Frequently Asked Questions - College-age
On Royal Servants, if you are 19 or older, and can apply to be a staff discipler. Another term would be small group leader. The reality is that staff disciplers do more than lead a group. They disciple those in their group, providing spiritual training. At Royal Servants we take discipleship seriously and place a high priority on the spiritual growth of each person. On a Royal Servants mission trip, staff disciplers are the keystone to successful discipleship.
In Jr. or Sr. High, did you have someone older who had a positive impact on your life? Aren't you thankful for their influence? Or if didn't have someone in your life, isn't it something you wanted? Unfortunately, most people walk out of high school and never look back. And when they go out to serve, they often do so with their college peers. This is good, but where are the men and women willing to invest into the lives of those who are younger and still learning? We are looking for those who are willing invest into the lives of those younger than them.
As a staff discipler you will lead your small group in Bible studies, help them learn how to memorize Scripture, and walk alongside them as they grow in Christ. On some teams, you and your d-group will rotate through a schedule of fixing meals for the team or doing meal clean-up. We try to limit each d-group to a ration of 1 staff to 3 or 4 students. That number allows you to really focus on relationships. Being a staff discipler is about care; it's a role where you will be called to care for those in your group spiritually, emotionally and physically.
We choose the term discipleship group leader because the role is more than just someone who watches over and advises students. The role is to intentionally disciple--and spiritually impact--each student. This is a proactive role, where modeling Christ is ongoing as students look at your life; where a caring heart is necessary if you are going to enter into the lives of your students; where servant hood is a daily occurrence, as you lay down your life to lift up, care for, and encourage your students-just as Jesus did.
Yes, you will most likely be able to receive some college credit for your role as staff discipler.
Some colleges and universities may grant credits for your course work and training from a program such as ours if you provide the proper documentation. The field of study that a student chooses to go into can also determine whether credits will be given. The student is responsible for contacting their school and/or academic advisor regarding receiving academic credit. The Kairos Discipleship School will provide the student with the proper academic documentation that may be required.
The experience as a staff discipler often qualifies as a youth ministry internship, satisfies community service hours, fulfills school mission credits and other school requirements. Talk to your professors, or give us a call at (763) 535-9555 X720, and we'll help you decide the best way to pursue your credits.
There is no extra cost to come as a staff discipler. The price for each trip is that same as it is for students. We believe the role of staff discipler is so important that we cover the additional expenses of preparing each you at staff training. The only difference is that the staff disciplers are allowed additional spending money, reflecting the extra time spent away from home.
The time commitment for a staff discipler is one week longer than for regular students. To be a discipler you must attend the staff discipler training, which is held at the Training Camp in central Illinois. Just meet us in Chicago, and from there we'll get you to Training Camp and start the process of training you to be an effective leader.
A question we often hear is, "Am I qualified to be a staff discipler?" Many college students don't believe they are. They might not have worked with students before, feel they lack the maturity or skills and are intimidated by the thought of being "in charge" of a group of young men and women.
Don't worry-we'll equip you!
If you want to be a staff discipler on Royal Servants, you come a week earlier than the students for spiritual and practical training. This is a relaxed-yet focused-time of getting ready. During training your preparation will come through teaching in a large group (with d-group leaders from other teams), as well within the more intimate context of your team. You'll learn about small group dynamics, Godly discipline, conflict resolution, how to lead a group discussion, and more.
There will also be time for you to decompress from the hectic schedule most you keep before arriving. You will be given time to worship, pray, study God's Word, and to get refreshed. That's because we want to make sure that you are in a healthy place, spiritually, to take on the role of a discipler.
When the students finally step on the field at Training Camp, you'll not only be excited, but will also be prepared for your critical role in the life of each student!
What's in it for you? We believe that's a fair question. True, you won't get the same "deep and meaningful" discussions that you would if went on a mission trip with a group of your peers, but your group will be lively and challenging! And true, you probably won't be able to focus on the Lord in ways you want, or believe you need, but we guarantee that the Lord will stretch, grow, encourage, and build you in amazing ways that you otherwise never would have experienced.
We believe that a life well-spent in the Kingdom is one that's given away. "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ" Gal. 6:2.
Yes. And you can serve as a staff discipler as you participate on the team. You will be assigned three to five junior and senior high guys or girls (gender specific) whom you will work with for the entire length of the project. Staff disciplers come to Training Camp one week prior to the students' arrival, where they will be trained in discipling and small group leading.
