Our Heart
At GMDS we want to help students to build a strong foundation for a life of passionately following Jesus. We believe that God has called all of us to be ministers, whether that’s in our workplace, out in the community, or in the nations of the earth.
While it’s great to be passionate for God now, our concern is more than that: where will we be in 10 years? 20 years? 50 years? This kind of faith requires strong foundations in the Word of God and a lifestyle of worship and prayer. It requires connection to the body of Christ — we want to see students walking out their faith in the context of their local church. We also believe that the gifts and the power of the Spirit are for today and want to help our students walk in these in a safe and encouraging environment. We’ve seen people healed and encountered by God through the ministry of GMDS students and we want to continue to grow in these things.
What to expect
GMDS is an 8 month school that runs from September through April, and our classes run 4 days a week — Monday through Thursday. There will be homework and reading assignments to complete and students will be asked to lead in other areas of daily school life. It will also be expected that students will attend our Set Free and Empower weekends and a young adult retreat. We also require students to volunteer in a church ministry in their home church. There will also be regular outreach opportunities which generally take place on Thursday. Our schedule can be filled with activities both planned as well as unexpected. Due to changes in scheduling, flexibility will be necessary. Students may have part-time jobs if they want, but should be aware that GMDS is a fairly significant time commitment and we encourage them to not over-commit.
Costs: $4000 per year, payable in two $2000 payments on the first day of each semester. (These numbers apply to the 2025-2026 school year.)
What about housing? We do not currently have our own housing. But we work with students from out of town to help them find a local place to rent (cost not included in the price of the school above).
Mission
Inspiring students to come alive to God and His Kingdom as He builds the local church through them.
The mission of GMDS is to share the good news of the gospel—from the Pembina Valley and throughout Manitoba to all of Canada and beyond. We are dedicated to being outward-focused, committed to taking God’s love beyond the walls of our classroom and impacting the world, building God’s Kingdom wherever we go.
Word and Power
At GMDS, we are passionate about experiencing the harmony between the Word of God and the Power of the Holy Spirit. As a discipleship school, we aim to be deeply rooted and grounded in the Word of God. We desire to see the Holy Spirit leading and empowering us to live lives that are pleasing to God, equipping us with the gifts He gives (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Prayer
Prayer is our lifeline and connection to God our Father, involving both speaking to Him and listening to His voice. At GMDS, we prioritize cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer. Our focus in the classroom is on seeking God together through prayer and worship as we grow in faith and discipleship.
Community
God has adopted Christians into His family. At GMDS, we recognize that as the body of Christ, we are called to support, uplift, and care for each other in a deeply spiritual way. We encourage forming strong connections where you can experience and contribute to the powerful community that unites us in Christ. No one should walk alone!
Worship
We are on this earth to glorify and praise God. One way we express this is by worshipping together. At GMDS, worship is central to our gatherings because there is nothing like joining as a family to sing heaven’s song, give praise to God, and experience His presence. In our worship, we seek to give God the praise He deserves and to bless the Lord!
Authenticity
No one is perfect, and no community is perfect. At GMDS, we strive to be real about life and its hardships. From our teachings to our discussions, we aim to cultivate a transparent environment where people are open, honest, and humble. Together, we journey toward healing, freedom, and holy living.
Equipping Believers for Life & Ministry
God has placed leaders in His Kingdom to equip believers for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). At GMDS, we are passionate about empowering all who come to not just learn but to actively participate in building God’s Kingdom. That’s why we provide teaching and discipleship opportunities designed to help you grow in your relationship with Christ, find freedom in Him, discover your gifts, and be equipped to serve and reach your world effectively.