DISCERN

September 24-27, 2026 Peachtree City, GA

A 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 at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW in Peachtree City, GA. 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.

DISCERN Participant Requirements

    An ideal participant for DISCERN is...


    • 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

DISCERN Nominations

FTE invites nominations for young adults ages 18-30 to attend 2026 DISCERN. Nominators are encouraged to consider the following criteria.

We are seeking nominees who:

    • Inspire others to action
    • Are thoughtful, curious, and open to learning
    • Are asking big questions about their meaning and purpose
    • Are discerning how they can make a difference in the world through Christian communities
    • Has potential for leadership in a church, college ministry, or community organization, or has an interest in leadership guided by their faith and service

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
Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW in Peachtree City, GA

WHAT
DISCERN is a gathering of 18-30-year-olds interested in exploring their passion and call to ministry

SCHEDULE

DAY ONE
3p Registration
5p Welcome and Opening Worship
7p Dinner with Small Group

DAY TWO
9a Morning Worship
10a Plenary with Resident Theologian
12p Lunch
2p Exploration Labs
5p Small Groups
6:30p Dinner

DAY THREE
9a Morning Prayer
10a Discernment Cafe
12p Lunch and Seminary Fair
3p Exploration Labs
5p Small Groups
6p Dinner
7:30p Celebration

DAY FOUR
9a Small Groups
10a Closing Plenary
11a Blessing and Sending Forth

Schedule is subject to change

“ This is an amazing experience. FTE makes sure to think of everything and keep you safe and comfortable. Such an amazing experience for me! ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Kelsey W.
“ Honestly, expect to be shaken to the core. To be uplifted in a positive way through the love of God and the power of young people trying to make a change. ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Brenda H.
“ You will leave with a sense of fullness that is hard to explain. There is a hope present during the retreat that I have never experienced before. ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Lauren M.
“ If you attend this retreat, be ready to be open and willing to engage in unexpected, yet holy and sacred moments, that may lead you to consider new possibilities. God cannot be put in a box, and neither can you! ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Maddy M.
“ Expect to be deeply moved by other perspectives. Expect to be inspired by the several ways God has used faith leaders to be a part of the healing of our world. Expect to meet young adults who want to be change-makers too. Expect to be given guidance and support in your vocation. Expect to leave with much to think about, because discernment doesn't stop at DISCERN. Expect all these things, and you will not be disappointed. ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Jackie C.
“ It’s eye-opening in so many ways. You won’t regret it. You’ll come home feeling empowered to go on and do the work God is calling you to do. ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Dejah L.
“ Expect to be challenged and pushed out of your comfort zone, but not necessarily in the ways you expected. For me, the most valuable part was meeting people with Christian backgrounds very different from mine. ” 2024 DISCERN Participant, Lukas B.
Frequently Asked Questions

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.

DISCERN will take place at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW in Peachtree City, Georgia.

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.