School of Discipleship FAQs

What is the GFA School of Discipleship?

The GFA School of Discipleship is a life-changing year at Gospel for Asia's home office in Stoney Creek, Ontario. You will enable hundreds of national missionaries in bringing the Gospel of Christ to the unreached as you grow in true discipleship.

Who is able to apply?

The program is open to dedicated Christian single adults who are between the ages of 18 and 27 as of the first day of the GFA School of Discipleship.

Is there any difference between the GFA School of Discipleship that starts in January and the one that starts in August?

The January GFA School of Discipleship is one week shorter so that students can finish the program before Christmas.

Where will I live during the GFA School of Discipleship?

You will live with other students and staff, either in apartments or houses. You will be sharing a room with one to three other students. GFA provides furniture and housing essentials; students should bring their own bedding (twin-size), clothing and toiletries. You will share cooking and housekeeping responsibilities, so please come with a heart to serve your roommates.

How will I be reaching the unreached in Asia if I'm living in Ontario?

Everything you do while serving in the home office will greatly help the Gospel to advance in Asia. You will be the essential link between thousands of national missionaries and their partners in the West. Imagine serving for a year so that hundreds of missionaries can be equipped and go to the field in your place! Now that's multiplication!

How do I raise the support?

Upon acceptance, we will send you everything you need to encourage friends, family members and churches to give toward your monthly needs. Contributions to GFA for your support are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

How much does it cost?

$850 per month; for the year you will need $10,200. This covers room and board; tuition; program expenses and a two week trip to India. You will receive training and materials to help you raise support. Your travel to and from Stoney Creek, and personal spending money, are not included.

Do I need to have medical insurance?

Yes, you will need to have medical coverage that covers you here in Ontario. You may qualify under your parents' medical plan, but please note that the GFA School of Discipleship does not qualify as an "accredited school," which some insurance policies require in order for you to be covered as a dependent. However, you will need to have a personal policy that will be in effect for the full year that you will be at GFA.

Do I need to bring a car with me to Ontario?

If you have a vehicle and live close enough to drive to Ontario, feel free, but it is not necessary.

Do students get any vacation time during the year?

Yes, students receive five working days of vacation, which they may take at any time during the year. They will need to coordinate their days off with their leaders. They also have the same holidays off as the regular staff. In addition, August students receive five working days of vacation during Christmas (the January GFA School of Discipleship ends before Christmas).

Am I able to work a part-time job while I am participating in the School of Discipleship?

The nature and intensity of the program will require a full-time commitment. You will not have time to work another job. Please discuss any financial concerns you may have with us.

Am I able to be involved in a local church while I am in Ontario?

School of Discipleship students are encouraged to attend a church of their choice each week. However, it will not be possible to get involved in most cell groups, Bible studies or other types of weekly church activities, since you will be having regular Bible studies and accountability groups with your School of Discipleship classmates in the evenings and on weekends.

Will I have much free time as a student in the School of Discipleship?

There are times during the week when you will be able to choose how to spend your time. But many evening and weekend hours will be filled by Bible studies, service projects, house keeping or other scheduled activities. In addition, there is a curfew of 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. It is important that you come prepared to offer all your time—not just office hours—to the Lord for the year. Some of the greatest learning experiences you have during the year may take place during these non-office hours.

What types of accountability will I have in the School of Discipleship program?

You will be connected with a GFA staff member who serves on the Discipleship Team. Most often, this person will live with you and up to four other students in your group. Men mentor young men, and women mentor young women. He or she will be your prayer partner, encourager and exhorter through the year you are with Gospel for Asia. They will also be the leader and coach of your living group in relation to your studies, house concerns and daily involvement in the School of Discipleship.

May I visit GFA before I apply?

Yes, you are welcome to visit Gospel for Asia headquarters at any time. However, an office visit is not required as part of the application process.

I have more questions. Who can I contact?

You may call the GFA Staff/Intern Recruitment department toll free at 888.946.2742, or send an email to infocanada@gfa.org.

What is the typical week in the life of a student?

Not every week is the same, and during certain times of year, students have special activities, projects or studies. But the schedule below is fairly typical.

• Daily: Students have personal time to fellowship with the Lord, read the Bible and pray.
• Monday: Begin the work week in prayer with GFA staff, followed by GFA School of Discipleship class, where students may study a book of the Bible or another book about deepening their personal walk with the Lord. The remainder of work day is spent serving at GFA's home office alongside full-time GFA staff. Students may help with administration, grounds maintenance, publications, computers, shipping, answering phones, etc., depending on students' aptitudes and the needs of the ministry. In the evening, housemates meet for Bible study and prayer.
• Tuesday: Spend the day serving in GFA's home office. Each Tuesday evening, you will participate in a prayer meeting with GFA staff and families to intercede for the lost world and needs of the ministry.
• Wednesday: Morning GFA School of Discipleship class, then serve in GFA's home office for the day. There is also an evening meeting with housemates about house issues (cleaning, meals, etc.), followed by study or time at home.
• Thursday: Morning staff prayer. Spend the day serving in GFA's home office. Occasionally there are GFA staff or student events on Thursday night. Otherwise evenings are open for study or fellowship at home.
• Friday: Morning staff prayer, GFA School of Discipleship class, then a day of serving at GFA's home office. Once a month, there is extended prayer on Friday night. Other Friday nights may include time with your housemates.
• Saturday: Often there is a weekend event such as a service project, team-building activities, witnessing or fellowship. This is also the time for household chores, personal errands or studying.
• Sunday: Attend service at a local church. Often, GFA staff families will invite students to visit on Sunday. Otherwise, the day is typically free for students to pray and prepare for the week ahead.