Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Jeff Johnsen

Keywords

Young Adults, Church, Faith, Camp, Christian School, Service, Ministry, Christian

Disciplines

Christianity | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Today’s prevailing cultural philosophy is lost in a malaise of confusion and deception. Children and young adults from Christian homes and churches are being lured by these deceptions. Even churched students and graduates from Christian schools (like Colorado Springs Christian School) are hemorrhaging from the body of Christ at unacceptable levels. This DMin thesis project report demonstrates that, on a continuum of touchpoints in the spiritual formation journey, Camp Elim staff and Gap Year programs are an effective model for those seeking to restore young adults, ages eighteen to twenty-nine, to fulfilling, rich, and committed involvement in the body of Christ. The researcher has adopted a qualitative approach, via an anonymous questionnaire, using an open coding process to distill categories and themes. There were fifty participants in this qualitative study. Data triangulation allowed for the incorporation of two sets of participant contributions and the researcher’s perspective. A seminar has been developed and delivered to key leaders at Colorado Springs Christian School and Camp Elim to increase their awareness and gauge their perceptions. Appreciative inquiry has been applied to see which strengths stand out for effective application. These lessons have broad applicability for Evangelical Christian ministries seeking to retain young adults for active engagement with Christ and His people, the church. Several tangible tools and lessons have emerged from the effectiveness of Camp Elim’s programs. Both Camp Elim and CSCS have helped slow the rate of young adult departure from the church.

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