Discern Program

The Discern Program covers a typical semester (Summer, Fall or Spring) long period of service. Explore what it means to "see the face of God in the city" as you spend extended time in an environment of service, learning and leadership through …

- Participating as a part of our support staff team (spring/ summer)
- One- to three-month internships
- Study terms such as JanTerms or MayMesters


Support Staff  (Spring and Summer) 

Each year the DOOR program selects a number of outstanding adults to work as a team, to help run the short-term (Discover) programs and to discern together the call to ministry in an urban context while serving, learning and reflecting. Some positions are particular to a type of ministry (homeless, cook/purchasing, food bank,  etc) To be a part of the Discern team is to engage in personal as well as group reflection and to engage in leadership development. The support staff position requires a desire to work together on the staff team as well as a desire to work with participants and the local agencies.

  • Help facilitate the experiences of groups that come to DOOR
  • Work together as a team
  • Lead worship, group reflection and orientation
  • Serve others daily in the visiting groups, at the community agencies, and other staff members
  • Be the link between Discover participants and community agencies
  • Most Support Staff positions are full-time and pay a stipend
Semester volunteers live out mission trips for an extended time to serve the community For information is included in the application packet. This includes a complete job description as well as information on the summer program in general.

APPLY EARLY. We strongly recommend that you apply by March 1. Consideration begins once we have received your three references. Last year we turned away many good applicants because they had applied after hiring was complete.  On average, we begin hiring in February and complete our hiring by mid March.

This is a PDF version of the Support Staff Application.      

On the application please indicate:
 If you are local to the city in which you are applying.
 If you are not a resident of the city in which you are applying.
 If you are returning and have served previously.



Summer staff in Atlanta serve under DOOR's Discern ProgramThree-month: (Fall, Spring)

Dwell Atlanta will be hosting a Spring/Summer program starting in January. You may apply with either the Discern application or the Dwell application.  If you have any questions email Heidi@doornetwork.org.

APPLY NOW for the New Atlanta Dwell house.

Participants will engage in cross-cultural urban ministry by direct service and discussion.  Even if you think you "know the city." You probably don't.  Students may receive credit from an educational institution.

$2,000 covers tuition, housing, most meals, books and reading materials used and monthly transportation pass. Due to the nature of the work, participants may seek sponsorship from their church, community and personal connections. If you wish to receive academic credit, you'll need to apply for it through colloege and university. They will weigh many factors such as your major, your required electives, your placement. You must allow time for acceptance to the city while completing the necessary process at your academic institution.




Semeters can be a great way to learn, serve and worship cross culturallyInter-term: (JanTerm, Maymester)

Many colleges, seminaries and universities have a 3-4 week terms in which students can take short intensive classes or travel to other locations for study. If a student is interested in coming to DOOR, we will work with you and your adviser to create a college/seminary-level class focusing on urban models of discipleship. About 20 percent of the time would be spent in assigned readings, 75 percent in service or seeing local ministries, and 5 percent in retreat and reflection. Students in the term will receive credits from their chosen institution. Housing will be provided either in a our year long intentional communities, host family or in the placement agency. Cost per participant is to be determined based on the requirements of the academic institution and tuition is separate. Contact the national office at 303-295-3667 to make arrangements.

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