STEP gets you past the adrenalin high of short-term missions to deeper cross-cultural exposure. Learn from international leaders, immerse in local language and culture and serve in practical ways.
Since 2003, STEP has designed team internships to give young people realistic, intensive and developmental cross-cultural ministry experience. Teams spend ten weeks training in the Bronx, NY and complete 6 months of ministry in Honduras or India in partnership with local churches.
We've just added West India as a new ministry site for the 2011/2012 STEP Program!
For more information about the STEP programs, check out the following overviews.
Follow our current teams through their blogs!
STEP gets you past the adrenalin high of short-term missions to deeper cross-cultural exposure. Learn from international leaders, immerse in local language and culture and serve in practical ways.
Since 2003, STEP has designed team internships to give young people realistic, intensive and developmental cross-cultural ministry experience. Teams spend ten weeks training in the Bronx, NY and complete 6 months of ministry in Honduras or India in partnership with local churches.
We've just added West India as a new ministry site for the 2011/2012 STEP Program!
For more information about the STEP programs, check out the following overviews.
Follow our current teams through their blogs!
"It was hard to take the first step but it was so worth it! I learned to fully rely and depend on God for everything that I needed. I learned to persevere when it would have been much easier to quit and go home. I also learned to rest and have peace in the only One who is peace. Oh, and I learned Spanish!"
— Emily Stoner
"STEP stretched me in all the right ways. It challenged my views of what living for Christ really meant. It wasn’t enough to just know scripture. You have to live it."
— Jake Spidel
"I learned what it means to develop deep relationships with people. I learned what it means to live in a community whose members strengthen each other in faith. I learned what it means to rely on Him during every waking moment and what it means to be sensitive to His leading. I learned what it means to have a God-given passion and I began to see God revealing my own to me. If I could sum up my experiences with STEP in one word, it would be "change." Through going to Honduras, my worldview has changed, my perspectives have changed, and my heart has changed. I will never be the same."
— Carey Heisey
Who can be part of a STEP team?
Do I have to be Brethren in Christ?
Anyone between the ages of 18-30 who has a relationship with Jesus Christ and is interested in cross-cultural ministry can apply. Although STEP is a Brethren in Christ program, it is open to participants from all denominations.
Can I do STEP as a college student?
STEP is recommended for participants before or after college; however, if you are thinking about taking a year off during the middle of your college education, STEP would be a great option! Currently, we are unable to offer college credit for completing the STEP program.
Can I apply if I’m married?
Yes! STEP is open to both singles and married couples.
What makes STEP unique?
STEP has proven to have a profound impact in the lives of young adults. Here are some elements that make it unique among similar programs:
- Language learning is a large and foundational component of the STEP program that you may not find in other cross-cultural discipleship internships. With no previous language study, you can expect at a minimum to be able to communicate at a basic level, both verbally and written, in the language of your outreach country by the time outreach phase is completed.
- Each outreach country has its own adult STEP directors who work full time with the STEP participants, organizing experiential and learning opportunities for you. Your directors will serve as personal mentors and will walk alongside of you as you learn, grow and serve God during your time of outreach.
- STEP affirms the strength and power of local congregations where you’ll serve, and the unity of the Church worldwide. You’ll build on and enhance your knowledge of the global Church and a sense of the ministry, service and community of the Brethren in Christ.
Can I reach a person who is currently in STEP or was at some time?
Dozens of young people have been through the STEP program since the very first team in 2003. For contact information of former participants, please contact Vicky Landis.
I still have questions. Who should I talk to?
For any further questions or more information, contact Vicky Landis.
Vicky Landis, BICWM mobilization administrator, at vlandis@bic-church.org or 717-697-2634 x5407.
If you have any questions about the application, or need a printed copy, please feel free to contact us at step@bic-church.org.
