OUR WHY
Next Step believes that the role of short-term missions within the context of community development begins with strong partnerships. Our commitment to a community always starts with humility, listening and supporting local leadership. At Next Step, you can have confidence in being part of a new type of movement within short-term missions. This movement connects short-term missions with long-term work taking place in a community, giving you the opportunity to be a part of truly holistic ministry through physical, relational, and spiritual investment.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE MISSION TRIP
LOCAL LEADERSHIP
We do not come in as outsiders and determine what is going to take place in a community, but instead listen and join in on what the community desires and is already doing. This assures that the projects you work on are projects that the community desires and are eager to be a part of, and will continue past your trip. Our goal is to be guided completely by the leaders in each community we partner with.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Whether you tour the city, engage in community activities, or share meals, you will have many opportunities to invest in relationships with community members throughout the week. Building long-standing relationships with the families you work with is at the core of community development. Invest in these relationships throughout the week and take ownership of building trust and long-standing friendships.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
Whether you tour the city, engage in community activities, or share meals, you will have many opportunities to invest in relationships with community members throughout the week. Building long-standing relationships with the families you work with is at the core of community development. Invest in these relationships throughout the week and take ownership of building trust and long-standing friendships.
STAFF LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY
Partnership Coordinators work full time for Next Step, but also work full time in the community. This way they fully experience daily life in the community in every aspect as a neighbor and friend. The role of the PC is to invest in their community on a day-to-day basis in a way that holistically restores the neighborhood in which they live. They also form the local partnerships that Next Step works alongside over the Summer.
RESOURCES
BLOG
Your summer work projects are the start to many relationships with community members. Our goal is not to end there, but to continue to support the families once construction is complete. Our hope is that you will stay engaged with people you meet on your mission trip too. Our monthly blog posts and prayer updates are a great start to maintain a relationship with the community beyond just one week.