Who We Are.
Lifehouse School of Discipleship
is an immersive 14 week gap-year program operated by Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited. Here, you will thrive in an authentic community, mentored by leaders whose example you can follow as they follow Jesus.
Lifehouse is a place to ask your tough questions about the Bible and what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. And it gives you space to practice what you’re learning in an atmosphere of acceptance, adventure, prayer and wonder. Your time at Lifehouse will launch you into the adult world with confidence, competence and a faith that lasts.
Lifeteams School of Youth Outreach
is 8-months of training for young leaders who want to explore stepping into the world of marginalized and vulnerable youth with the life-changing love of Jesus. Designed for young leaders in ministry, Lifeteams provides students with hands-on experience and college-level training in a soul-shaping environment. Check out the Lifeteams site for more info and application.
Rourke
Lifehouse was the greatest, most life-changing experience of my life. I want to follow Jesus now, grow in my relationship with him and serve God rather than focus on being rich. The leaders showed us how to live. I want to be a saint like the people I have got to know here.
Jon
I feel calmer and I have grown in wisdom. I accomplished my goal of knowing God better and reading the Bible and praying better. I enjoyed the variety of experiences and how all the leaders were willing to teach and help us, but also step back and let us do it.
What You Will Do.
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Live in a good space. The 14-week session of Lifehouse takes place at Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre in the Cultus Lake area near Chilliwack, BC. It’s a beautiful spot, surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains, with less distractions than city life.
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Be part of a community. Work, laugh and pray together, be authentic, tell your story, receive encouragement and challenge, invest in one another.
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Get a tutorial on life. Learn to make meals, bake bread, change the oil in a car, manage a credit card, build a campfire, and much more that people expect you to know but don’t show you how.
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Learn about the faith walk. People who have walked with Jesus over time will come and lead discussions about God, spiritual practices, the Bible, leadership, helping others and taking care of the things God has entrusted to you.
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Meet people to look up to. We want to put you alongside the kind of people whose example is worth following and who will walk with you toward being the person you want to be.
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Have hands-on experiences. Put into practice what you are learning as you make a difference in the world around you.
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Be welcomed and appreciated. We will love and accept you just as you are, and also love you too much to leave you there. Expect change!
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Go on adventures. BC is a playground: hiking, canoeing, exploring the city, finding out-of-the-way places - all with a great new set of friends.
Who Should Apply?
Lifehouse is looking for students between the ages of 17 and 21 who have:
An openness to Jesus
An explorer’s heart
A desire to make a difference
A craving for community
Dates and Cost
Lifehouse currently offers one fall program per year. Students arrive on Sunday, September 11th for the fall term and conclude on Saturday, December 17th, 2022. Students can then decide whether to do a second term in the fall of 2023.
The cost is $3500 per 14 week session, which covers accommodation, meals, classes and activities. Students will want to have an additional small amount for personal needs. Lifehouse staff fundraise to cover their own salaries, which keeps program costs down. Your fees simply pay for your expenses.
What if I can’t afford it?
Program fees can be fundraised through a personal network of people who choose to stand with you. The person who has referred you to this program can help with that! Donations are tax-deductible with charitable donation receipts issued at the end of the year. Students who are engaging in fundraising are also eligible to apply for a needs-based bursary, to help you with tuition after a fundraising plan is in place and in motion. Talk to us about the possibilities. If Lifehouse is a fit for you, we will do what we can to help make it affordable!
Where Will This Happen?
Lifehouse takes place in the beautiful Columbia Valley near Chilliwack in the Lower Mainland of BC. This is an area of lakes, mountains and forest, with endless opportunities for adventure.
You will live together in a house on the property of Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, which has multiple opportunities for community, life skills, spiritual formation, service and recreation.
FAQ's
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Why does Youth Unlimited have a program like Lifehouse?Some who graduate from high school after being connected to our youth programs find themselves wondering about their next steps in faith and life. Lifehouse provides “discipleship”, which is walking in community with others who are following Jesus. This supportive three-month community will help you on your way.
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What does a typical week at Lifehouse look like?Though there is nothing typical about an adventure like Lifehouse, any given week includes discussions with experienced teachers on what it means to follow Jesus in every area of life, opportunities to put what you are learning to work, and adventures around the in the local area. Weekends are a mix of time to breathe, household tasks and church involvement.
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Where do the students live?Students live together with their leaders in a house at a summer camp. It is an amazing setting away from the rush of life, but even better, it will be a safe, comfortable environment for students to thrive together.
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What about COVID-19?We are hopeful that we will see continuing improvement in the COVID situation, but we will adjust the program and living situation to comply with health authority recommendations as needed.
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Who leads the Lifehouse program?We have selected leaders who can say, “Come and follow my example as I follow the example of Jesus.” The Directors of Lifehouse (Just and Carleen Hogan) plus an assistant will live at Lifehouse with you.
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What will I gain by completing the Lifehouse program?Though Lifehouse is not a college-accredited program, there is much to be gained: long-term friendships, a solid faith foundation, helpful life skills, amazing experiences that can build your resume, character development, confidence and direction for the future.
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Do students have breaks during the program?Students are welcome to return home or make other plans during most long weekends. Otherwise students should plan to make Lifehouse their home for the three plus months and enjoy breaks together. Arrangements can be made for special occasions.
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Can I keep in contact with my world back home?Certainly. Internet is provided at Lifehouse and there is cell phone reception. Students will be encouraged to keep family and friends up to date by use of a blog or other online journal.
Ready to Go?
Lifehouse Student Application
