Looking for a meaningful summer service opportunity for your church youth group, area Lutheran high school, or other group of high school-aged students?
Mission Journeys connects volunteer teams with WELS congregations across the United States. These trips give young people the opportunity to support gospel outreach efforts, build relationships with fellow Christians, and experience firsthand how God is blessing mission work in communities throughout our synod.
Youth from St. John’s in Newburg, Wis., help with a school supply drive at Living Stone, a home mission church in Conway, Ark.
June
- Our Shepherd, Crown Point, Ind. (mid-June)
- St. Matthew, Spokane, Wash. (mid-June)
- Cornerstone, Bentonville, Ark. (late June)
- Eternal Rock, Castle Rock, Colo. (FILLED)
- Living Stone, Conway, Ark. (FILLED)
- Exploratory mission work, Colorado Springs, Colo. (FILLED)
- Grace, Yakima, Wash. (FILLED)
- Ascension, Escondido, Calif. (FILLED)
July
- Amazing Grace, Amarillo, Texas (early July)
- Our Savior’s, East Brunswick, N.J. (early July)
- Ascension, Jacksonville, N.C. (early July)
- Crossroads, Chicago, Ill. (second weekend of July)
- Christ Alone, Arlington, Tenn. (July 10-15)
- Grace, Yakima, Wash. (mid July)
- Living Stone, Conway, Ark. (late July)
- Faith, Tyler, Texas (late July)
- Beautiful Savior, Cincinnati, Ohio (late July/early August)
- The Vine, Hayden, Idaho (FILLED)
August
- Our Savior’s, East Brunswick, N.J. (early August)
Youth from Prairie Lutheran School in Fairfax, Minn., and Hope Christian Academy in Westland, Mich., after canvassing in Ellensburg, Wash.
Flexible Dates
The following locations have not yet narrowed down dates and may offer additional flexibility for interested groups:
- Ascension, Harrisburg, Pa.
- Christ Redeemer, Trumbull, Conn.
- New mission, Wilmington, N.C.
- St. Paul, Grand Junction, Colo.
- King of Kings, Willoughby (Cleveland), Ohio
- Redeemer, Edna, Texas
- Beautiful Saviour, Carlsbad, Calif.
- The Vine, Joplin, Mo. (FILLED)
What will our group do?
Each host congregation has unique needs, so no two Mission Journeys are exactly alike. As trip plans come together, the host congregation will work directly with your group to identify meaningful ways to serve and support local outreach efforts.
Volunteer opportunities may include:
- Canvassing neighborhoods and inviting community members to church events
- Assisting with outreach events at community gatherings
- Helping with church picnics and promotional activities
- Supporting Vacation Bible School programs
- Assisting with kids camps and other activities for children (art camps have recently become popular)
- Completing small church improvement projects
- Distributing groceries and other resources to people in need
- Encouraging congregations as they connect with their communities
Why participate in a Mission Journey?
A Mission Journey trip gives young people a firsthand look at gospel outreach while helping them grow in faith, teamwork, and Christian service. Participants return with a deeper appreciation for the opportunities God gives us to share the gospel and serve others. A Mission Journey trip can also become an important step in considering service as a pastor, teacher, staff minister, or lay leader at their congregation.
Interested in serving?
If your youth group, Lutheran high school, or congregation is interested in participating in a Mission Journey volunteer trip, we’d love to help you find an opportunity that fits your group’s schedule and interests.
Learn more and begin planning your 2027 trip by contacting Mission Journeys Coordinator, Mr. Shannon Bohme, at [email protected] or by calling 651-324-4218.
