Thank you for your interest in MorningStar Ministries’ Stay.Pray.Engage. (SPE) program. 

MorningStar would like to connect with mission-minded people who want to join us for an initial six-month period (which can be extended to twelve months) to STAY.PRAY.ENGAGE.  Our goal is to attract Christians willing to share their work experience and skills to contribute to our ministry infrastructure in exchange for rent-free housing and a food plan.  Each SPE volunteer will be assigned to a department they have a heart to serve in, based on their skills/gifts and our ministry need. A list and description of these departments and their locations are provided at the back of the application. 

It has been our experience that people often receive a new sense of fulfillment and satisfaction by engaging in short-term ministry experiences. MorningStar’s SPE program offers a six to twelve month opportunity for men and women from around the world to come and join our team through a volunteer/ministry experience. Orientations are ongoing, depending on the needs of the ministry.

The heart of this experience is to gather individuals with like-minded goals.  This does not mean that everyone who participates desires to be in “full-time ministry.”  We expect, however, that many SPE volunteers may be in transition points in their lives, possibly between jobs, or seeking future direction.

 

UPON ARRIVAL

Upon arrival, each participant will undergo an orientation program to help them settle in and introduce them to their primary work responsibilities and colleagues. Details will be provided about the goals and expectations for their SPE volunteer period. 

 

ACCOMMODATION

The living accommodations provided will be one of the MorningStar campuses throughout the world, with our Fort Mill and Moravian Falls locations being the best known.  Lodging is for single men, women, or married couples.  Regretfully, we are not presently equipped to accommodate pets or couples with children.  Accommodation will be dorm-style housing with bed, refrigerator, and microwave provided.  Participants will be paired with same gender volunteers from around the world.  This can be an enriching and rewarding experience but might also be challenging for those who have not lived with a roommate before.  Rooms are clean, safe, and comfortable but are not luxury environments.  There will be laundry facilities provided on every campus. Each SPE volunteer is expected to engage in ministry programs and work assignments throughout their stay.  Six to twelve months can quickly pass by, and we want our participants to experience everything they can. More information on exact accommodations will be provided by your supervisor/coach.

 

MEALS

Meals will be taken together in a cafeteria setting with breakfast and lunch provided every day except Sunday.  Evening meals are not provided. Participants may purchase their own groceries and prepare meals for themselves if desired.  Occasionally, meals will be provided on site of the assignment for the day.

 

CORE GOALS OF THE SPE WORK/TRAINING EXPERIENCE

Your assigned place in this program will focus around your work/training experience. Before you arrive, the staff director will prepare your specific assignment based on your application and the needs of the ministry.  We at MorningStar are working together as a team to fulfill what we believe is our calling in the great commission.  Whether tedious or exhilarating, each role is important.  It is expected that each one will “do their work as unto the Lord.”  The primary focus of this program is to provide an opportunity to more deeply engage with the ministry of MorningStar, rather than to train SPE volunteers.  Therefore, unlike some of our other programs, these experiences will center more on the work at hand than the volunteer.  You are expected to report for your assignments ready, willing, and able to work.  Assignments will be closely monitored by the supervisor/coach.

 

TYPICAL WORK ASSIGNMENTS

Work assignments will cover all aspects of the ministry, including tasks such as grounds keeping and food service, to IT/WEB and housekeeping, and are typically designed to be a 32-hour work week. Some of the jobs will be both mentally and physically demanding, and it is important that you be prepared for hard work and a changing environment. You will be assigned to a supervisor who can help you through your stay of engagement.

 

SPIRITUAL TRAINING/DISCIPLING

Stay. Pray. Engage. is designed to provide you with enriching, spiritual participation in the MorningStar community. Your supervisor/coach will guide you in how to take part in community activities. These can include ministry assignments through our ministry teams, outreach opportunities, school and university activities, as well as Connect Groups, prayer meetings, and other community events. Your supervisor/coach will meet with you from time-to-time to provide direction and support for your time here.

 

FINANCES

MorningStar firmly believes in promoting personal financial responsibility. Each person enrolled in the S.P.E. Program is responsible for their own expenses. Our expectation is that S.P.E. volunteers believe they are called here sacrificially for a six to twelve month period. We do, however, provide an accounting facility for individuals who desire to raise support, and we offer tax-exempt receipts to their donors. Information on how the accounting system works can be requested by contacting SPE at spe@mstarm.org. Donations are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per month per volunteer. Because the majority of basic living expenses are provided, those participating should only need finances for personal items such as transportation, meals not covered, etc., and we do not believe these costs should exceed $1,500 per month. All participants are responsible for their own public and private debt and are absolutely not to ask other S.P.E. participants, MorningStar staff or leadership, MSU students, or hotel guests for support. Participants are required to sign a statement that they understand all their personal needs are their own responsibility. With responsibility and maturity, we expect each volunteer to provide for their own financial needs with savings, other income sources, or donations from their friends, family, or church members. We do not specify a minimum amount to be in place before starting the program.

 

REMOVAL FROM THE PROGRAM

It is our goal to provide an opportunity for you to experience life-changing engagement in MorningStar Ministries.  It is not always possible to judge the “fit” of each person until he or she has been on-site and engaged in the program for some time. To assist in this process, there is a thirty-day review for all participants, as well as an ongoing biweekly assessment of spiritual maturity, character, and participation in work assignments. We expect each person to show high standards and a good attitude. If at any time after the thirty days it is judged that there is a need for a participant to be removed, he or she will be given a reasonable notice to leave the program and will be provided with exit counseling. The supervisor will work with our team to make the transition as smooth as possible. Grounds for immediate removal include persons that become a danger to themselves or others, exhibit immoral behavior or subordination, or significantly violate policy and procedures. We believe this is important for the benefit of all who live and work at MorningStar.

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OFFERED DURING STAY.PRAY.ENGAGE. PARTICIPATION:

• Free registration for MorningStar conferences held in Fort Mill, SC.
• Free unlimited MSTV.