Transformative Faith Journeys: How the IMPACT Christian Gap Year Shapes Lives Through Theological Study

Gap years can come in all different shapes and sizes. Travel, work, time out but isn’t part of the point a break from study? Not if you want a year that is not just a break but a year that draws together your experience, thinking, and faith to lay a foundation for life ahead. IMPACT students are discovering that theological study makes a real practical difference to their lives. IMPACT is a Christian Gap year for students that aims to help shape their ongoing development as a follower of Jesus so that they will be spurred on in faith and ministry. It is a one year program run by BYM (Baptist Youth Ministries, NSW & ACT), in partnership with Morling College. It includes an option to study either the Australian College of Theology's Undergraduate Certificate of Theology or Diploma of Christian Studies at Morling College.

Rachel Stuhr who is the IMPACT Coordinator sees the difference theological study has in the life of the students as it undergirds their experiences during the year. It’s a year which is rich with opportunities to grow in understanding God’s world and your place in it. This includes giving students a chance to embrace both global and local mission as they undertake  an overseas mission trip with Baptist Mission Australia and visit Baptistcare, Hopestreet, Power to Change, and hearing from Jews for Jesus. It’s a year of experiencing life together as brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s a year of growth, challenge and study. 

Over the year the students complete 4 subjects ranging from: Introduction to the New Testament to Christian Worldview. A highlight for Rachel has been seeing the impact New Testament 1 has had on Students' understanding of the Bible. She says understanding the layout of the New Testament, how it was written and key cultural contexts enables students to have confidence in reading the Bible for themselves and knowing where to go when they have questions. Theological study provides students with the skills to examine their own beliefs and be sure of the foundation on which they stand.

Rachel notes that the Christian Worldview subject is “deeply practical and deeply relevant” as it ties in with the experiences students have during the year. This year's group visited Cambodia where they interacted with members of the Buddhist faith. She says the  “subject laid a foundation for students to be open and curious” helping them engage with empathy those they encountered.

What would the students themselves say to those who are considering a gap year but are uncertain about study?

Their message is clear: “Go for it.”

They have seen the impact study has had on their own spiritual growth. Sam says “It has increased my spiritual growth through a lot of different avenues; different forms of worship, different forms of spiritual gifts and it's also improved my methodology with evangelism.” For Caity she has seen the impact in her prayer life saying “I now have a healthier prayer life.” Lydia has found “I’ve gotten to know the Bible a lot more and a lot of the context behind it and so I can apply it to situations better.” Three students with three different outcomes. This is part of the success of a program meeting students where they are at with theological education that makes a practical difference. And key to this is the gap year students themselves. When it comes to study, Jess says, “We all help each other and support each other. We all band together.”

Know someone looking for a Gap year? Find out more here