What is EXSEL?
The EXSEL Discipleship Program exists to provide a Christ-centered discipleship experience that integrates spiritual growth, vocational experience, and educational opportunities. We are seeking 8–15 young men and women who desire to pursue God through lives of servant leadership in their future vocational callings.
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.
New this year! 2025/2026 We are introducing a Homesteading program. WSS is partnering with Made Well Ministries to convert a neighboring 400+ acres to a regenerative farm. Learn about animal husbandry and land management. The focus is on the interconnectedness of the various parts of the farm- soil, water, air, plants and animals together.
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
Chris and Lisa Berge
Through God’s grace, Chris and Lisa both received Christ as their personal savior in childhood and have enjoyed continuing their Christ-centered walk throughout their marriage of over 20 years. They have been blessed with eight children and three grandchildren, who continue to be used as instruments of sanctification on a daily basis. After serving over 20 years as an Army engineer, Chris joined the retiree rolls in the fall of 2022 and joined the team at White Sulphur Springs. Chris and Lisa enjoy pouring into others and developing relationships that are eternal and as of late they have found joy in developing and integrating their small homestead into daily life.
What does a typical week look like for interns & fellows?
White Sulphur Springs is a dynamic and busy place, with retreat groups and ministry happening virtually year-round. We work hard to provide some consistency to the schedule for the interns & fellows to have as much predictability as possible, with the understanding that some weeks are atypical due to the dynamic nature of the conference center ministry. September through May, a typical week looks like this:
| Monday | Day off for all interns & fellows (for personal time, reading, study, and academic preparation); Fellows are given an additional day off each week, scheduled with their supervisors based on vocational needs. |
| Tuesday | For the Interns, Tuesday is focused on academic classes with a team lunch in the middle of the day. Two-to-three times a month, Interns and Fellows enjoy dinners either in the homes of WSS staff members or on their own. |
| Wednesday-Saturday | Vocational program, with each intern & fellow working alongside their ministry team supervisors in their assigned departments. On Wednesday evenings, interns & fellows have dinner at the EXSEL Director’s house. |
| Friday | In the morning, Fellows participate in academic classes while interns have a study hall period to work on assigned reading and assignments. |
| Sunday | The EXSEL team will work to serve the weekend retreat guests throughout the day and will also have the opportunity to attend a local community worship service in the evening. |
