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

 
 

Weekly Program

Each week of the School Term, we will meet for Theology and Ministry Training on Thursdays.

Fridays will be our Ministry Skills and Practice day.

Sundays will consist of serving and leading at our 4PM and 6PM Services. There will also be the occasional meeting or training session on Sunday mornings throughout the year.

 
 
 

Boaz, 18, Forster

“GAP gave me the breather that I needed. The chance to figure out what the best next step was for how God has created me.

The program was packed full of content but I still had time to work, surf and rest.

Highliy recommend - no matter what season you’re in!”

(GAP intake 2016)

 
 
 

Meg, 18, Wagga Wagga

GAP was the best year of my life - hands down!

I was totally immersed in the Bible; reading it from cover to cover and learning so much each week.

Having the chance to serve alongside people, be trained, be encouraged, mentored and challenged was invaluable.

CoastEC is such a welcoming and warm church. I will be forever grateful for taking the plunge and moving to Forster!

(GAP intake 2021)

 
 
 

Mitch, 27, Forster

I had to rejig my work to have time to come on board the GAP program - zero regrets!

It was a great year, investing in my faith. Spending time in Scripture, having a crack at preaching, and being pushed as I followed Jesus. I couldn’t recommend it enough.

I feel privileged that so many people invested in me throughout the yeas as I experienced so many new things - even types of food!

Do it!”

(GAP intake 2023)

 

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.