As a college student at the University of North Carolina and a member of the BSU, I sought ways to connect with like-minded students who had a heart for mission work and spiritual development. As soon as I learned about the opportunities for summer missions, I applied. Throughout my college years, I worked at a summer youth camp on the coast, served as a youth minister at a church, and worked with youth at a church in England. These summer mission opportunities, arranged by the North Carolina Baptist Convention, were some of the most formative and influential experiences of my college career. I grew in boundless ways — developing ministry skills, asking theological questions, discerning vocational aspirations, and creating lifelong friendships. Because of these experiences and my desire to offer young adults today similar experiences, I agreed to help Paula launch the Alliance of Baptists’ exciting initiative, Summer Communities of Service.

In collaboration with the United Church of Christ, we will provide summer mission-learning opportunities for young adults, ages 18-30. In 2010, at least three Alliance congregations will each host three young adult volunteers, providing housing, meals and spiritual direction. These young adults will serve four days a week in a hands-on capacity with a local ministry connected with a congregation, an existing Alliance mission partner, or a community agency committed to social justice. They will live in intentional community, participate in the life of the congregation, and engage in reflection and faith conversations related to their service. 

Since the mid 1990s, the Alliance has had a relationship with the UCC. Working collaboratively on summer mission experiences for young adults is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties among local Alliance and UCC host congregations. Young adults applying to the program will have the prospect of being placed in either Alliance-affiliated or UCC-affiliated churches — think of the exciting ecumenical engagement and discussion that will take place!  

Several Alliance churches across the country have been approached to be host congregations and all have expressed excitement for this project. For 2010, we are likely to have host congregations in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Winston-Salem or Raleigh. The UCC will have host congregations in Arizona and potentially Texas.  Several Alliance mission partners in those cities have also expressed great interest in having young adults serve as summer missionaries. The energy and enthusiasm is palpable in every conversation Paula and I have had with folks in the Alliance network. 

Applications will be accepted on the Alliance Website beginning in December. Do you know young adults in your church or academic settings, or are you one who wants to serve next summer? Keep an eye out for updates and the application. Do you, like me, want to ensure that this initiative flourishes and becomes sustainable for years to come? Please consider giving your financial support to the Alliance. The Spirit is moving and we are looking forward to the fruits that will emerge from this project.