Designed for Purpose & Direction

Gap Year at Lodestar is a Christ-centered, 9-month discipleship program designed for high school graduates (ages 17–21) seeking spiritual depth, intentional community, leadership growth, and real-world experience before jumping into college or a career. Designed for young adults seeking purpose and direction, our gap year invites participants to slow down and dig deep while encouraging students to: build Christlike character, engage in real community, and understand true calling.

Program Focus

Spiritual Formation

Spend intentional time daily in Scripture, receive personal mentorship, and explore practical theology to shape your heart and mind.

Community Life

Live, learn, and serve alongside others in classroom discussions, outdoor adventures, and shared daily routines to build relationships for a lifetime.

Leadership Responsibility

Lead with integrity, initiative, and confidence in ways that prepare you for future influence.

Lancaster Bible College Partnership

Lancaster Bible College, founded in 1933, provides full accreditation to our courses, allowing students the opportunity to earn up to 27 college credits and access to both Federal and State financial aid. Students grow in biblical knowledge, spiritual maturity, and leadership through courses that integrate faith and academics.

COURSES INCLUDE:

Public Speaking (LAN 104) – Communicate confidently through speech and presentation.

Creation & Covenants (BIB 103) – Explore God’s covenant story through the Pentateuch.

Foundations for Biblical & Theological Studies (BTH 101) – Build a solid understanding of Scripture and theology.

Discipleship & Evangelism (ICS 120) – Learn to share the Gospel and disciple others effectively.

Living in God’s Story (LBC 101) – See all of life through the lens of God’s redemptive plan.

Life of Christ (BIB 203) – Study the life and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels.

Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall (THE 223) – Understand humanity’s story through creation, image-bearing, and sin.

Apologetics for the Church (THE 360) – Defend and communicate the Christian faith with clarity.

Fundamentals of Leadership (CML 210) – Develop character and skills for effective, Christ-centered leadership.

Upon completion of the Gap Year, students are awarded a $12,000 annual scholarship toward their continued education at Lancaster Bible College.

Experiential Learning

Outdoor Adventure

Backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, caving, and camping help you grow in confidence, push your limits, and learn to recognize God’s presence in Creation.

Service

Serving in the local community, partnering with gospel-centered ministries, and welcoming guests on site, helps you learn new skills and grow in hospitality and compassion.

Travel

You'll stretch your comfort zone through trips that deepen your faith in places like Türkiye, explore God’s creation out West, and serve in urban communities like Philadelphia, PA. Traveling, reflecting, and sharing with your peers, you’ll grow in confidence and see more clearly how your life fits into God’s global story.