Is The Boston Project a good match for us?
There are dozens of quality youth missions programs in the United States.
Each organization is pursuing the niche God has created for them to fulfill. The combination of types of service work, group size, age of participants, staff-to-youth ratio, physical and spiritual intensity, and other factors vary immensely.
Below are some “either-or” questions that help define what we see as the best match for our Summer Missions Program.
Group Size
Q.
Do you prefer a small group setting with just your group and perhaps one other OR a large group setting with hundreds of youth?
A.
The Boston Project houses a maximum of 30 participants at each site, so you get the personal care and discipleship of our staff and a uniquely small group experience. An entire staff team of 4-6 people is devoted to each housing site. We promise a staff-to-youth ratio of at least 1:5.
Service Variety
Q.
Do you want to engage your youth in a variety of urban service projects OR focus on one specific type of service project?
A.
The Boston Project ensures that every youth participates in several types of service, which may include construction projects, homeless ministry, children’s programs, or community outreach work.
Trip Planning
Q.
Would you like to leave all the trip planning and on-site leadership to experienced staff OR organize, plan, and implement your own missions trip from scratch?
A.
The Boston Project takes care of all the details of service and outreach projects, lodging, curriculum, and food. We simply ask that you take time to prepare your group and come ready for anything!
Staff Care
Q.
Would you rather have a staff team who is investing in your teenagers 24/7 OR be more independent with less staff contact?
A.
One of The Boston Project’s greatest strengths is our staff. These young adults work, play, eat, and live with you 24/7 while you are in Boston. We believe personal relationships are the foundation of discipleship, so we make sure that our staff-to-youth ratio is never higher than 1:5. Your teenagers will receive personal care and discipleship, and this can make all the difference.
Scripture Study
Q.
Would you like to use a well-written Bible-based curriculum for your trip OR create and lead your own trip curriculum?
A.
The Boston Project creates an entire discipleship curriculum, including a daily devotional guide and journal, creative teaching activities, thought-provoking debriefing times, and small group meetings. Boston Project staff lead your group through these learning experiences.
Teaching Style
Q.
Do you prefer a simple, heart-felt worship and teaching time OR a more professional worship band and keynote speakers?
A.
The Boston Project staff team consists of young adults who themselves are exploring gifts in teaching, worship, service, etc. Yet because of the genuine personal relationships they build with your team and the leadership of experienced on-field youth workers, these times prove to be powerful and life-changing.
Service & Outreach
Q.
Would you rather allow those in the mission field determine where you serve OR decide what needs there are once you arrive and try to meet them?
A.
The Boston Project believes that volunteers are most valuable when they come alongside long-term workers and what God is already doing in our city. We have lived and ministered here for 12 years, and will incorporate your team in ministry where you are needed most.
Partnership Possibilities
Q.
Are you looking for a ministry your church can partner with in a variety of ways for years to come OR a one-time missions experience?
A.
The Boston Project is much more than the Summer Missions Program. If your church may be interested in an urban ministry partnership, we offer many additional ways that we can work together.
Group Age
Q.
Is your group made up of senior high youth OR more junior high or college students?
A.
Several aspects of our program and service & outreach are designed for youth ages 14-18. Our Scripture-based curriculum is written with older youth in mind and often includes themes such as justice, racism, the use and abuse of power, and servant leadership. Also, many of our service and outreach projects require a level of maturity and/or skill to complete or have age requirements.
Outreach Approach
Q.
Is your youth group open to serving with other ministries accomplishing their mission OR do you offer a prepared outreach such as a touring choir, puppet show, street evangelism, drama group, etc.?
A.
The Boston Project respects the ministry that specialized missions groups have, but due to the types of service we are committed to, we cannot always accommodate these groups. Of course, we are open to making exceptions as God leads (contact us).
Project Training
Q.
Do you want to be trained how to complete each service project OR do you want to provide your own service site training?
A.
The Boston Project trains our volunteers how to serve with excellence. Our staff members understand the goals and context of each service site, and equip teenagers with the knowledge, skills, and sensitivities needed for excellent service. At least one Boston Project staff works alongside your group at each service site at all times.
Trip Purpose
Q.
Are you looking for a trip focused on learning about ministry in Boston, biblical truth, issues of justice, racism, power, and other important ideas OR a trip focused on serving with excellence for the sake of sharing God’s love with others?
A.
Great news - The Boston Project is BOTH! We are committed to helping teenagers understand the context in which they serve and how Scripture impacts their personal lives. We provide many opportunities for youth to learn through quiet reflection, group discussion, simulation games, and creative Bible study. We also work hard, spending ourselves for the sake of others. Excellence is a trademark of our service, since we "work as if for the Lord."
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