Frequently Asked Questions About A Christian Gap Year Program
At CMTS Ministries, we have a Christian gap year program called Equip. In running this gap year program for Christians, we have been asked a lot of questions, and since you’re reading this, we’re sure that you have a lot of questions. Below is a compilation of frequently asked gap year program questions we have received.
What Is A Christian Gap Year Program?
A Christian gap year is either a full year or the length of a college semester dedicated to experimental learning. Christian gap years differ from regular gap years, in that there is typically a missions aspect as well as biblical learning and education. It usually occurs post-high school or post-secondary education before making a career decision. For a more in-depth discussion about Christian gap years, check out the article on our blog called, “What is a Christian Gap Year Program?”.
What Is The Difference Between A Christian Gap Year & A Regular Gap Year
The difference between a normal gap year and a Christian gap year is the focus. In a typical gap year program you get to experience work and life to try to answer the question, “What do I want to do with my life?” In a Christian gap year program, you are working towards discovering what God wants you to do with your life.
What Is The Purpose Of Taking A Gap Year?
There can be multiple purposes for taking a gap year after high school or college. Typically it is a year dedicated to self-discovery and understanding your personal purpose. A Christian gap year has the benefit of learning more about who God is so your faith becomes fully your own. By taking a year just for God, your relationship with Him will greatly benefit, because you will be focused on seeking Him.
How Does A Christian Gap Year Program Work?
A Christian gap year is different from other gap years because there is a missions aspect. Some Christian gap year programs are full-time missions trips, while other gap year programs involve multiple missions trips combined with experiential learning. Take the time to research your options and learn about different gap year programs to find the one that is the best fit for you.
How Long Is A Christian Gap Year?
As the name says, a gap year is typically a year. However, these programs could be for anywhere from 8 months to a year and will normally function like standard school years. The Equip program is a 9-month program, following the standard August – May year.
What Do You Do During A Christian Gap Year?
Have a lot of fun! There are a wide variety of Christian gap year programs with different focuses that are a lot of fun. While you will definitely have fun at our Christian gap year program, we still make sure our gap year students experience & learn in a variety of ways.
In the Equip program, you experience local, national, and international missions trips, gain experiential learning that is workforce or vocation-related, and take educational classes on biblical studies as well as life skills. We teach you how to be a missionary no matter where you are.
Do All Christian Gap Year Programs Go on Missions Trips?
No, not all gap year programs are focused on missions. Missions trips are an incredibly important and influential aspect in a Christian’s life as they can be life-changing and faith-altering. However, some gap year programs are focused on work related experiences and biblical education. Both things are equally important.
What Are the Benefits of A Christian Gap Year?
There are a lot of benefits to taking a gap year as a Christian. Some of the advantages include:
- Having time to grow closer to God.
- Learning what God’s will is for your life.
- Learning important life skills.
- Having a variety of experiences to grow and learn from.
What Can I Learn At A Gap Year Program For Christians?
At a Christian gap year program, you typically learn things like how to further develop your faith and how to defend your faith, among other things. Biblical classes and studies are highly impactful in helping you make your faith your own.
What you learn at a Christian gap year program really depends on the program. Our program provides experience and education on:
- Apologetics
- How to Study the Bible
- The Life of Christ
- Your Identity and Purpose
- Financial Management
- Job & Employment Skills
- And much more
In addition, our gap year program has an emphasis on discipleship and missions work. We offer an 8-week training course in all 4 vocations available on campus: Automotive Mechanics, Automotive Detailing, Warehouse Working, and General Maintenance.
Can You Take A Gap Year After High School?
Post-high school is when most people typically take a gap year. Some gap year programs have an age limit, and some have none. In our Equip gap year program, we focus on reaching students just out of high school or college. Our goal is to impact and influence 18 – 25 year olds towards missions so that they have more world experience and the opportunity to disciple and be discipled.
Can You Take A Gap Year After College?
Taking a gap year after college, or even during these 4 years is fairly common. Some universities even offer their own gap year program. Don’t forget to do your research when considering a post-college gap year. A missions focused Christian gap year might be a better choice for one person, or a biblical studies Christian gap year could benefit another more.
How Much Does A Christian Gap Year Program Cost?
Tuition for Christian gap years can vary from program to program. Depending on whether the program is college-accredited, it may be more expensive than one that is not. Since the Equip program does not offer college credits, the tuition is lower than others like OneLife. The tuition for Equip covers the basics: room & board for 10 months, class supplies and materials, team-building adventures, and mission trips all bring the cost of our program to $6,000. Tuition for a gap year through OneLife is $22,900 for: tuition, books, room and board, and all travel expenses.
How Do You Choose What Gap Year Program Is Best For You?
Choosing to take a gap year is not a decision that should be made flippantly. It is best to spend a lot of time praying about it first, and when God calls you to it, start researching and reading as much about your options as you can. We have an article that can help you called “What Should I Do After High School?”.
When researching, it’s wise to think about what you are looking for in a program. Do you want it to be missions or class-focused? Do you want to move to a different state or country for the months or year you will be in the gap year program? How much does cost factor into your choice? Do you want to develop new skills or focus on honing the skills you have? All of these are important questions to keep in mind as you research.
How Does A Gap Year Benefit Me?
Taking a year to step back and focus on your relationship with God is always a great decision. If you’re uncertain about your future and whether or not you want to pursue secondary education, find a job you love, or pursue mission work, then why not give yourself a year to talk with God and see where He leads you? It is highly beneficial (and biblical) to take your time in making wise decisions and seek help from God and others around you (see Prov. 15:22, Eph. 5:15-16, Ps. 119:105).
What Do You Do After A Gap Year Program?
Ideally, in taking a gap year, you will have sought God’s direction on your next step. Different programs offer different things post-gap year. Some might offer you a job with the program as an RA. Others might help you choose a college to attend for further education. In Equip, we offer a second year called an Apprenticeship, in which you choose a vocation to get more in-depth training and take more biblical classes. Whatever you do after a program is important, but not as important as how you grew during your gap year. If all goes well and you put in the effort, you will come out of it a stronger Christian ready to stand firm in your faith and willing to serve God anywhere and in any way.
We hope that this answers some of your more pressing questions about gap year programs. If you have more questions though, the Equip staff at CMTS Ministries would love to help you! We can be reached by email (equip@cmtsministries.com) and phone (610-488-6975). Don’t hesitate to reach out for more information, or visit the Equip page on the website. And most importantly, include God in your decision-making and planning!
