Community as a Mirror: What I Learned About Myself by Living with Others

There’s a reason the World Race places such a strong emphasis on intentional community. Sharing life with others – meals, bunk beds, long van rides, and everyday ministry – reveals more than just quirks and preferences. It reveals your heart.

Because when you live in close community, you don’t just learn about others. You learn about yourself.

How Community Reveals Who You Really Are

Before the Race, you might think you’re patient. Or flexible. Or good at communication. Then you find yourself trying to navigate the logistics of train travel in a foreign country, with a 50lb pack on your bag, in the heat, exhausted… and suddenly, those qualities get tested.

Community has a way of holding up a mirror.

I realized I’m quicker to speak than to listen.
I realized how much I seek affirmation.
I realized how easily I want to withdraw when things get hard.
I realized how desperately I need grace – not just from others, but from myself.

But community doesn’t stop at exposing your weaknesses. It invites you to grow through them.

Growth Happens in the Middle of the Mess

On the Race, your teammates become more than ministry partners. They become the people who challenge you, encourage you, and remind you of who you are when you forget. Through feedback, forgiveness, and faithful presence, they shape you into someone who reflects Jesus more clearly.

You learn:

• How to love when it’s inconvenient
• How to forgive when it’s hard
• How to receive correction without defensiveness
• How to lead with humility
• How to let others see your struggles and still choose you

Through it all, you begin to understand that vulnerability is not weakness – it’s the soil where trust, freedom, and healing grow.

Why Community Matters for the Mission

If we’re going to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth, we have to first learn how to carry it within our own communities. That’s why the World Race and programs like DLTA place such a high value on intentional, Christ-centered relationships.

Community teaches resilience. It strengthens compassion. It builds leaders who understand how to weather storms and keep moving forward in faith.

Looking to Build a Life That Lasts?

Discipleship & Leadership Training Academy (DLTA) isn’t just a program – it’s a place to repair, strengthen, and launch your faith for the long haul. If you’re hungry to grow in your relationship with God, understand your calling, and develop the tools to live on mission, DLTA is for you.

Here’s how DLTA prepares you for what’s ahead:

A Firm Hull – Biblical Foundation
Learn how to study Scripture, hear God’s voice, and build your life on truth, not trends.

Repair the Cracks – Inner Healing & Identity
Find freedom from the lies, wounds, and fears that keep you stuck. Step forward in wholeness.

Raise Your Sails – Holy Spirit & Obedience
Discover how to walk in bold faith, surrender daily, and see the supernatural move through your everyday life.

Navigate the Waters – Calling & Mission
Discern your purpose and prepare to bring the Kingdom wherever God sends you—across the street or around the world.

Location: Gainesville, GA
Duration: 5 months to 1 year
What’s Included: Training, housing, mentorship, and everything you need to build a foundation for lifelong impact.
Fundraising: We’ll help you get there – this is part of the faith journey, too.

Building disciples who are ready to weather any storm and carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

Learn more about DLTA