locally and globally.
- Community and Fellowship: Joining a Christian gap year program fosters connections with like-minded peers and mentors, providing a supportive community for encouragement, accountability, and spiritual growth.
- Preparation for Future Leadership: Through practical experiences, leadership development, and mentorship, a Christian gap year equips individuals with the skills, resilience, and confidence to become effective leaders in their future endeavors, whether in college, career, or ministry.
Ready to experience these benefits in your own life? Apply for YWAM Salem's DTS to kickstart your purposeful gap year today.
YWAM DTS: A Transformational Gap Year Opportunity for High School Graduates
YWAM Salem's Discipleship Training School is a unique 5.5-month Christian gap year program focused on shaping young adults into impactful leaders for global missions. Our mission is to empower you to share God's story with the world, providing you with the necessary tools and confidence for the task at hand.
DTS students hail from diverse backgrounds but share a common desire to make a difference in the nations. Typically, they are recent high school graduates ages 18-24, each bringing their own unique experiences and perspectives to the table.
Nestled just outside Salem, Oregon, our YWAM base will help you achieve total immersion. Gap year program or not, the missions training you receive at our campus will set you up for the rest of your life. With two distinct phases—the campus phase and the outreach phase—our DTS program will help you realize your unique purpose and empower you to use your faith as a catalyst for missions in your daily life.
Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity. Apply now to begin your YWAM Salem DTS adventure.
The Campus Phase
Over 11 weeks, students will engage in daily worship, intimate small group discussions, and moments of profound self-discovery through quiet reflection. They also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding communities, including a vibrant coffee scene and nearby Portland, Oregon, during their free time.
The highlight of this phase lies in our elective courses, where students choose a path that aligns with their unique passions. Our elective courses include:
Learn to bring discipleship into their desired societal sphere and make a lasting impact on others as budding ministry leaders with YWAM DTS.
The Outreach Phase
The outreach phase is where you'll carry your newfound missional perspective across international borders. Transitioning from the familiar confines of our campus to diverse global destinations, you'll encounter communities eagerly awaiting the touch of the Gospel on this mission trip.
This phase presents an unparalleled opportunity to embody God's love, engaging in daily worship and acts of service that foster spiritual awakening and growth among those you meet. You'll travel to one of the following destinations:
- Europe
- South East Asia
- Latin America
- The Caribbean
- Africa
It's all about gaining a deeper understanding of how you can be an effective disciple while spreading the love of Jesus Christ into the nations. Explore our DTS roadmap for additional information on all things DTS.
YWAM Secondary Courses For a Complete Christian Gap Year Program
We know what you're thinking - DTS doesn't last an entire year. So, what are you supposed to do during the rest of your gap year?
Well, our answer is why YWAM Salem is known as one of the best Christian gap year programs in the country. We offer specialized secondary courses for DTS graduates seeking even more training and practical application experiences.
Our secondary courses include:
Each of these schools will not only help fill the duration of your gap year but will also deepen your understanding of discipleship and your role in The Great Commission in the modern world. Check out all our secondary course offerings and apply online today.
Earn College Credit Through YWAM Salem Courses
YWAM secondary courses, in collaboration with the University of the Nations, offer students the chance to earn college credit, even during a gap year. So, if you decide to dive back into the academic world after your Christian gap year programs are complete, you'll already have laid a foundation for both your lifetime in missions and your technical education.
Do a Christian Gap Year Program with YWAM Salem Today
God's calling. Are you going to answer? With YWAM Salem, we make the challenge of saying yes to God's purpose for your life a no-brainer. Whether you're taking a gap year or simply want to pursue a life of true discipleship, we have the programs you need to be successful and harness the full potential of God's word. Apply for DTS online today.
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At YWAM Salem, we want to help you discover your passions and gifts and provide channels for you to use those to serve God in the world. 
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