The Leadership Next Gap Year in State College, PA, is a one-year experience designed for recent high school graduates who want to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, discover their gifts, explore their calling, and gain hands-on experience serving in ministry.

Through intentional discipleship, practical ministry experience, leadership development, community, and mentorship, Gap Year participants will have the opportunity to learn what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life while exploring how God may be inviting them to use their gifts and passions.

At Calvary, we want to help you become a Jesus apprentice. Participants will be formed as a Beloved Masterpiece, equipped to live as a Courageous Leader, developed into a Bridge Builder, and sent as a Front Yard Missionary. These four dimensions shape how we grow in Christ, lead others, build meaningful relationships, and live out the mission of Jesus in our everyday lives.

Throughout the year, participants will serve alongside Calvary staff and ministry leaders, develop practical skills, build meaningful relationships, and experience the rhythms of life and ministry within a local church.

The Gap Year is designed to help participants leave the program with a deeper faith, greater self-awareness, practical ministry experience, and a clearer sense of their next step—whether that means college, vocational training, full-time work, further ministry training, or another path God is leading them toward.

Your calling has a next step. Let's take it together. Email shelby@calvarysc.org for more information.

Program at a Glance

• Program Length: 1 year
• Designed For: Recent high school graduates
• Location: Calvary Church | State College, Pennsylvania
• Start Date: August
• Focus: Spiritual formation, discipleship, ministry experience, leadership development, community, and vocational exploration
• Core Areas of Formation: Beloved Masterpiece | Courageous Leader | Bridge Builder | Front Yard Missionary
• Experience: Hands-on ministry, mentorship, community, and leadership opportunities

Are you passionate about following Jesus, growing as a leader, and making a difference through ministry?

The Leadership Next Residency in State College, PA, is a two-year leadership development experience designed to equip the next generation of ministry leaders. Through hands-on ministry experience, intentional discipleship, leadership development, and coaching, residents will grow in their faith, discover their gifts, and gain the practical skills needed to serve and lead in the local church.

At Calvary, we want to help you become a Jesus apprentice. Residents will be formed as a Beloved Masterpiece, equipped to live as a Courageous Leader, developed into a Bridge Builder, and sent as a Front Yard Missionary. These four dimensions shape how we grow in Christ, lead others, build meaningful relationships, and live out the mission of Jesus in our everyday lives.

Our goal is to prepare residents for meaningful, long-term ministry careers by equipping them with the spiritual foundation, practical experience, and leadership skills to become competitive candidates for ministry positions upon completion of the program.

Residents will also have the option to pursue a master's degree alongside their residency, combining academic learning with practical ministry experience.

The Leadership Next Residency is an opportunity to invest in your calling, deepen your relationship with Jesus, and take the next step toward a life of ministry - whether that’s full time ministry or incorporating volunteer ministry opportunities into your life.

Your calling has a next step. Let's take it together. Email shelby@calvarysc.org for more information.

Program at a Glance

• Program Length: 2 years
• Location: Calvary Church | State College, Pennsylvania
• Start Dates: January & August
• Degree Opportunity: Optional Master's of Arts in Leadership
• Core Areas of Formation: Beloved Masterpiece | Courageous Leader | Bridge Builder | Front Yard Missionary
• Program Focus: Spiritual formation, hands-on ministry experience, leadership development, coaching, and career preparation
• Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply Today!