Discipleship Gap Year 2027

Through Discipleship at HOD, we offer young people aged 18 to 30 the opportunity to come and be discipled to Jesus.

A Gap Year with God

A year — or a few months — that could change the way you see your life.

What if, instead of rushing straight into the next thing, you took time to step away from the usual expectations and discover what really matters?

At the House of the Open Door, you can spend 3, 6 or 12 months living in Christian community — sharing prayer, work and everyday life, serving others and making space for God.

The world often measures success by qualifications, career plans and how quickly we move forward. But taking time to grow in faith, discover your gifts and listen for God’s call is not wasted time. It can be one of the most valuable things you do for your future.

Come for a great adventure. Give your time to the Lord. Discover what He might have in store for you!

What will you experience?

Life at the House of the Open Door is about much more than taking time out. It’s an opportunity to grow, serve, learn and discover faith in the ordinary things of life.

  • Prayer and worship — share in the rhythm of prayer, praise and worship, and deepen your relationship with God.
  • Christian community — live alongside others, share meals, work together and discover the joys and challenges of life in community.
  • Practical work — get involved in the gardens, care for the land, help with everyday tasks and contribute to our life together.
  • Hospitality and service — help welcome guests and support the retreats and activities that take here.
  • Mission and outreach — take part in serving others and sharing the Christian faith beyond the community.
  • Discipleship and discernment — explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life, recognise your gifts and consider where God may be leading you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you come. A willingness to take part, learn, serve and be open to God is a good place to start.

Be part of something bigger

During your time with us, you’ll also have opportunities to take part in some of the special events and activities that shape life at the House of the Open Door (depending when you can come).

  • Week of Mission — May 2027: join in a week focused on mission, service and sharing the Christian faith.
  • Harvest Weeks Family Retreat — August 2027: help welcome families and support this special time of retreat and community.
  • Kairos Café — one Saturday each month throughout the year: help with our café, which makes use of surplus supermarket food and our home grown produce, to offer hospitality and serve the wider community.

These are opportunities to put faith into practice, work alongside others and experience the difference that a community can make.

Choose your adventure!

 Whether you can give a few months or a whole year in 2027, there is space to make this experience your own…

3 months

Three months — a fresh perspective!

Take a step away from your usual routine, experience Christian community and give yourself time to grow in faith and discover something new.

6 months

Six months — time to grow!

Settle into community life, develop new skills, take on responsibilities and allow your experience of prayer, service and discipleship to deepen.

12 months

Twelve months — a year with God!

Give yourself a whole year to become part of the community, grow through the seasons, discover your gifts and explore how you want to live and serve in the future.

Only have a month? Join us in August!

Gateway into Harvest is a special one-month programme for young people who would love to experience life at the House of the Open Door but can’t commit to a longer stay.

  • The first two weeks: experience Christian community, prayer, practical work and time to explore your faith — a gentle introduction to life at the House, with space to grow, learn and enjoy the experience.
  • The last two weeks: join in with our Harvest Weeks Family Retreat, helping to welcome families and support the life of the retreat.

It’s a chance to step away from everyday routines, meet new people, give time to God and discover the joy of serving others — all in one memorable month.

We will publish more about Gateway into Harvest soon.

Is it worth taking the time?                                    

 We think so — wholeheartedly.

You may come with questions about your future, a desire to grow in faith, or simply a sense that you need time to pause and listen. You may not know exactly what you’re looking for.

You don’t have to arrive with a plan for the rest of your life. This is a chance to make room for God, to learn through prayer and practical service, and to discover the gifts you can offer others.

The experience may not look like success by the world’s usual measures. But the things you can gain — faith, confidence, friendships, practical skills, resilience and a clearer sense of direction — can stay with you long after you leave.

Some things are too valuable to measure on a CV. Time given to God is never simply time lost. It can shape the person you become and the life you go on to build. 

Could this be for you?

 Our gap year discipleship programme is for people who want to explore Christian faith through the shared experience of community life, prayer, work and service.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a willingness to come, take part and see what God might do.

Three months, six months or a whole year — an adventure in faith, community and discovering what’s next.

If you’d like to find out more, get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you.  Please contact us for more details and an application form, by emailing discipleship@houseoftheopendoor.org.