students

Anyone (age 18-26) who wants to grow as a follower of Christ!

As followers of Christ, we are all called to a life of ministry, vocational or otherwise. Whether our students are interested in becoming pastors and missionaries or doctors and lawyers we believe that a strong Biblical foundation is vital to a life of ministry. We welcome young followers of Christ regardless of vocational pursuit or educational background to apply for Kairos Discipleship School.

We firmly believe that learning about God and faith should not be limited to a classroom. This is why you will have exciting opportunities to 1) explore God’s creation on the Superior Hiking Trail and in northern Minnesota, 2) gain ministry experience via interstate and international missions, and 3) apply what you are learning through local outreach and cultural events.

Discipleship happens best when it’s done within the context of shared experiences, which is why nearly everything we do is done in community! We’ll play together, pray together, and share many experiences in an atmosphere of mutual support and care. At Kairos you will experience real, genuine relationships.

Throughout Kairos, you will participate in a small group with other students in the program. This is where your relationships deepen, accountability happens, and you’ll be personally challenged to live out what God is teaching you. You’ll also receive one-on-one mentoring from a Kairos staff member.

Additionally, an essential part of the discipleship process comes through dynamic teachings. On a regular basis, you’ll receive biblical teaching from pastors, university professors, and missionaries who have a passion for Christ. These teachers will not only encourage and challenge you in your relationship with Christ but also in your relationships with those around you. You’ll grow in your understanding of who God is, who you are in Christ, and your role in the expansion of His Kingdom.

Our mission focus can be summed up in three words:

Here: We work with local organizations to have an impact in our community. You will also intern at a local church (in the youth group, children’s ministry, or worship team). Finally, you and your classmates will plan and lead a mission trip in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. This is a great way to put into practice what you’ll have learned throughout the Kairos program.

Near: During our second semester, you will spend a couple weeks traveling throughout the Midwest. This is an opportunity to speak with youth groups and Christian schools, mobilizing youth to be involved in missions. You will also serve in the inner city of Chicago. You may be working with children one day and feeding the hungry the next. Our hope is this trip will open your eyes to the deep spiritual needs right here in our own country.

Far: Kairos will be traveling to Nairobi, Kenya to work alongside D.I.C.E. Ministry Kenya. Your class will work in schools, build friendships, and challenge students in relationships, academic excellence, and their Christian faith as well as minister door to door, in slums, and in the local church. These experiences will help you to grow, bear more fruit, and develop a deeper understanding of the needs of the world.

Each Kairos participant is placed in a host home during the six months of our program. These families provide another level of support while you are away from home. You will also get the opportunity to learn what a different family structure is like. Our alumni have shared many stories about how blessed they were by their host families, how they have stayed in touch after graduation, and how they still get together when they are back in the area.

Kairos is a Greek word meaning “a decisive moment or season of time that will never be repeated.” We believe Kairos is a season you intentionally set aside to focus on learning more about God, how to follow Him well, and developing the strengths He has given you. Kairos is not about obtaining a grade or a degree but about one’s spiritual growth. Spending a gap year at a Discipleship School may not be the traditional choice after high school or college, but we believe it is a detour well worth taking. However, we also believe in the value of higher education and our students can receive up to a year’s worth of college credit and/or scholarships from Oak Hills Christian College upon graduation from Kairos Discipleship School.

We begin accepting applications in the fall for the following class year and take applications until August 15th. After August 15th, acceptance to Kairos is conditional based on host home availability. We recommend applying by spring or early summer as our classroom is limited and that time can be used to raise financial support.

Once these required forms are submitted to Kairos Discipleship School, they will be reviewed by our staff before a student is accepted to the program. If you are accepted, you will receive a prep packet in the mail with all necessary details to prepare you for the program.

If you are the type of person who wants to take their training one step further, Kairos PLUS may be for you. Once you have graduated from the Kairos program in the spring, Kairos PLUS offers the opportunity to serve and lead on a Royal Servants summer mission trip. For 4-6 weeks you will be able to apply what you have learned from Kairos about discipleship, leadership, and ministry as you lead a small group of teenagers on an international mission trip. All students who apply for Kairos PLUS will receive a scholarship up to $1,500 for your Royal Servants trip.