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How to Plan a Local Work Project



Purpose of a Local Project

We aim to offer more than just a weeklong mission trip; our goal is to equip your students with the tools and training for a lifetime of missional living.


This local project enables students to experience missions in their own community, emphasizing that missional living isn't a one-time event. These hands-on mission experiences allow them to serve locally while meeting the needs of your community.

Engaging in a local work project fosters trust and strengthens relationships. Working together toward a common goal builds relational bonds that will pay dividends not only this summer but the future as well. This shared purpose naturally promotes Christian fellowship within your group.


After attending World Changers, we anticipate that your students will be eager to serve. By engaging in a local project, you're laying the groundwork for ongoing patternships when you return.


Lastly, the purpose is to provide participants with a half-day ministry experience similar to what they'll encounter at a World Changers Project. Some students may be unfamiliar with the service they'll provide at World Changers. By making preparations beforehand, our Group Leaders help ensure our effectiveness in serving communities during our summer projects.



Project Selection

All World Changers projects require hard physical labor and group effort. These elements are great to include in your local work project in order to best prepare them for their project this summer.


Consider The Following When Selecting Your Project:


  • Search for construction or repair projects which can be done in one day, utilizing the people and the skill levels that are available to you. If you are registered for a Community project leading a one-day camp or Backyard Bible Club is another appropriate service option.

  • Determine or research a source of funding for the materials or supplies for this short-term or one-day project. Perhaps your church has budgeted money for missions projects your group could use in this endeavor.

  • Make a checklist of supplies or tools participants will need to bring to the project.

  • Determine tools or supplies and materials that will be needed for the project. Seek the help of a local contractor or handyman to estimate materials and for assistance in getting them delivered to the work or ministry site.

  • Determine availability of bathroom facilities at the project site.

  • Emphasize the specifics of appropriate clothing for a World Changers project. Stress that this dress code will be enforced at the one-day event.



Executing The Project


  • Secure break supplies: a water cooler, ice, cups or bottled water and snacks.

  • Make arrangements for lunch. Either require individual participants to bring personal sack lunches, or enlist an adult group from the church to provide lunch on-site. If necessary, provide drinks for lunch. If participants need to bring lunches, inform them beforehand.

  • Enlist student and adult leaders to fill crew positions for the one-day project: a crew encourager; a first-aid coordinator; a safety coordinator; a break master; an evangelism recorder; a devotion leader; and a crew chief per site. If your group is small, then combine positions.

  • Make preparations for a devotion at the work site.

  • Prepare a first-aid kit for the first-aid coordinator at each site.

  • Secure New Testaments and evangelistic tracts for participants to use at sites.

  • Require and secure a medical release form for each participant. This form should comply with church policy regarding minors at church-sponsored activities.

  • Arrange transportation to and from each site.

  • Arrange for disposal of and removal of trash and used materials from sites.


Local Project Examples


  • Offer assistance to homebound/elderly church members who need yard work or painting

  • Partner with your local association and see if there are any day projects that your group could complete

  • Connect with local schools and see if students could help with campus beautification (cleaning, painting, yard work)

  • Compile a list of needs your church facility has (painting, weeding, pressure washing, cleaning)

  • Reach out to local homeless shelters

  • Look for ministry project opportunities at local nursing homes

  • Provide car wash/cleaning services to elderly and homebound church members

  • Sort, organize, or prepare food for a local food pantry



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