Defined is for high-school graduates with a desire to glorify the Lord in all that they do. This program can be used as a learning time prior to college, in the middle of one’s college career, or in lieu of college. Either way, the three years spent at Defined will be a valuable tool to help find or further God’s will for life and future ministry.
All potential participants must understand that Defined is not a reform school designed to rehabilitate young people; therefore, all individuals must desire to be involved in ministry, demonstrate a servant’s heart, and demonstrate a desire to grow spiritually.
Each year of Defined costs $3,700. This all-inclusive price covers room and board, utilities, all books needed for class, and required field trips.
No. Each year can stand alone. It is acceptable to attend Defined for one or two years.
However, the full scope of the program is three years, and those who attend the full three-year program will receive a Certificate of Ministry.
Yes, very much so! Defined is designed so that participants become an integral part of the camping ministry. This involvement will include all aspects of the ministry, including program and camper services opportunities.
Participants work in exchange for hands-on training, on-the-job learning, and room, board, and utilities (excluding phone). A small stipend is given each month which is just enough to cover basic personal expenses.
No. The hands-on experience is a vital time of learning and character formation.
No. Involvement in the ministry at Ironwood 40-50 hours of work each week, discipleship, and on-the-job training. Added to that will be classes, homework, and personal study. The design of the schedule would not accommodate outside employment.
Our Defined and Ministry Bound participants live on the Ministry Campus, right in the midst of Ironwood. The Ministry Campus includes a guys’ dorm, girls’ dorm, classroom, laundry facilities, a weight room, a volleyball and pickleball court, and a large shared living room.
Each “year” of Defined is a nine-month program that runs from late August through late May. There is approximately a three week break in December for Christmas.
Defined is meant to be a small camaraderie of like-minded individuals. Admission into Defined is based on the needs of the Ironwood ministry. Therefore, the number of individuals accepted may vary. Because the core of Defined is based on ministry, it is important that we have ministry opportunities available to each of our participants. The size of Defined will grow in proportion to the needs of the Ironwood ministry. The typical size of Defined is around 10-14 participants.
This is an option, but not necessarily a requirement. Defined participants have the opportunity to apply for a summer staff position. Acceptance into Defined is not a guarantee of a summer staff position, nor is acceptance onto summer staff a guarantee of admission into Defined.
Individuals who desire to do all three years of Defined and receive the Certificate of Ministry will be required to work at Ironwood for at least one summer.