Ministries

Missions

Living on mission is how we move the gospel forward in Charlottesville, at UVA, and around the world.

Short-term Mission Opportunities
Long-term Mission Opportunities
Local Mercy Opportunities

Below are two ways Center Church is partnering to reach our community.

Refugee Ministry

Join us as we serve the nations here in Charlottesville! Use your giftings to partner with us in investing in, sharing with, and praying for the people that the Lord has brought to our city.

Get Connected

CarePortal

Partner with us as we work with CarePortal to respond to the needs of kids and families in crisis here in our community. We believe that Jesus calls us to serve the least and the last in our community by providing for their physical, relational, and spiritual needs as a team.

Get Connected
Short-Term Mission Opportunities

Grow in your faith, serve long term missionaries, and partner with churches around the world.

Go with us to experience life in another culture, learn to share the gospel, care for our missionaries and begin the journey of discovering your role in God’s global mission.

South Asia

Puerto Rico

Zambia

Eastern Europe

Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions?

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What are the qualifications to go on a short-term mission trip?
  • A follower of Christ.
  • Humility to learn from and serve others.
  • Membership at Center is not required, but we do ask that each participant has been through Starting Point.
What does the trip cost cover?

The trip cost covers airfare, transportation, lodging, meals, ministry expenses, visas, and supplemental travel medical insurance. The trip cost does not cover passport application or renewal (if applicable), immunizations (if applicable), medications, phone plans, or fees from online fundraising.

The cost listed on the website is a general estimate for each trip location. The actual cost may vary slightly depending on unique expenses such as airfare and lodging. Center Staff will communicate with you the exact cost during the onboarding process.

Generally speaking, personal funds are not necessary once you are on the trip. Participants may choose to bring money for souvenirs.

What is the application process like?

There are a few steps to go on a short-term mission trip:

First, each participant must fill out the form on the missions page of the website.

The next step will be a short (30 minute) phone call with our staff.

Thirdly, each participant will be sent a team member guide to review before being added to the trip roster.

Can I afford to go?

Few Short-term Team Members fund the entirety of the trip themselves. You are encouraged to raise support because the process of support raising will better prepare you for your ministry in multiple ways. Upon acceptance to a team, you will be coached and equipped to successfully raise support to cover the cost of your trip.

All giving to the trip whether personally or through support-raising is tax-deductible.

Is it safe?

Safety can never be guaranteed. That’s true when traveling abroad or on your daily commute. But we certainly do our best to keep our teams, partners and the locals we serve safe. We do purchase insurance for each participant for each day they are on the trip. Regardless of the country/location we enter, the risk of persecution is far greater for our field partners and locals than for our teams. If applicable, care will be taken to protect their identity and ministry. But ultimately, we go in the authority of Jesus and with the assurance of His promise to be with us always.

Will I need a passport?

All international locations require a valid passport. To be considered valid, many countries require that upon arrival, there be at least six months left until the passport expires, even if you plan on leaving before your passport’s expiration. Generally, it takes 2-3 months to get a new passport. Paying for an expedited one will generally get you a passport in 3-5 weeks.

What if I have more questions?

Fill out our interest form, and our Missions Staff will be in touch!

Fill out the form.

Long-Term Mission Opportunities

Considering going long term? We want to help! 

Why do we send?

In obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18), we send our people to take the Gospel to those who have never heard it—for God’s glory among all nations.

What is a long-term missionary?

A long-term missionary is someone who commits two or more years to multiply the gospel, disciples, and churches amongst the nations.

If I’m sent, will I be supported?

Of course! We are committed to supporting those that we send. One way we do that is by equipping each Sent-One with a Global Care Team made up of members of our church who will encourage them, pray for them, and advocate for them.

How can I be sent?

If you feel the Lord is leading you to serve as a long-term missionary, or if you have any questions, we would love to connect with you. Our Missions Department is committed to walking with you through the discernment, preparation, and departure processes!

I'm Interested

What does preparation look like for being sent?

We have a Global Discipleship Pathway that is made up of semesterly courses, discipleship material, and Short Term Trips. If you are interested in missions at all, jumping into our Introduction Course would be a great first step!

I'm Interested