Is your student ministry just taking trips—or forming missionaries?
In this episode, Elevate host Evan Kunz sits down with Amy-Jo Girardier and Mac Johnson to explore how student mission journeys can do far more than fill a summer calendar. You’ll hear stories from over two decades of ministry, get practical frameworks for building mission partnerships, and discover how short-term trips can spark long-term calling.Whether you're shaping your first student mission trip or deepening your church's sending culture, this episode will help you equip the next generation for a life on mission.Episode Guests: Timestamps:00:00 – Why student missions matter03:00 – How the student missions strategy began08:00 – From student minister to global worker13:00 – Shifting from trips to discipleship20:00 – The “Here, There, Everywhere” model27:00 – Teaching mission theology to students33:00 – The power of long-term partnerships42:00 – What makes a mission trip stick48:00 – Helping students pray, give, and go53:00 – Training students to share their faith59:00 – How short trips spark lifelong calling1:08:00 – Preparing students—and their parents—for life after the trip1:14:00 – Creating co-pilot moments for the next generationResources Mentioned:Elevate Church Conference | September 9, 2025Join us for the Elevate Church Conference at Brentwood Baptist in Nashville, TN. Learn from seasoned church leaders, grow your ministry team, and gain practical tools for your church’s next chapter. Register now at elevatechurchconference.com
