A primary matter for many students is how to occupy their gap year during the time between college and uni, or even the period after graduation. Although travelling is the obvious choice, there are other options to consider, such as volunteer work, or to plunge yourself into church leadership training for 11 months with the organization DNA (dna-uk.org). This article looks in more detail this particular choice.

DNA provide placements in Christian churches, running from October to August. This is seen as a “year in with God, not a year out.”, involving the participant to live within a Christian environment - either in your own church if you presently belong to one, or a specified church if you are not presently a fellow member of a church. Your typical day will involve helping out with the day-to-day activities of the church, and to be coached by its fellow members in bible studies. The course ensures faith in action, so those who sign up can expect a rather practical experience of living their faith, and not just the theoretical study.

Further plus points of the studies include:-

• assisting 18 year olds upward, with no upper age limit (they’ve trained people in their 60s!)
• your growth in character, skills and understanding
• dependence on the person and power of the Holy Spirit in and through you
• relational, non religious Christianity; it’s fun!

There are 3 sorts of course open : Track 1 is the most popular access point to DNA - it is the richest DNA expereince. The overwhelming bulk of people choose this as the best-fit option for them. Track 2 is more acceptable to you if taking a whole gap year is not practically possible. This could be for issues such as job or family commitments. Track 2 thus offers some flexibility. Track 3 provides people the chance of coming in to be with us for as many particular training sessions or days as they want.