We will focus on serving with our local partners to maximize the community impact, combined with an emphasis on relational evangelism. Ministry opportunities could include:
We will be serving alongside missionaries that support their local churches and seminaries. Our partners include pastors, seminary professors, and church planters who live in Germany and are passionate about sharing the gospel.
In Germany, culture is rich with religion and history. Most have heard of Jesus, but conversations about spirituality are typically discouraged; it's an entirely "Post-Christian" society. Churches often serve as historical relics, not thriving centers for spiritual growth, fostering skepticism toward religion as a relic of the past. People identify as "Lutheran" or "Catholic," a status often linked to birth certificates for taxation and ceremonies. Consequently, Germany is estimated to have less than 1% Evangelical Christians.
German hotels offer accommodations similar to those in the US. You can easily find familiar American foods during your stay. Germany also has an abundance of bakeries and ice cream shops, making it a carb lover's paradise!
Community Life Church values the safety of our trip participants. A designated curfew is mandatory for all participants. We strictly prohibit travel into potentially dangerous areas and closely monitor any threats. Non-compliance with safety rules may result in early departure at the participant's expense.
Germany offers various exciting opportunities for adventure during our mission trip. Some potential activities include:
The ideal candidate for this mission trip is someone with a compassionate heart for people who may not have a personal relationship with God. They should be comfortable with sowing spiritual seeds, even if immediate results aren't guaranteed. Resilience in the face of the reserved demeanor often found in Germans is crucial. Additionally, participants should possess creative thinking skills to create spiritual moments since traditional avenues, like humanitarian aid, may not be readily available. We'll need to engage the German people who have their material needs met but may not yet recognize their need for spirituality.
Before the trip, we'll have spiritual meetings, pre-trip devotionals, and readings to prepare team members. These gatherings focus on understanding your identity in Christ, sharing the Gospel through your story, and deepening your relationship with Christ. We encourage you to share the Gospel during the trip. After the work, we'll reflect on what the Lord has accomplished and taught you.
Do I need to get any vaccines? We recommend following the CDC Travel Guidelines for Germany outlined here. Please consult with your doctor to ensure you are up to date on all routine vaccines and follow any guidelines related to your specific health needs.
How much spending money should I bring? Personal preference! You will be responsible to pay for souvenirs, food in the airport, and food while out on excursions or at a market.
What is the travel itinerary? Flight information will be released as soon as flights are booked. Anyone who is registered will be notified immediately if there are any necessary date changes due to flights.
What is the daily itinerary while in country? Daily itineraries will be finalized closer to the trip date and will be provided at one of the pre-trip meetings.
What should I pack? Don't worry! Packing lists of required/recommended items will be provided prior to your trip.
Can you give me some fundraising tips? Yes! We understand this is a big commitment and we are here to help. We will provide tips and guidance after you have completed the registration process. Our biggest request is that you communicate with us early and often and at the first sign you may not be able to meet a funding milestone.
Do I need trip insurance? We highly recommend trip insurance and have options available through Faith Ventures once you are registered for the trip. Check out another option here: Volunteer Card
Helpful links: U.S. Passports, U.S. Embassy in Germany