Are you ready to study theology?
You’ve had those moments, when something suddenly clicks, the light goes on, and you get it. What if that happened with your understanding of God? Wouldn’t it be nice to learn more about God before you make huge life decisions? In LEAP, you’ll learn from seminary professors who have immersed themselves in theological study not just in books, but in life! You’ll learn about missions, world religions, peace and justice, worship, church history and the Bible. Imagine sitting in a classroom with people from cities like New York and Philadelphia, suburban areas similar to Harrisonburg, and rural areas such as Lancaster County? You’ll be challenged as you are learning new things, hearing the perspectives of students you’ve never met, and discovering how your beliefs in God effect your entire life.
Are you ready to explore your call?
If you have ever been encouraged, sensed a callor discovered something you’re good at, something inside you probably woke up! When we answer the call to follow God, we are answering a call to use our God-given gifts and abilities to serve God’s kingdom.
LEAP is about paying attention to the ways God speaks to us through people in church or school or when we’re alone. With LEAP, you can begin an adventure with God to serve the church, whether it’s in pastoral ministry or another church-related role. LEAP will assist in identifying your gifts and interests, provide opportunities to put those gifts into practice and prepare you to take those new skills back to your community. Discovering your gifts and exploring how God may be calling you to use your gifts is an adventure that is just beginning.
Are you ready to experience the world?
Have you ever arrived at a new place at night, woke up the next morning and found that it’s not what you expected? The world is a little like that. When you leave the comforts of your own culture and venture into another, you encounter new customs, unexpected sights and much more. In LEAP, you meet people who faithfully use their God-given gifts. You worship with Christian brothers and sisters and listen to their stories. You encounter people of faith in action and are called to take action. Putting to practice what you’ve learned in the classroom, you become a careful observer, sensitive thinker and curious participant in new cultures. LEAP is about participating in God’s world and seeing it through new eyes.
Are you ready to learn from those with experience?
After your summer LEAP experience how do you integrate what you've learned into every day life? With an adult mentor you will discuss your joys and struggles with faith and life. Our definition of mentoring is: an intentional and mutual relationship in which he mentor and mentee interact addressing the mentee’s personal and spiritual growth, thus enabling the mentee to become who God intends the mentee to be.
Are you ready to serve?
The second summer of LEAP365 is a chance for you to give back. You can give back to your home congregation or one near you by being an pastoral intern for six weeks, or you can give back by participating in a service program specially designed for youth by Mennonite Central Committee and other service organizations.
Learn more about each other steps in the LEAP365 program