If you’re between the ages of 18–24, you’re in an incredibly important time in your life. You’re making big decisions that will shape your future. You’re stepping out on your own.

For many, a year of focusing on personal growth without committing to any one direction in life is a great way to discover more about your gifts, talents, interests, and God’s calling on your life. It gives you a little more time to make those big decisions that may impact your direction in life. As part of your preparation for wherever the Lord is calling you, a Focus Year can be a great time to be part of something bigger than yourself, to grow in your faith while serving in an important work of Christian ministry.

The EXSEL Discipleship Program will help you to do all these things – and more! In addition to the unique opportunity for experience-based discipleship at the White Sulphur Springs Retreat and Conference Center, you’ll be gaining valuable vocational experience while working in areas like guest services and hospitality, horsemanship, programming and operations, youth programs, facilities and maintenance, housekeeping, or food service.

Invitation to Participate: Prospective Interns & Fellows
Jesus sometimes removed himself from the press of the crowds to commune with a few of His dearest followers or even to be alone with His Father for a time. Have you ever sensed the need for this kind of “refuge” from the demands of this world? Are you uncertain of the path God has for your life? As disciples of Jesus, we all require periods of reflection on His Word, as well as frequent opportunities to roll up our sleeves and devote ourselves in sacrificial service to others, as Jesus did. Such times help us better comprehend the person of Jesus and the purpose He has for us in this life. Consider taking a season to serve and thrive in the picturesque setting of White Sulphur Springs, with the hopeful expectation of discovering God’s direction through the guided Experience, Service and Leadership opportunities of the EXSEL Discipleship Program.

Meet the EXSEL Director couple

Matt and Kim Uber

Through God’s Grace, Matthew and Kim each came to faith in Christ early in life. Kim gave her life to Christ at White Sulphur Springs, which has long been a home away from home for their family. Married for 28 years, they have been blessed with five children and the many sanctifying joys of raising a family through multiple moves and seasons of life.

Matthew served 21 years in the United States Air Force, including multiple deployments around the world, where he worked as a nurse anesthetist. After retiring from the military, he continued in medicine for seven years before God began shifting his calling toward full-time ministry. He is now a licensed pastor, and together he and Kim have served the last five years directing a regional discipleship program called FREEDOM, equipping believers to walk in Truth and live powerful, Christ-centered lives in the Kingdom.

They are excited to bring that same heart for discipleship and leadership development into the EXSEL program at White Sulphur Springs. Their desire is to see young men and women ROOTED in God’s Word, fully EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit, FORMED through community and service, and EQUIPPED to live out their God given identity for the sake of Christ’s Kingdom.