About Us
Mission
We aim to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through the Spirit of Nauvoo, to encourage a paradigm of life-long education through study and experience, and to have a positive influence on the community of Nauvoo and our fellow students.
Ways we strive to fulfill our mission:
• Inspire participants to become more devoted disciples of Jesus Christ through program experiences
• Create an on-campus experience for students to continue their online coursework while living in Nauvoo
• Provide opportunities for YSA to connect, serve, and learn from others, and from the early Nauvoo saints
Supporting YSA Students
The program helps YSA build spiritual habits, personal confidence, and practical life skills, supporting a smooth transition into missionary service and, for returning missionaries, a supportive community to readjust, refocus, and move forward with purpose. See Missionary Support.
Our Story
The Nauvoo Discovery Program began as a passion project to address the changing needs of the Nauvoo community and to provide a spiritually strengthening environment for college-aged students to discover the extraordinary treasures Nauvoo offers.
The journey began in 2010 when Brian Christiansen first set foot in Nauvoo, Illinois, with his wife and two teenage children, an experience that had a significant impact on his family. In 2020, he returned to Nauvoo and purchased a business, later adding a museum. His passion project was to design a program for Young Single Adults to come to Nauvoo and learn about the history and early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who built "The City Beautiful."
He eventually crossed paths with Darren Adair, who shared his vision, and together they designed a program unlike any other: the Nauvoo Discovery Program.
Meet the Team
Brian & Christy Christiansen, NDP Chairman
Darren & Christy Adair, Philanthropic Supporter/Advocate
Rebecca Williamson, Social Media Manager
Erin Jespersen, Social Media Manager
