So you are wondering what to do next with your gap year or something similar. Whether you are looking into college or looking into ministry, you should seriously consider a Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School. Here are some things to ask yourself:
Am I in a transition period and I’m not sure what’s next?
You are graduating and you have a couple options you are facing but you are unsure. Do you know what God has for your life? Did you know you can ask the Lord what His plans are for you? It is important to take a step back and evaluate. Don’t just go to college, get a job or even do a Discipleship Training School because it is a good idea, but step out because you are trusting in Him.
A DTS is also a good place to learn about your purpose. Many Christians come to do a DTS because they aren’t sure what the Lord has for them. It is only a five month commitment that can often help bring clarity to the next steps in your life. In your DTS you will spend your time learning about the Lord and growing in your relationship with Him. What better way to grow in the knowledge of your purpose? A DTS will never be a waste of money if you allow God to work in your heart. However, switching majors one or more times will waste a considerable amount of cash.
Also, if you are concerned about taking a gap year check out our blog on that subject https://ywamlouisville.org/2015/03/why-take-gap-year/
A DTS will never be a waste of money if you allow God to work in your heart. However, switching majors one or more times will waste a considerable amount of cash.
Do I need a strong Christian foundation before stepping out into the world?
Perhaps you don’t think you are called to missions. You may even know exactly where you want to go in life. You should be asking yourself this question: What is my house built on? Have you built your house, your faith, on shifting sand or on firm soil? This might be hard to answer under your parent’s protection, so how about this: The last time you were faced with a peer pressured decision, what did you choose? Did you have a drink? Did you go a little too far with that guy or girl? Did you just cheat a little bit on that quiz? Imagine stepping out on your own. Are you ready to stand firm in who God has called you to be or will you be blown to and fro by society?
This isn’t a question meant to shame or guilt anyone. We all can be so easily swayed by public opinion or by well meaning friends. Do you feel strong enough to face the ways of the world? Can you say ‘no’ when nobody else is? A DTS is designed specifically to help you learn how to walk out a life-style of obedience to the word of God.
Do I have a desire for adventure?
I think we all really want adventure but aren’t sure how to satisfy that need. In God both the need for safety and the need to take risk is fully met! God’s plan for your life is so much bigger than just the 9 to 5 grind that so many of us have bought into. A DTS is all about stepping out into that risk. Whether it’s going into a South Asian village where no one has heard the Gospel, or even trusting the Lord to provide money for another plane ticket; being a part of God’s plan is exciting! Doing a DTS is dangerous, because afterwards you will be ruined for the ordinary.
Do I want to make an impact on this world?
If you are a part of this new generation, you feel an intricate desire to make a difference and an overwhelming feeling that you can’t. It’s a lie! You were made for a glorious purpose. It’s only through relationship and obedience to God can you do anything worthwhile but it’s His joy to use us. In DTS you will learn how to be effective in sharing God’s story and your own. You will spend your weeks ministering to the local community and you’ll spend 2 months in a foreign country, preaching the Gospel to the lost.
Do I love the Lord?
Can you pinpoint a time in your life when you decided you wanted to say yes to the Lord and everything He calls you to? Or are you basing your life decisions off of what seems to be the appropriate next steps? Before all the other questions we have listed, you absolutely have to answer this one first. Why? Because if you’re going to live for you, then you need to go do it. But if you’re going to live for God, then, most likely, your choices will be drastically different. When you’re a follower of Christ, you make decisions off of what will bless His heart. Followers of Jesus give themselves to Him. If you’re not sure if you really love the Lord, maybe you need to learn about who He is more.
Deciding what to do next with your life can be an extremely scary process. Don’t feel like you have to go to college or get a job, just because everyone else is doing it. If you found yourself answering yes to those questions above then maybe you do need to do a DTS. Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from trusting God!
When and where to do a DTS is really up to you and the Lord but we do have a suggestion! We may be a little biased but take a look here to get started.