About the program
A year built to change who you are, not just what you know.
Cross to Life is a 12-month residential discipleship program where young adults grow in faith, learn real-world skills, and live in Christian community in the mountains east of San Diego. Participants commit to living, working, studying, and serving on-site at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center for the full year.
Is Cross to Life paid?
Yes. You're paid $12,000+ a year to be here — not the other way around.
Most gap year and Bible school programs charge tuition, often well into the thousands. Cross to Life flips that: participants earn $12,000+ annually, plus free housing, daily meals, and transportation, in exchange for a $100/month training fee — the only fee the program charges. See the full cost comparison.
Length
12 months, residential
Ages
18–28, no degree required
Location
Pine Valley, California — 40 min. east of San Diego
Elevation
4,200 ft. in the Cleveland National Forest
Mentors
20+ full-time staff
Only program fee
$100/month training fee
The four pillars
Worship. Work. Study. Service.
Every week at Cross to Life is built around these four rhythms — the same ones that shape the whole year.
Worship
Daily personal devotions, group Bible study, and a local church cohort every Sunday — faith that’s practiced, not just discussed.
Work
Real responsibility rotating through hospitality, food service, facilities, grounds, and event support at the conference center.
Study
Theology and worldview training that gives students language for what they believe and why.
Service
Serving guests, churches, and each other — turning belief into the daily habit of putting others first.
Where it happens
Pine Valley Bible Conference Center
Pine Valley is a small mountain community at 4,200 ft. elevation in the Cleveland National Forest, about 40 minutes east of San Diego — a peaceful setting away from the noise of everyday life, and close enough to home to never feel far away.
Housing is shared, on-site, with fellow participants. Meals are provided three times a day, every day. Transportation is arranged for outings and errands, so students can focus on the year in front of them instead of logistics.
A closer look
Program Director Curtis Kauffman explains the exchange
A short walkthrough of the areas of ministry participants serve in, and exactly what's provided in exchange — lodging, meals and utilities, a monthly stipend, transportation, and special outings.
Common questions
Straight answers
Is Cross to Life accredited, or does it offer college credit?
No. Cross to Life is a discipleship and gap year program, not a degree program, and does not currently award college credit. Graduates receive a certificate of completion, practical work experience, and mentorship relationships that continue after the year ends.
What if I don't have a car?
You don't need one. Transportation is arranged for outings, errands, and church — participants aren't expected to have their own vehicle during the year.
What if I haven't graduated high school yet?
Cross to Life is built for ages 18–28. If you're close to that range but haven't graduated yet, contact the Program Director to talk through timing.
Is there an age minimum or maximum?
The program is designed for ages 18–28. If you're outside that range but think Cross to Life could still be a fit, reach out and ask.
What happens if I need to leave early?
Life happens. If a participant needs to leave before the year is complete, the Program Director works with them and their family directly — there's no penalty for stepping away when it's genuinely necessary.
More questions? Read the full FAQ.
Cross to Life's brand identity, website, and launch strategy were developed in collaboration with Russo Collective.
Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Ready to see what a week actually looks like?
Every week is different, but every week is intentional.
See a Week in the Life