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Luke Diehl
luke@firstchurchconnect.com
(260) 244-5959

Registration closed on Saturday, June 13, 2020

June 13, 2020 to June 20, 2020
Lexington, South Carolina
We have partnered with Next Step Ministries for nine years because of their incredible passion for reaching people for Christ. Next Step Ministries is committed to providing a place where short-term teams collide with long-term community development. We are partnering with Mount Horeb Church in Lexington, South Carolina for the fourth time because of their wonderful hospitality and desire for us to partner with them. If you are considering your first short-term team or your fifth, you will want to make a special effort to go to Lexington, South Carolina and be a part of this amazing ministry!

Lexington, South Carolina

Short-Term Team 2020

June 13-20

(current 8th—12th grade students)

Why A Short-Term Team?

Our Short-Term Team’s purpose is to lead students into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by serving one another.

The Story

Mount Horeb Church & Next Step Ministries

We have partnered with Next Step Ministries for nine years because of their incredible passion for reaching people for Christ. We are partnering with Mount Horeb Church in Lexington, South Carolina for the fourth time because of their wonderful hospitality and desire for us to partner with them. Next Step Ministries is committed to providing a place where short-term teams collide with long-term community development. If you are considering your first short-term team or your fifth, you will want to make a special effort to go to Lexington, South Carolina and be a part of this amazing ministry

What Are We Doing?

Students will be serving with children and adults:
  • Local outreach
  • Mt. Horeb’s Vacation Bible School
    (serve as an assistant with a group of 7-10 preschool or elementary students)
  • Construction and home repair in the community
  • Community Cookout

Safety

Please know that safety is one of our biggest priorities. Next Step Ministries’ partnership is well established and respected in the community. They have 8-12 adult staff leading, working, and making responsible decisions for our team. Thankfully, because of their long-term commitment and involvement within the community, they have developed many close relationships with the locals. The community is familiar with Next Step and they have worked hard to humbly earn their trust and respect.

February 16th Info Meeting

If your son/daughter is interested in or wants more information about the Short-Term Team, please join us for the informational meeting on Sunday, February 16, from 7:30-8:45pm in the youth worship center for parents and students. Parents AND students are required to participate in this meeting. This meeting will address questions, finances, expectations, & other informational details. By turning in your application and coming to this meeting, you are not obligated to commit to this team. If needed, we will give families three days following the informational meeting to decide if the student wants to participate in the team.

How Do I Make Sure I Get A Spot?

Spots are limited. Assuming the individual wants to commit to meet expectations, spots are given on a first come, first serve basis. So, if you want to go, please fill out these forms in advance of our first meeting on February 16.

Team Agreement

Our vision for this Short-Term Team is to provide opportunities for people to pursue spiritual growth and healthy relationships through serving one another. To accomplish this vision, we ask that you agree to the following:

Spiritual Development

  • I commit to discipline myself and to put a priority on growing deeper in my walk with Christ during the preparation process and during the week itself.
  • I will regularly engage in greater than 75% active participation in Sunday AM worship service & Sunday 9 AM Life Groups
    (Greater than 12 out of 17 weeks from February 16-June 7)
  • I will regularly engage in greater than 75% active participation in Collide Sunday PM
    (Greater than 8 out of 11 meetings from February 16-May 17)
  • I will fully engage in and attend ALL short-term team meetings (dates & times stated below) and growth opportunities (assignments)

Healthy Relationships

  • I will uphold the standard of behavior my team and I discuss and decide is necessary.
  • I will be willing & reflect the attitude of Christ at all times.
  • I will be sensitive to the culture in my words, actions, and dress. I will refrain from any activity or behavior that might be a stumbling block to any team member (before, during, and after the week), our partnership ministry, and the people I am seeking to influence.
  • I will refrain from a romantic relationship with another team member or a community member throughout the entire short-term team journey.
  • I will develop an attitude of service and flexibility. I commit to serve the team, the team leader, the community, and the workers in the field. I will bring a spirit of flexibility to the project, assuming that plans often change.
  • I will submit to the authority of the team leader. I realize I may be asked not to go or sent home by the team leader at my own expense if I do not adhere to the team agreement.
  • I will prepare myself spiritually, emotionally, and socially for this opportunity. If I am not able to meet these requirements, I will meet with the Student Ministries Pastor to find an agreeable solution or I will remove myself from the short-term team. If there is inappropriate behavior, the leader has the right (discretion), for the best of the group, to remove the individual from the short-term team. I (the student) realize I will still be responsible for the entire amount unless notified before February 28, 2020.

I Can Commit To These Meeting Dates:

  • Sunday, February 16, 7:30-8:45pm
    (Students & parents required, parents only participate in 1st meeting)
  • Sunday, March 8, 7:30-8:30pm
  • Saturday, March 14, 1:00-7:00 or 3:00-9:00pm
    (Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser)
  • Sunday, April 19, 7:30-9:00pm
  • Sunday, June 7, 7:00-9:00pm
  • Sunday, June 28, 8:30-9:30pm
    (Team Celebration)

Financial Agreement

I understand that I am financially responsible for the full cost and agree to raise funds or self-fund as necessary to meet this goal.

The total cost per person is $475. $475 includes almost everything our students will need (You will need to pay for 1 fast food meal on the way down)

Please do not let that total amount look daunting; the price should not hold back someone from serving on this short-term team. This price is already greatly subsidized from the Student Ministries budget. The price will go down from our Spaghetti Supper fundraiser (Lord willing, around $100).

If needed, there are scholarship applications available. If you want to go, but do not believe you can afford it, please communicate with Luke Diehl. Also, you have the option to write support letters to receive financial support.

Included in Cost:

  • Next Step Ministries Organization
    Staffing, Lodging, Food, Supplies
  • Travel Expenses
    Transportation, Meals, etc.
  • Group T-Shirt, Other Miscellaneous Expenses

Not Included in Cost:

  • Souvenirs, etc.
    (our purpose is not to be tourists)
  • 1 Fast Food Meal
    (students will pay for 1 meal during the trip)
  • Pit-Stop Snacks
    (snacks at a gas station or non-mealtime food)



Team Participant Form:

Click HERE to fill out the Next Step form online.