Why we started this program
In Portland, and across the world, the pressures coming against young people are relentless. The massive uptick in anxiety and depression, the loneliness epidemic, suicide rates, bullying; the list goes on and on. The way of Jesus has never been more needed, and it directly comes against these challenges and gives way to healing, hope and purpose.
We believe in the next generation. In fact, one of our core YWAM values is to champion young people. This is a program built by, and built for young people. We started this program to pour ourselves into the ways of Jesus through lifestyle discipleship and live-in community. It’s our belief that bringing committed people around these two aspects of our lives, focused on Jesus, might just produce the beautifully messy environment in which we can taste the abundant life He promises.
When a community like this comes together, in radical and surrendered unity, we’ve seen time and time again that the Lord releases identity and good works into and through young people. It is a hope that through the Apprenticeship program, we release impactful Kingdom initiatives through healthy and whole young leaders.
This part-time program welcomes you into a live-in community with like-minded friends, to dive into these things while living on mission in Portland. We believe in work, and so this program is set up to compliment your work or vocation schedule.
The 4 Pillars of the Apprenticeship Program
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Discipleship
Encounter Jesus. Experience freedom. Study the scriptures. Receive accountability. For us, discipleship is best done in community.
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Community
Be known. Know others deeply. Learn to foster growth and trust. A safe space to heal, grow, learn and practice.
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Vocation
Understand your identity. Learn how God has created you. Discover your calling. Pursue your dream(s). All of this was always meant to be done in community.
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Mission
In Portland, mission is on our doorstep. Receive teaching, process with your community. Serve your neighbors. Witness to the city of Portland through words and action.
Apprenticeship Program
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To equip, release and sustain young people in their calling in the city of Portland.
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To see the next generation transformed by God and launched into missional life and their calling.
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The purpose of the apprenticeship is to draw you into leadership of missional living communities and other apostolic expressions of Jesus and his Kingdom, by drawing you deeper into God’s restoring work in Portland and beyond.
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We'll always leave room for the Lord to speak & move us as it relates to our rhythms. Being interruptible by Him is key for us.
Weekly: worship & prayer, 1:1 discipleship, bible study, ministry night, community dinner, teaching input & processing, and sabbath.
Monthly: extended discipleship learning sessions, local outreach.
Quarterly: overnight retreats.
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Our community centric goal is to invite you to see yourself, your gifts and talents within a network of communities that want to find wholistic, creative solutions for the needs of Portland and beyond.
FAQs
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This program is designed to serve and equip: young hungry leaders, DTS graduates, short-term (or long-term) missionaries coming home, field workers transitioning into the workplace, and those seeking to establish a missional living community in their neighborhood.
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This is a 10-month program that runs February - early December. Our next program starts February 1st, 2025.
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Aside from 1:1 discipleship, practicing the sabbath, and working Monday through Thursday, a typical week consists of:
Monday: morning worship and prayer
Tuesday: evening house meeting
Wednesday: morning bible study
Thursday: evening community meal
Friday: morning teaching input & processing; afternoon local outreach
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Financially, this program costs $1000/mo for rent, utilities, and program expenses.
However, there are additional "costs" to this apprenticeship program. Saying yes also means saying no to: an abundance of free time, a flexible work schedule, some personal preferences, the freedom to hide or isolate, and the ability to avoid conflict and/or accountability.
Ultimately, we believe the benefits outweigh the costs - especially as we seek to follow the ways of Jesus, who promises an easy yoke and a light burden (Matt. 11:30).
