Trek-X: Collaborating With Great Minds

Today, I had a chance to brainstorm about Mobilizing Students with key movers & shakers in the Christian & secular world for lunch. Sitting around the table, sharing the heart & passion of Mobilizing Students with these leaders was inspiring as each one bought in to what we’re trying to accomplish by Launching the Next Generation Missionary.

The main focus of the day was to generate ideas for fine-tuning Trek-X which begins on August 14, discussing creative ways to get the word out to current high school & college students, and expanding our strategic partnerships with other organizations who share the same heart for students.

We had a marketing staffer from Dave Ramsey’s office, a board member from Taylor University, a financial analyst, two college students, a community group pastor, another creative marketing guru, a training expert for mission teams from Benchmark Adventure Ministries, a former US Marine/family ministry expert, and a few ideas generated from Seth Godin fanatics. This very diverse group listened carefully as I explained how our journey has morphed from coordinating mission trips for teenagers & student groups, to Trek-X which is a 4-year missional journey for college students, to eventually offering career missions opportunities.

The affirmation I received for what we’re trying to accomplish was very encouraging. Honestly, there are many days I feel like I’m the only one beating this drum, but the encouragement was uplifting and came from several different directions as the discussion progressed. They offered input such as...

The internet has broadened educational opportunities and made it mobile
The rising costs of college tuition make Trek-X a very attractive & affordable alternative for college students.
Christian colleges are also looking for something edgy to offer students that allows them to engage in cross-
cultural settings that broaden their perspective. (Christian Universities would make great partnerships)
Trek-X offers “biblical community” in an organic environment that is intentional with discipleship.
Future employers of college graduates are looking for students who’ve had experience leading groups, problem solving on the go, serving in multi-cultural/international settings, who’ve learned another language, and who’ve developed skills needed to lead people in a global setting.
Consider offering a “mini Trek-X” experience during summers that last for about 2 months. This would expose more students to the Trek-X journey, possibly resulting in increased enrollment for the 4-year journey.
Work to partner with Universities who offer online school for college students, even if they have to be on campus 1 or 2 weeks per semester to meet accreditation. This gives universities a way to keep students on their rolls via the online schooling, while offering a much cheaper option, that also gives them a broadened global experience.

Overall, I walked away super encouraged. As we move from CONCEPT, to LAUNCH on August 14, to PROVE this year in the ministry lifecycle of Trek-X, I pray God will give us wisdom to set the DNA right this first year, so Trek-X can eventually expand to other cities across America in years to come. If 88% of all students who spend 7 years in our youth ministries never come back to church after graduating high school, then we have got to restructure what we’re doing because it’s obviously not working or producing what we’d like. That’s another reason Trek-X will become a useful tool to train, disciple, & engage students in sharing the Gospel & planting house-churches around the world as they live life through a missional worldview.

I would love to hear your input on Trek-X as well. The main things I am concerned with are:

How do we get the word out about Trek-X to upcoming or existing college students? Right now, we are limited to events where I’m leading worship. That has to be broadened.

Thoughts? Comments?


Thank you so much for all your help and prayers as we move forward to Launch the Next Generation Missionary.
Until Every Nation Knows! (Hab. 1:5)

Chris White
President/Founder
Mobilizing Students

More info on Mission Trips/Trek-X/Career Missions for students (www.mobilizingstudents.com)
PURCHASE the new live album by the CHRISWHITEBAND called “Stronger”. (www.chriswhiteband.com)