The Making of the Next Generation: Whole-Person Christlike Formation in Christian Gap Year Programs

This mixed-methods multiple case study explores how three U.S.-based Christian gap year programs cultivate holistic discipleship through Christian formation practices and strategies and how they express developmental objectives and outcomes. Drawing on Keith Krispin's Developmental Objectives and a holistic understanding of imago Dei, mapped onto Diane Chandler's seven Christian spiritual formation domains, this study identifies common practices (e.g., mentoring, field trips) and strategies (e.g., experiential learning), and evaluates developmental objectives (e.g., grounds decisions and actions in biblical principles) and outcomes (e.g., resource stewardship). Findings reveal prioritizing spiritual and relational development, with a decreased emphasis on physical health and wellness. This research fills a gap in Christian education by offering a foundational framework for designing and evaluating Christian gap year programs, with implications for enhancing holistic discipleship among young adults in the local church.