Why Do Mission Year?

Spending a "gap year" or "volunteer year" outside of the mainstream can be an invaluable, once in a lifetime opportunity to affect change in your life and others. Here are some reasons why we think you should do Mission Year...

For God

Throughout scripture one cannot help but notice not only God’s love for poor people, but his identification with them. Mission Year is a way to better understand God's heart for the poor, and to draw closer to God by loving some of his most precious people.

Mission Year's Philosophy of Ministry

We are Jesus-centered in our theology and practice. (John 12:32)
We believe in an incarnational & relational approach to ministry. (John 1; Phil. 2:5–7)
We value the ethnic and cultural differences of the body of Christ. (Col. 3–11; Rev. 7:9)
We believe that the neighborhood comes first. Therefore, we will seek the interests of our neighbors before our own. (Matt. 6:33; Phil. 2:3–4)
We respect and partner with indigenous people, churches, organizations and neighborhoods. (Gen. 1:26–27)
We seek to do justice and love mercy because of Jesus’ special concern for the poor and oppressed. (Micah 6:8; Deut. 10:17–19; Deut. 15; Isaiah 58; Luke 4:14–21; James 1:27)

For the Neighborhood

Your time spent in communities of need provides practical help and hope to people in vulnerable situations. You will be able to encourage and work alongside people of faith already working in the city, while building transforming relationships.

Our hope is that each Team Member will eventually establish a number of ongoing friendships with families and individuals, through which they can communicate the love of God in both word and deed.

Learn about the neighborhood ministries Mission Year partners with to at Our Partners.

For Yourself

Mission Year is a life-altering experience that allows God to transform and direct you. You will receive valuable training in urban ministry, opportunities to develop personal and vocational skills, and can even earn college credits.