Should I Take a Christian Gap Year?
If you are a young adult, you’ve probably heard of people taking a gap year before college or starting their career. While the idea of taking a gap year isn’t new, the practice has undoubtedly increased in popularity in recent years. There are certainly some who think a gap year is a waste of time; others see it as an investment in themselves and their future, and many are choosing to take a year to deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them. A Christian gap year program will take this concept to a much deeper level.
A Christian gap year program, like Anthem Growth Year, is an intentional time of training, discipleship, and ministry where you can turn your focus to what matters most in life. Perhaps you are at a point when you are beginning to question your purpose and what you should be doing with your life. Taking a biblically focused gap year will provide you with the opportunity to align your worldview to the truth of the Bible while also discovering new passions and gaining valuable life experience.
Maybe you’re wondering, “Is a Christian gap year right for me?” This article explores some of the reasons why joining a program like Anthem Growth Year might be the perfect fit!
Do You Want to Deepen Your Understanding of God and His Word?
The Bible is clear that if we truly want to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, we need first to deepen our knowledge of God and His Word. The Apostle Peter teaches throughout 2 Peter the importance of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (1:2–8; 2:20; 3:18). While there is value in traveling to diverse places, learning new skills, and serving others, nothing will help you understand yourself and the world more than the Bible (Hebrews 4:12).
As a young adult taking a Christian gap year, you will have the unique opportunity to spend substantial time prioritizing the study of God’s Word. You will be able to focus on learning about the culture, context, and literary features of the Bible so you can properly analyze, interpret, and apply its truths.
During the Anthem Growth Year, you will be able to supplement your study of the Scriptures with a curated collection of books specifically chosen to deepen your understanding of God, yourself, and humanity. You will have the time to immerse yourself in the wisdom of leaders, teachers, and theologians who have dedicated their lives to understanding the Creator.
Do You Want to Receive Biblical Discipleship?
Perhaps you’ve been thinking through some of these questions:
“How do I know if I am saved?”
“What does God want me to do with my life?”
“How do I make an important decision?”
“Am I ready to be in a romantic relationship?”
While some of your most important questions cannot be answered inside a traditional classroom, godly men and women can help you navigate these challenges. There is immense value in having someone who can invest in your wellbeing by listening, praying, correcting, and offering wisdom from the Bible as well as their own life experience (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3–5).
During a Christian gap year program like Anthem Growth Year, you will be working side-by-side with older men and women, church leadership, and godly peers who strive to live out the Gospel and lovingly remind you of its truths.
Do You Want to Gain Valuable Leadership Skills?
While taking a Christian gap year, you will receive training and leadership opportunities. You will be encouraged to step out of your comfort zone and build the courage needed to take charge of tasks and lead others. By teaching to groups of various sizes, you gain confidence in your public speaking. You will also learn what it means to be a servant leader by following the example of Jesus (Mark 9:35). The skills you will develop over the year will be valuable in church ministry and transferable to the home and workplace.
Students who have graduated from Anthem Growth Year have taken what they have learned into various fields. One former student recently took a ministry position at a church. Another has served as a missionary and is looking to enter the mission field long-term. Some immediately entered the workforce, while others have gone on to continue their education. Another former student currently manages and writes a blog read by thousands. Two even got married to each other!
Do You Want to Serve Others In Diverse Cultures?
During Anthem Growth Year, you will be able to immediately put your training and knowledge into practice by serving others. Since Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28, Christianity has grown to become the most diverse belief system in history, and we get to be a part of that growth! As a Christian, you have the incredible privilege of taking God’s message of redeeming grace not only to your neighbor but also to the furthest corners of the world.
Of course, you are never too old to take the Gospel around the world, but as a young adult, you are more likely to have more time, freedom, and energy to bring the message of salvation to those who need hope. During a program like Anthem Growth Year, you will get to see the beauty and diversity of the body of Christ as you minister to and serve alongside people from various cultural backgrounds. These trips to other countries and cultures could also serve as a critical piece to your spiritual foundation that you build on throughout the rest of your life.
Other Questions You Should Ask:
Do you have the time? Even if you answered “yes” to all the above questions, you might not be at a place in your life where it makes sense to take a gap year. At different stages of life, you have different levels of responsibility, and (usually) the older you are, the more responsibilities you have—bills to pay, people who depend on you, etc. Prayerful consider your stage of life before committing to participate in a gap year program.
Do you have the money? The benefits of a Christian gap year are many, but it shouldn’t cause a financial burden. The Bible commands us to be good stewards of all that God has given us (1 Corinthians 4:2), and we need to be committed to using our finances in ways that bring Him honor and glory. Therefore, carefully evaluate your financial situation before making this significant decision.
Are you ready for a challenge? A program like Anthem Growth Year will be intense, exhausting, and challenging at times, but you won’t be making the journey alone. Instead, you’ll be walking side by side with a loving and encouraging community. And when you rise to the challenge, you will leave with a well-rounded biblical education, valuable leadership experience, and gospel-centered memories.
So, Is a Christian Gap Year Right for You?
Are you a young adult looking to grow in your understanding of God and His Word through training and discipleship? Have you thought about taking a year of your life to serve others in diverse cultures? If you are ready to grow your faith in challenging ways, a Christian gap year program like Anthem Growth Year might be the perfect next step for you!
If you want more information about Anthem Growth Year, please click the link below and fill out our interest form.