The first year of the three-year program at Kodesh serves as a vital foundation. It sets the tone, shapes your worldview, builds spiritual habits and prepares you for the more intense mission training ahead. If you are considering enrolling, here is what you can expect in this first year and why it matters.
Year One Focus: Foundations and Formation
In the first year you will primarily focus on establishing strong roots. Coursework will likely include: biblical studies (Old and New Testament overview), theology of mission, spiritual disciplines, Christian character, Christian history and evangelism basics. Alongside classroom instruction you will engage in discipleship groups, mentoring, and perhaps local outreach. The objective is to ground you in the Word and in the way of Jesus.
Spiritual Habits That Last
Missionary life is marked not just by travel or outreach but by daily reliance on God, strong character and consistency. In year one you learn to:
- Develop a habit of prayer, worship and scripture engagement
- Understand mission as lifestyle, not just an event
- Cultivate humility, service mindset and cultural curiosity
- Learn to follow leadership and learn from peers
Community Life and Training Culture
Being surrounded by others on the same path helps you grow. Expect to be part of a learning community: classroom peers, mentors, mission-coordinators, chaplains. You’ll ask questions, test assumptions and learn by doing. Community living or group projects may be part of the rhythm—you will learn to live and serve alongside others, not just study by yourself.
Local Outreach and Practical Ministry
Before you go overseas or engage in full cross-cultural mission, year one often includes local outreach. You might serve in your city or region, engage in urban evangelism, partner with churches, or take part in short-term mission trips. These experiences allow you to test your calling, learn ministry practice, refine gifts and understand the realities of service in varied contexts.
The Transition to Years Two & Three
Year one’s foundation ensures you are spiritually and emotionally ready for what comes next. In year two you’ll shift more into cross-cultural mission training, leadership roles and global awareness. In year three you’ll serve practically, be deployed and live out what you’ve learned. Without a strong first year you risk being underprepared. The structure of two semesters each year means you’ll have rhythm, evaluation, reflection and growth—so take this year seriously. It’s not a “warm-up”; it’s part of the journey.
Why This Matters for Your Decision
If you are wondering whether to commit to a three-year program, here are things to keep in mind:
- Time to grow: Many mission training programs are one year; Kodesh’s three-year structure gives extra time for spirit, character and practice to develop.
- Solid foundation: Irresistible enthusiasm is good, but a shaky foundation leads to burnout. Year one helps you build a resilient base.
- Community accountability: Mission work is hard, and you are not in it alone. In year one you learn to lean into community.
- Missional mindset: The first year helps shift your mindset from ‘what I will do’ to ‘who I will be’, which is crucial for long-term impact.
Quick Checklist Before You Begin
Before you start year one consider:
- Are you ready to learn, not just study?
- Are you prepared for community life, accountability and service?
- Do you have some idea of your calling or are you willing to explore it?
- Are you open to change—spiritual, relational, cultural?
- Can you commit to two semesters each year for three years? This is a significant commitment, but the return is growth and impact.
Closing Thoughts
The first year at Kodesh is less about “mission trip” glamor and more about becoming the person equipped for mission. It is about spiritual discipline, community formation, intellectual readiness and local ministry practice. If you embrace it, you’ll enter year two and three not simply with enthusiasm but with wisdom, resilience and a clear sense of calling.
