DISCERN
September 24-27, 2026 To Be AnnouncedA gathering of 18-30-year-olds interested in exploring their passion and call to ministry
APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 1
Discover who God is calling you to be
Join us for a four-day Discernment Retreat. Experience a supportive network of like-minded individuals on a transformative journey to explore purpose and call. Together, we will encounter the power of community, unleash the collective strength of emerging leaders, connect with a diverse group of peers, and engage in meaningful discussions that foster personal growth and clarity.
Apply to join us if you're...
- A young adult with potential for leadership in a Christian community.
- Interested in making a difference in the world through the church.
- Thoughtful, curious, and asking big questions about meaning and purpose.
- Guided by faith and service.
Prerequisite Criteria for DISCERN
- 18-30 years of age
- Lives in the United States or Canada
- Thoughtful, curious and open to learning
- Willing to step outside your comfort zones
- Not enrolled in or graduated from seminary
- Asking big questions about their meaning and purpose
- Has not previously attended an in-person FTE discernment retreat
- Open to exploring the intersection of ministry and social justice
- Interested in leadership, making a difference, and guided by their faith and service
- Has potential for leadership in a church, college ministry, or community organization
COST
$0
The value of this event is $2,000 and includes travel, lodging, meals, leadership and materials. If you're selected to participate in this event, FTE will cover all costs.
DETAILS
WHEN
September 24-27, 2026
WHERE
To be announced
WHAT
DISCERN is a gathering of 18-30-year-olds interested in exploring their passion and call to ministry
SCHEDULE
DAY ONE
3p Registration
6p Opening Dinner & Worship
8:30p Small Group
DAY TWO
9a Morning Prayer
10a Learning Journey I
1p Lunch
3p Small Group
6p Evening Program
DAY THREE
9a Morning Prayer
10a Learning Journey II
1p Lunch
3p Small Group
6p Evening Program
9p Celebration
DAY FOUR
9a Closing Plenary
10a Small Group
11a Closing Worship
Schedule is subject to change
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“ DISCERN has been so validating. There's such a strong group of people here who are going through the same thing, yet none of us are coming from the same place. We are making space for one another and holding each other's stories and that's a really rare thing to be able to be so honest and candid while being held in that. ” Mitch Leet, 2023 DISCERN Participant
All participants must apply (or be nominated) and be selected to participate.
The value of DISCERN is $2,000 per person. If you are selected to participate, FTE will cover all costs, which include transportation to and from the Atlanta airport and to the event venue, lodging, meals, leadership, and materials for the retreat.
No, we want your full participation in the whole experience, so you must be able to commit for the whole time.
To be announced.
No, this experience is for those who have not yet enrolled in seminary.
All participants must apply and be accepted in order to attend.
Please contact Community Engagement Manager, Heather B.P. Wallace.