Endorsements

"A gap year is a vital step in the discipleship journey of our young people. But that step needs to lead to the next step after the year is done.
The a-GAPe Challenge has been designed to help young people stay connected to their local church, local schools and serve in a local mission which will help them not only make the first step of following Jesus after school, but also equip them to keep serving Jesus after the gap year. As Rector in the West who is committed to both young people and our local community, I commend this program to you."

Rev. James Delanty (Rector, St Alban’s Anglican Church, Leura)

“If a-GAPe Challenge had been available when I graduated, I would have eagerly joined. My experience in LDG (Leadership Discipling Group) with Ken equipped me with applicable skills for both youth ministry and everyday Christian life, and I’m confident the a-GAPe challenge coursework would have further enhanced these skills. I highly encourage school leavers to consider this opportunity!”

Ms. Ellie Barter (BA Applied Science Student at Uni of Sydney - graduated HSC in 2021)

"The thing I love about a-GAPe Challenge is the way it's designed to help school leavers to mature as disciples of Jesus as they step into adulthood. It grows them in their knowledge and love of God as they serve in ministry, keeps them grounded in their local church, has them discipled by a mentor - all while connecting with a wider cohort of like-minded people in the same life-stage. This has the potential to be a great blessing to the churches and young people of western Sydney."

 Rev. Rick Hall (Senior Minister, Richmond Anglican Church)

"As a smaller church near the edge of the diocese, it's exciting that a program is being shaped that emphasises great training, while helping young people continue to make an impact in their home church."

Murray Colville, Rector, St Hilda's Anglican Katoomba

“Offering affordable and localized opportunities for young people in Western Sydney is long overdue. This training, in partnership with schools like ours, is a valuable addition to our mission of empowering young people to confidently share the gospel with a new generation. I believe this initiative will inspire Christian youth to deeply engage in listening, learning, and leading small group ministries. My prayer is that this will be the start of great things for local western region churches and Christian schools committed to investing in their youth, providing a structured approach to Bible study and practical ministry service.”     

Phil McMurray,Director of Mission and Ministry, Penrith Anglican College