The Go Year Podcast

What is the GO Year of Discipleship? How did it begin, and why might taking a gap year be one of the most impactful decisions you make?

Welcome to the very first episode of the GO Year of Discipleship Podcast! In this episode, host Andrew Newberry, Director of the GO Year, sits down with Evan Liewer, Senior Director of Programs at Forest Home, to share the story behind the GO Year, the vision that brought it to life, and the heart behind creating a year dedicated to following Jesus.

Every program has a story, and the GO Year is no exception. Andrew and Evan take listeners behind the scenes to explore how the idea began, why Forest Home saw a need for this kind of experience, and the desire to help young adults build a strong foundation of faith before stepping into their next season of life.

But this conversation goes beyond the program's history. Together, they explore a bigger question: Why take a gap year?

In a world that often encourages students to move straight from high school into college or a career, taking a different path can feel unfamiliar. But what if a year dedicated to Jesus isn't a pause in life, but preparation for it?

The GO Year of Discipleship is a 12-month, immersive experience designed to help young adults become deeply rooted in their faith and confident in their calling. Through biblical education, vocational training, hands-on experience, intentional community, and real-world challenges, students are equipped to grow into the men and women God created them to be.

This isn't just about learning more about the Bible or taking time to figure out what's next. It's about putting faith into practice. It's about asking real questions, growing alongside a Christ-centered community, serving others, discovering your gifts, and learning to follow Jesus in every area of life.

Andrew and Evan discuss why investing in spiritual growth in young adulthood matters and how an intentional year of discipleship can shape students' approach to college, careers, relationships, ministry, and their future. They share the heart behind creating a space where students can explore their faith, develop their character, and learn what it means to live out their calling with purpose.

Whether you're a high school student wondering what comes next, a parent helping your student navigate the future, or someone passionate about discipleship and the next generation, this episode will give you a closer look at why the GO Year exists and the vision behind it.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The story behind how the GO Year of Discipleship came to be.
• The vision and heart behind Forest Home's investment in young adult discipleship.
• Why a gap year can be a season of intentional growth and preparation.
• How biblical education, vocational training, and hands-on experience work together to shape your future.
• Why faith is meant to be lived out, not just learned about.
• How a year of discipleship can help you grow in your relationship with Jesus and become more confident in your calling.

Your future doesn't have to be figured out today. But you can take intentional steps toward becoming who God created you to be.

This is not a pause in life. It's preparation for it.

Ready to learn more about the GO Year of Discipleship? Visit thegoyear.com to discover what a year of growing in faith, building community, serving others, and following Jesus could look like for you.

Welcome to the GO Year of Discipleship Podcast!