GET TO KNOW US
Next Step Ministries is a Christ-centered, 501c3 nonprofit with the heartbeat to do missions differently. We are passionate about the experience students can have on a mission trip- serving others while encountering a living God who offers freedom and grace.
We are passionate about communities thriving- developing from within and restoring dignity. To this end, we lead thousands of youth on one-week mission trips that connect them with sustainable community-led initiatives we support on a year-round basis.
After reading When Helping Hurts in 2012, like many, we were tempted to throw short-term mission trips out the window. But through a process of learning we have been inspired to create a space where the beauty and power of short-term trips can connect to real sustainable community development. It’s a tall task, and one we are continually learning and growing in, but it's also one that when done right, can provide an incredible God-sized experience for both students and communities alike.
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Next Step Ministries believes that there is one God in three distinct person (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). We believe that God is love and that he extends his love to all people. We believe that God has created us with the choice to love him; however, as a result of humankind’s original choice not to love God ( i.e., sin) we became separated from him. It is for this reason that the Father has sent his Son, Jesus Christ who was sinless, persecuted and died on the cross on our behalf. We believe that God has raised Jesus from death to life to mend our broken relationship with himself.
It is our goal to bring this good news to all people who will listen through our actions and words. Next Step Ministries holds that the Bible is the inspired word of God and is thereby applicable and authoritative for our lives today. We believe that God is all loving and all powerful, and is therefore worthy of all our praise and reverence. We believe God encompasses the fullness of love and calls us to love him and all those around us regardless of race, political slant, religion, or sex. We believe that God has called every Christian to reach the physical and spiritual needs of those around us.
To that end, Next Step Ministries strives to enable and prepare students to further God’s Kingdom throughout the United States and around the world. It is our goal to give people the opportunity to take the next step in their lives and come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and experience the real life; the life that only God’s true love can give!
WHO WE ARE
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide opportunities for students to explore their faith, experience God, and extend service to others, in the name of Jesus Christ.
VISION STATEMENT
To be a platform where short-term mission trips collide with long-term community development.
HISTORY
2002
Two college students and their youth pastor decided to take a group of youth overseas for a week long mission trip. It was there, that these three individuals fell in love with the concept of short-term missions. They witnessed God transforming their students’ lives through exposure to what He was doing in the world around them
2007
Andy, Nick and Todd founded Next Step Ministries, with a goal to allow God to transform youth’s lives while serving the world around them. God was so faithful in the first five years and Next Step took off. The ministry grew from serving alongside 4 communities and 600 youth, to 14 communities and 7,000 youth.
2013
Through the rapid growth, Next Step was so focused on what God was doing in the lives of youth, the ministry began to notice it could also be doing better for the communities it served. Next Step offered an apology for not always doing missions ‘the right way,’ and from that point forward, started the shift to an more sustainable model where short term missions work together with long term community development organizations.
2020
Along with the global shutdown, Next Step took a hard reset. Through this trial by fire, God was faithful, and so were the many partnerships new and old across the country and internationally. Dedicated to pursuing God’s continued calling, Next Step dove headlong into working alongside community development organizations in each community to continue existing year-round local missions, pointing community members back to the local church and sustainable local resources.
PRESENT
This brings us to today, continuing the journey striving to be a Christ Centered and God honoring missions organization where short-term mission trips collide with long term community development.
BE PART OF THE STORY
GO ON A MISSION TRIP
Whether you’re looking to serve in relief efforts, experience cross-cultural ministry or prefer a short trip down the road, there are meaningful opportunities in each one of our unique mission trip locations. Come be a part of the ministry happening in one of these communities!
INTERN WITH US
Looking for paid hands-on experience in youth ministry, construction, worship, or missional leadership? Next Step is an amazing way to develop skills in your field of interest, all while leading life-changing mission trips. An amazing life-changing summer is only an application away!
GIVE
Next Step strives to be a platform for God to use people like you and us to affect the world around them for His glory. We encourage you to be part of this life changing movement by donating to Next Step Ministries. We could not continue His work without your prayer and financial support!