Practical Ministry Experience

The GO Year is more than just a year of studying the Word of God. It is also about learning to LIVE the Word of God. The GO Year is named after Matthew 28:19, where Jesus instructs his followers to "Go and make disciples of all nations." To GO and make disciples, Jesus' followers had to become disciples themselves. But what does this look like vocationally? The word "vocation" is usually used in reference to an individual's trade or profession. As Christians, we are all called to make disciples, no matter what we do for a living. In other words, the Great Commission is relational, but it's also vocational.

Participants will be given the opportunity to observe and serve, in diverse ways, alongside seasoned professionals in both direct and indirect ministry areas.

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On-Site Vocational Experience

Forest Home is a Christian Camp that has been serving the Lord's purposes in Forest Falls, CA since 1938. During the GO Year of discipleship, participants will gain valuable on-camp vocational experience by:

• Partnering with various Managers and Directors across camp, learning their areas of responsibility and applying that specific trade
• Observing the inner-workings of a large Christian Camp, gaining an intimate understanding of the operational and decision-making processes that keeps a non-profit organization going
• Being placed in a summer service opportunity designed to support Forest Home's summer camp programs and directly applying the growth opportunities presented during the previous 9 months

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Off-Site Vocational Experience

GO Year Participants will experience several short-term excursions that will coincide with each of the 12 modules as apart of the educational aspect of the program. Participants will embark on fields trips that will allow them access to:

• Numerous Para-Church organizations within the greater Southern California region
• Mission opportunities thorughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada
• On-Site tours of medium and large Southern California churches
• Conversations and small-group access to well known pastors and professors
• Real-life understanding of the "back-stage" of a large ministry experience

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Mini-Modules

As a part of the the educational opportunities, the GO Year will provide a focus that isn't usually provided in a typical college experience, including but not limited to:

• How to have hard conversations with those you supervise (how to hire and also how to fire)
• How to budget for a non-profit
• How to lead a team through critical situations
• How to lead a ministry without neglecting your own family
• The importance of maintaining healthy spiritual disciplines while pouring yourself into your work or ministry