What makes GAP unique?
- Exposure to a diverse team of teachers.
- Engagement in experiential learning: trades, craftsmanship, outdoors, home management, parenting, marriage, budgets, discipleship, evangelism, ministry—church investment and fit, career coaching, basic etiquette, communication (spoken, written, body language, etc.), growing, processing, and harvesting food, farming, hobbies, and much more. Activities vary within each program.
- Immersion into the life and heart of Denton Bible Church
- Support and guidance from Denton Bible Church members and leaders
If my child gets accepted into college, will they be able to delay their acceptance?
Each college or university will have different policies as it pertains to delayed or deferred acceptance. It will be up to the students and parents to determine if their college or university of choice is willing to delay or defer acceptance or admittance. Generally, there are fewer universities that will allow a student to defer acceptance, which means that a GAP Year student will more than likely need to reapply to their college or university of choice DURING completion of the 9-month program.
This resource may be helpful, but not exhaustive: https://gapyearassociation.org/fav-colleges.php
Who is a prime candidate for GAP?
GAP is for a graduating high school senior who is driven, hungry, and exhausted with what the world defines and offers as true success and instead wants to discover God’s Alternative Program for life (i.e. stewardship, faithfulness, and honor lived out in every sphere of their influence). Students who believe in follow-through, can handle schedule pressures, and are eager to learn and be challenged are prime candidates for GAP.
Who teaches GAP?
The primary instructors for the coed classes are: Drew Anderson (Life), Tommy Nelson (Bible), and Charles Stolfus (Worldview). GAP Girls will be taught Biblical Womanhood by Christie Faulkner. The life skills teaching team includes Denton Bible Church staff, marketplace leaders, and ministry and life experts from a variety of fields.
Students should be flexible and willing to learn from a variety of instructors utilizing different instructional methods.
What will GAP use as its curriculum?
We will use the DBC curriculum for the following areas: Bible, Worldview, Apologetics, Church History, & Systematic Theology.
What are the requirements for GAP admission?
Admission requirements include:
- Believing faith in Christ
- 18 years old by 9/1/2022
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Students must be 18 years of age by the start of GAP.
- Involvement in a church family for at least six months (does not have to be Denton Bible).
- Insured, reliable vehicle for everyday transportation. You and/or your parents must be in a position to deal with any mechanical issues promptly so program participation is not hindered.
- Funds to cover personal living and travel expenses of at least $300 per month.
- Medical insurance
- A positive attitude that is willing to learn, be challenged, and submit to authority.
- A commitment to participate in 100% of the GAP activities.
- Mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual hunger to commit to the GAP Girls life-leadership training standards (fitness, reading assignments, and punctuality).
- Refrain from active dating during the program. From time to time a date is allowed once per semester.
- Refrain from the internet and social media for the 1st month of GAP. Refrain from video games throughout the program timeframe (except during vacation breaks).
- Complete the Pre-arrival Checklist requirements prior to start of program.
What does the admissions process look like?
Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received. We value quality over quantity, and as such, at this point in the program’s development, there are a limited number of slots available. Follow the steps below to begin your journey toward acceptance in Denton Bible’s GAP Life-Leadership Program:
- Step 1: Complete the on-line application (allow at least 1 hour to complete). Once you submit the application, you will receive an email with instructions for step 2.
- Step 2: Personal Interview- Allow 2 weeks for GAP staff to schedule a personal interview. Once the interview is completed, the Admissions Team will make a final decision regarding your status (acceptance/denial) into the program and communicate this information to you.
Once you are accepted, you will be asked to sign a Letter of Commitment. Additionally, you will be provided a Pre-arrival Checklist that will need to be completed before your arrival.
How much does the program cost?
The tuition fee for the 9-month program is $3,500.
Additionally, students are required to have access to a minimum of $300 per month. This money can be earned through part-time work (see cautionary answer to FAQ below), or the funds can be provided by parents or supporters. Parents/supporters are encouraged to set up a personal account for the student that they are expected to manage. Some budgetary training will be covered in the context of the program, but funds management is a skill that is highly encouraged.
Students must also have a dependable, insured vehicle as well as health insurance. There may be some small clothing expenses that relate to the various outings, however, the monthly $300 should be enough to cover these expenses.
See also the question on “housing options.”
Are scholarships available?
Currently, there are no scholarships available for the program. Prospective students and parents need to prayerfully consider the financial requirements of GAP. In addition to having an insured, reliable vehicle, students will need to have a minimum of $300 per month to cover miscellaneous living and program expenses. These funds can be earned by the student while working a part-time job that is flexible and willing to accommodate program activities. If at any point working begins to interfere with program participation, students will be expected to cut back on their work schedule to prioritize the program. Tuition is $3,500 per student.
What are student housing options?
GAP offers three options for student housing:
- Gap Host Families
- By application only once there is program acceptance
- Priority will be given to out of state students OR students with burdensome commute times
- Very limited slot availability
- Students would be placed with Host Families based upon need and selection
- Room and board would be covered by the Host Family
- Living at Home
- The parent(s) of the student would agree to be part of the monthly Host Family meetings
- The student would also have a DBC Host Family Sponsor, and they would agree to meet once/week over a meal and once/month over a fun activity together
- Other Rental Housing
- The student would have a Host Family Sponsor, and they would agree to meet once/week over a meal and once/month over a fun activity together
- Room and board would be covered by the student
- Arrangements made by student
Are students able to work in addition to their GAP responsibilities?
Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, work can not interfere with program attendance and requirements. Students may use part-time employment to offset the $300 monthly requirement, however, if the student can not successfully balance work along with the rigorous program requirements, the student will be asked to step away from employment, but the requirement to have access to $300 in monthly funds remains in place. NOTE: Because of the vibrant and heavy GAP schedule, finding part-time work may be a challenge especially during the first months of transition away from home.
Is GAP accredited?
GAP is not accredited and is not intended to replace a college degree. It is an intense educational experience designed to accelerate student life-leadership development. At the conclusion of the year, GAP students will have a certificate of completion, letters of recommendation, godly relationships, depth of character, a holistic life plan, and life philosophies, and confidence in their next life steps.
Can I take college classes while a student in GAP?
Yes, students may take 1 online class per semester.
How will GAP students be involved in and around Denton Bible Church?
The following is a link to the doctrinal statement of Denton Bible. The applicant should have substantial agreement with the doctrines and statements expressed:
https://dentonbible.org/about-us/what-we-believe/
GAP students will be highly involved in the life of Denton Bible. They will experience church life on a very real and practical level as they attend: Sunday services, church-wide gatherings/events, meals with DBC families, and serve in various ministries that give a glimpse into the life of a church. Additionally, GAP students will actively engage in community-oriented ministries. Placement in various service opportunities will be another facet of the program intended to grow students in life experiences. We will seek to understand each GAP student’s spiritual gifting and temperament, and subsequently provide correlating opportunities for them to invest those gifts in a DBC ministry. At other times, students will be challenged to grow and serve outside of their comfort zone.
Will there be retreats and excursions?
Students should expect to have retreats as well as a few other outing opportunities throughout the GAP year. The first will be at the conclusion of Orientation Week. Girls will also go on overnight camping and backpacking trips.
Is there a standard of fitness I need to be in prior to starting GAP?
No, student fitness will be assessed at the beginning of the program.
What is the purpose of GAP fitness, and what should I expect?
Following the assessment, program fitness goals will be set. Preparation may include training in: proper nutrition, self-defense, a half marathon, and backpacking.
I have a pre-existing condition or injury. Will that prevent me from acceptance?
No. An assessment will be made based on your GAP application and interview. Accommodations will be made for pre-existing conditions, health issues, and prior injuries. Instructors will modify fitness goals to help you succeed while in the program as well as help develop behaviors that will translate into a real lifestyle pattern!
Will I be required to workout regularly?
Yes, every GAP student is required to workout together during scheduled fitness days and on their own. Attendance is taken for all GAP scheduled sessions/events including group fitness training days. GAP has a code of conduct that students are expected to uphold. Therefore, passive or non-participation is not an option.
What does a typical GAP week look like?
The primary instructors for the coed classes are: Drew Anderson (Life), Tommy Nelson (Bible), and Charles Stolfus (Worldview). GAP Girls will be taught Biblical Womanhood by Christie Faulkner. Life Skills sessions will be more program-specific and taught separately. Some life skills may be taught together depending on the topic. Physical Fitness training is a key component of the life skills curriculum. Guys and girls will have independent training sessions designed to cultivate a healthier lifestyle.
The life skills teaching team includes Denton Bible Church staff, marketplace leaders, and ministry and life experts from a variety of fields.
Students will have the opportunity for time away from the program to work or pursue course work for a college class.
Below is the ideal week framework (subject to change):
