In partnership with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren

Rooted is a one year adventure into what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

“Rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
Colossians 2:7

Tuscarora Inn and Conference Center and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren have partnered together to create the Rooted gap-year program.

Jesus interrupted the lives of 12 disciples, and spent three years with them living in community, teaching them about the gospel and the kingdom of God, and training them how to minister and proclaim the good news.

In this same vein, Rooted is a gap year program for adults 18-25 with the goal of rooting them deeper in their faith, in mission and in their identity as disciples of Jesus Christ while living in a community setting.

LEARN

The study of God’s Word will be at the center of what we do. The Rooted Director, current and retired pastors, elders, lay leaders and seminary professors will be utilized for classes.

Topics:
Biblical literacy of Old and New Testament
Application of theological traditions
World religions
Cultural competence
Apologetics and faith ownership

SERVE

By participating in various roles throughout Tuscarora, participants will begin to develop the passions and skills that will help guide them as they determine their own paths. Participants will work ten hours per week for Tuscarora to pay back the cost of the program, with the option to work more for additional compensation.

Areas of work:
Audio-visual support
Dining room service
Housekeeping
Program management
Content creation
Recreation

GROW

Participants will have the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in a wide range of worship and ministry settings including inner city missions and regional churches. They will assist where needed and take on leadership roles where appropriate.

It is important for participants to complete the program understanding that the global church does not always look the same; that spreading the gospel often means reaching people in the margins of society. Inner city service opportunities will be arranged through partnerships in New York City and Philadelphia and one international missions experience to help the participants gain a true cultural competence and understanding.

BELONG

Participants will spend the year living, working, and worshipping in the Tuscarora community. They will be encouraged to practice important spiritual disciplines such as daily study and meditation on the Word of God, prayer, and regular church attendance. By living together on the grounds, participants will learn how to practice patience, grace, and forgiveness.

When one struggles, they will learn how to love one another and show Christian encouragement or correction. It is in this area of the program that participants will experience the most growth, as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

Roger and his wife Jenny have 5 children ranging from 10-19 years old. He has pastored churches for 20 years in Minnesota, Brooklyn, NY, and most recently in his home town in Connecticut. He has a background in education and a heart for young adults throughout his life and ministry. He loves being in community, being outdoors, going on adventures, ministering to people, and teaching God’s word. He looks forward to implementing all of these in the Rooted Program.

The Pines campus, located one and a half miles off the main Tuscarora grounds, will be the home of the Rooted Gap Year Program. This property was donated to Tuscarora 20 years ago with the goal of using it one day for a new ministry initiative. This campus includes a 19th century cottage style house, dorm units, classroom spaces, and places to socialize and grow. The goal is not to be in a hurry, or even to be busy, but to intentionally slow down to allow God to mold minds, hearts, and character into exactly what he desires.