“WHY AM I HERE?” Biblical Foundations for Short-Term Missions

Description

Everyone asks the big questions:
* Who am I?
* Why am I here?
* What is my purpose?
* Is there really truth?
* Does God have a plan for my life?

We will explore these questions through Scripture, prayer, Christian community, and personal reflection. Rather than beginning with techniques for ministry, we begin with the God who calls us.

Throughout this course students will build a biblical worldview, understand the gospel more deeply, develop healthy spiritual habits, and begin discovering their identity in Christ. These foundations prepare students for the remainder of the cohort, where they will learn to live faithfully in today's culture before ultimately serving on a short-term mission team.

This course emphasizes formation before ministry, communion before activity, and knowing God before serving Him.

Major Learning Activities

Each instructional week includes:

• Biblical teaching
• Discussion groups
• Interactive learning lab
• Personal reflection
• Mentor conversation
• Spiritual practice assignment
• Community-building activity

Students should expect approximately 3–5 hours of work per week, including reading, assignments, mentor meetings, and personal devotional time.

Mentor Meetings

Each student will be paired with a mentor throughout the cohort. 
Mentor conversations provide opportunities to

• discuss weekly lessons,
• pray together,
• encourage spiritual growth,
• ask honest questions,
• and cultivate lifelong discipleship relationships.

Spiritual Practices

Throughout the course students will intentionally practice:

• Daily Scripture reading
• Prayer
• Journaling
• Silence and solitude
• Worship
• Reflection
• Gospel conversations
• Christian fellowship

Assignments

Students will complete activities such as:

• Weekly journal reflections
• Gospel presentation practice
• Character growth reflections
• Prayer journal
• Personal integrity plan
• Vision Prayer
• Growth goals
• Reflection essay or video
• "Dear Future Me" letter
• Participation in mentor discussions

Kickoff Retreat

The cohort begins with a two-hour online retreat focused on slowing down and intentionally entering the journey together.

Students will participate in:

• Guided worship
• Scripture meditation
• Silence and reflection
• Introduction to the cohort
• Community-building activities
• Writing a personal Vision Prayer

Course Objectives

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Explain the biblical gospel clearly and accurately.
• Describe the major storyline of Scripture from creation to new creation.
• Recognize common competing worldviews and evaluate them biblically.
• Articulate their identity in Christ rather than in performance or circumstances.
• Develop sustainable habits of Bible reading and prayer.
• Demonstrate growing Christian character through intentional spiritual practices.
• Reflect thoughtfully on God's work in their own lives.
• Build meaningful relationships with mentors and fellow cohort members.

Required Texts and Materials

• Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. (PDF download; YouTube audiobook)
• The Bible (NIV will be used primarily, but any faithful translation is acceptable—ESV, NASB, NLT, NKJV, etc.)

Course Evaluation

Evaluation is based upon faithful participation and intentional engagement

Weekly participation:  25%
Mentor engagement:  20%
Spiritual practice assignments:  20%
Reflection activities:  20%
Final reflection & growth goals:  15%

Language

English