MPN Overview

Introduction

Moses saw a burning bush. A blinding light stopped Saul in his tracks. Fishermen heard a call from the shore and dropped their nets.

Today, God is calling students to exchange their plans for an assignment of eternal significance. This life-changing call from God can be confusing and overwhelming.

The Missions Prep Network (MPN) is a resource for the next generation of spiritual leaders who have been called by God to serve around the world. Southern Baptist students currently enrolled in high school, college or seminary, exploring or pursing God's call to a Christian-related vocation, are eligible to join the MPN.

Purpose Statement

To lead high school, college and seminary students to successfully answer God's call to a Christian-related vocational ministry through networking, leadership development, and experience.

Called to Ministry - Now!

Students are hearing and responding to God's call. It doesn't matter how old they may be, God has chosen this time to begin revealing His plan. He is communicating with students and they are listening. The days ahead are a time of preparation for an eternal purpose.

God's call to vocational ministry is not an announcement of something that will take place in the future. It is an invitation to join Him immediately in His mission to redeem the world. A student's call begins the moment they answer God's call.

The Missions Prep Network guides students in understanding their unique call, providing leadership training to help them move from where they are to the place God wants them to be.

Starting Strong

There is a very different perspective of ministry from the pew to the pulpit. Individuals who are exploring or pursuing God's call to vocational ministry are often disillusioned by the rigors and demands placed on those called by God.

The MPN leads students to gain a more complete understanding of ministry by directing and encouraging them to interview individuals currently serving in various ministry settings.

The goal is to provide students with a realistic perspective of ministry before they begin long-term service and have their idea of ministry diminished by unmet expectations.

Students who are equipped and prepared for the role in which they will serve will be more likely to survive and thrive in demanding ministry environments.

Answer His Call Successfully

Biblical success is measured in faith and obedience. Those whom God has called to vocational ministry will be tested by both God and the world. It is imperative to pass these tests.

In an effort to equip, encourage, and prepare students to answer God's call successfully, the Missions Prep Network focuses on three areas of development: networking, leadership development, and experience.

It is through these three areas students are (1) connected with current ministry leaders and exposed to different types of ministry, (2) challenged to accept the leadership role God has called them to, and (3) act on God's call by engaging in ministry as a student.

MPN Membership

• Southern Baptists who are currently in high school, college and seminary exploring or pursuing God's call to a Christian-related vocation are eligible to join the Missions Prep Network.
  
• Students are eligible to continue membership as long as they are enrolled in school on a part-time or full-time basis.
  
• Students may terminate membership at any time.
  
• There is no fee or cost associated with membership.

Why Membership

MPN membership is necessary to establish profile information on each student. Student profile information allows MPN leadership to customize appropriate and/or time-sensitive information to be communicated to each student. Information regarding networking, leadership and experiential opportunities are customized for each member based on their student status (i.e. high school student, college student, or seminary student).

For example, a seminary student will be encouraged to talk with specific ministry leaders at state conventions which would not necessarily be appropriate for a ninth grader.

The Missions Prep Network respects the privacy of each student, parent and ministry leader and will not intentionally share, sell, or distribute profile information.

Communicating with Students

The MPN leadership team communicates directly with students via: email (from mpn@namb.net), postal mail, through our web site, and by telephone.

It is the students responsibility to maintain current contact information in order to benefit from the MPN. Though email is the primary and preferred means of communication with students, printed information will occasionally be sent to the student's address. Students may also be contacted via telephone on rare occasions.

A periodic e-newsletter, MPN Directions, will be emailed to students, providing practical information intended to guide them to network, develop leadership skills and engage in ministry and mission opportunities.

The MPN website serves as communication central for students and MPN leadership.

The MPN Web Site

Communication and information intended to assist students answer the call is available in the member-only section of the MPN. MPN members gain access to the member-only information after logging in through the home page.

No matter what vocational area students ultimately serve in, the MPN web site proves practical information that will help them take simple steps now to be better prepared for a life-time of service.

Self-assessment resources, definitions, articles and stories, opportunities for service on the local, state, national and international levels will broaden the student's perspective and understanding of Christian-related vocations. In addition, students will find timely information, surveys, videos, and advice from notable ministry leaders that will encourage students to stay on a clear path.

Students will also be encouraged to meet, interview and join ministry leaders in doing ministry while they are a student. The web site assists students in knowing who to contact and how to get started.

Contact Us

MPN Leadership Team
North American Mission Board
4200 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA  30022

MPN@namb.net

1 (888) 554-7729