Frequently Asked Questions

What is our mission statement?
Youth In Mission is a God-centered ministry, prayerfully seeking to build the Kingdom of God by making global Christians. We feel called to pursue the broken, neglected and unreached areas of the world with the love of Jesus Christ. This work we aim to do through the equipping of students for incarnational ministry, sending them to care for the poor, comfort the dying, and evangelize the lost. To this end we strive personally to walk with God and to invite others so to do.

Who can go on a Youth In Mission trip?
Youth In Mission actively recruits college-age students between the ages of 18-25. While the majority of the students attend Nazarene Colleges and Universities, this is not a pre-requisite. The number of students from all types of universities and colleges continues to grow each year. We have also extended our recruitment to graduate students.

How do you apply for Youth In Mission?
1. Complete the 3-part on line application.
2. Submit the application (to apply for following summer).
3. Have the references from the respected evaluators in by December.
4. Youth In Mission will be in contact with all applicants by mid-January.

What is the duration of a Youth In Mission trip and when does it take place?
The mission experience will last a lifetime but the opportunity itself, covers an eight-week period during the summer. This includes 1 week of training, 6½ weeks on site, and ½ week of debriefing.

What is Training Camp?
Youth In Mission believes in sending out well-equipped and well-prepared students. Youth In Mission students participate in an intensive one-week Training Camp before heading to their sites. During the week of training students learn to function within their team, how to handle cross-cultural experiences, and basic skills to take with them to their sites. Students also experience spiritual formation through personal devotions, observing the sacraments, corporate worship, and small group discussions.

Do students raise their own support?
Yes. Students must raise the funds that will cover their food, transportation, air travel, housing, and ministry costs. The amount of each trip varies depending on location, economy, and ministry description. For the latest list of opportunities and their respective costs click here. Youth In Mission has a unique and vital support line through the Church of the Nazarene. Although the General Church of the Nazarene subsidizes the Youth In Mission program, participants are required to raise a ministry contribution for the cost of their summer ministry assignment.

Where does my money go?
Participants are required to raise a ministry contribution for the cost of their summer ministry assignment. This money will be used primarily for your training, ministry site expenses (food, housing, and transportation on site) and airfare to and from your site. Some of your contribution amounts may be used in other world areas to assist in the ministry that is taking place there.

Are there any additional expenses that a student should plan on incurring?
The only expense that is not covered in the trip amount is the students' transportation cost to and from Training Camp. This is held in El Paso, TX. We do not supply money for students to purchase souvenirs, personal comfort food and any excursions non-YIM related.

Is the money contributed tax-deductible?
Yes.

Can our Church (if Nazarene) receive credit for the 10% annual giving?
YES! Please contact the YIM office for details.

Where can I find more information on the site and ministry description?
Please click here for updated ministry descriptions and letters from our sites.

How is insurance handled for the eight weeks?
This is included in the cost of each opportunity. Each participant must be insured under a policy that insures all volunteer trips for the Church of the Nazarene. This does not cover major medical; yet, it covers all emergencies and illnesses while participating with YIM. If you would like a detail description of our insurance plan, please contact the YIM office.

What are my chances of getting selected?
In previous years, Youth In Mission has accepted anywhere from 33%-50% of those who applied. However, Youth In Mission focuses on putting teams together. Year to year we cannot tell a student whether they will be selected or not, because it depends on who else applies and what potential team we are able to put together. Youth In Mission is a team-oriented ministry. You will be placed on a team with other participants, some you may know, and some will be total strangers. You will be expected to live, work, and minister with them for 9 weeks. You will be asked to get along with people who are different than you. Youth In Mission operates under the kingdom value of community. Your chances of getting accepted are 100% if you are a mature, growing Christian with a heart for ministry and fit the team that has been selected for your particular site.

How big are the teams that I will be placed on?
Youth In Mission teams range in size any where from four to fifteen members.

What is the policy on attendance of weddings/other events?
A number of students always ask about the possibility of leaving Training Camp or their ministry assignment to be a part of a wedding or other family oriented events. Because we are bringing many students together for a shared experience, our policy is that we do not allow students to attend weddings/other events during Training Camp, during their summer ministry, or during our Re-Entry Camp. Whenever a team member leaves, the dynamics of the YIM experience are significantly altered. We offer you our regrets, but realize that ministry often includes uncomfortable sacrifice.