Here on the coast, surfers won’t always take the first wave that comes. They wait, take a breath and watch for the better wave.
That’s what our GAP Year is all about. It allows you to take a breath and prepare yourself for the next season - whatever that might be. We figure that you're going to be in a local church somewhere on the planet for the next 60-80 years (God willing!), no matter what career/life stage you are in. So, we want to help you to be as effective as possible utilising the gifts that God has blessed you with.
The CoastEC Gospel Apprenticeship Program (G.A.P.) is a year-long discipleship course overseen by the church’s Maturity Pastor. Every participant of the program will work on the staff team of CoastEC for 2.5-days a week in a volunteer capacity. Each program is completely tailored to the individual. They have a Primary Focus Stream (PFS) that looks to train them to be more effective in their chosen area.
Which means, if you love kid's ministry then that can be your focus. If you can't stand kids (for some reason!) then there is no need to do kid's ministry. If you love singing/musical instruments, then that can be your PFS. If you want to give preaching or upfront stuff a crack, we'll provide the training and the platform. If you couldn't think of anything worse - no worries, no need to do it.
We just want to help you be better at being you - God created you the way you are for a reason - He gave you gifts, abilities and a specific personality, all for His glory - let us help you grow well into the things He has blessed you with.
So, whether you are working, just retired, about to leave school, doing TAFE/Uni, or you’re just in a season where you reckon it would be good to fertilise your faith - then come and see why we reckon this is a sweet investment regardless of what your future may hold. Ensure that you're ready to face the next wave with confidence.
These programs often take a fair amount of money to run. This one is no exception. However, the very kind and generous people who call CoastEC home are incredibly enthusiastic about the results that the GAP Year brings - so they contribute significantly to the program. The end result is that you pay zero dollars! Yep, zero. All your conferences, training, camps and textbooks are all covered. How good is that!
About the program
Throughout the year, no matter your PFS, we will provide training and opportunities in the following:
Conferences & Camps
KYCK - Conference in the Blue Mountains
CoastEC Holiday Away - our whole church weekend away up at Scott’s Head
FIEC Annual Conference - at Stanwell Tops - our Network/Denomination's conference (depending on program & participant)
REACH Australia Conference (depending on program & participant)
Mid Coast Youth Conference (MCYC)
Equip Women's Conference - Livestream (chicks only!)
Women’s Weekend Away (chicks only!)
Men’s Weekend Away (guys only!)
Ministry Training & Opportunities
How to write a Bible talk (to adults, to youth, to kids)
How to run a Discussion Group
Running Games
121 Bible Reading Training
Writing and sharing your testimony
Teaching Primary Scripture
CoastEC Women's/Men's Events
Bible Stuff
Reading the WHOLE Bible from cover to cover chronologically!
Foundational Theology - Textbooks (x2) & lessons (Term 1)
Biblical Theology - Textbook & lessons + Marked Presentation (Term 1)
Systematic Theology - Textbook & lessons + Marked Presentation (Term 2)
Christian Ethics - Textbook & lessons + Marked Presentation (Term 3)
Apologetics - Textbook & lessons + Marked Presentation (Term 4)
Gospel Fluency program
Saturate program
GAP Roadtrip - joining with other MidCoast GAP programs for a 3-day experiential Bible intensive.
Fortnightly 121 Mentoring from one of our mature believers
Weekly attendance in a CoastEC Coast Group (Bible Study)
Required Reading throughout the year
CoastEC's Seminars/Night Lectures
CoastEC's On-Board Course
Apply for GAP
ALL applications need to be submitted by 1st December 2024 for our January 2025 intake.
Any questions, contact Dev Blair, dev@coastec.net.au or 0433 703 337.