Lutheran Campus Mission Association

Peer Missionary Volunteers

Graduating soon? Consider spending a year making a difference in the community that's been your home for the past several years. Become a Peer Missionary Volunteer for a Lutheran campus ministry or congregational young adult ministry.

Why Peer Missionary Volunteers?

Many campus or young adult ministries are served by one church worker—most often a local congregation's pastor, a director of Christian education, a part-time coordinator, or a volunteer. Campus or young adult group sizes run from fewer than 10 to around 50 or 60, and, depending on other responsibilities, the one ministry worker typically has the capacity for effective ministry to groups in that range.

But the potential for ministry is often higher (sometimes dramatically higher). But to expand ministry to students and young adults and maintain the effectiveness of current ministry, a worker needs to be able to expand or enhance his or her capacity.

To accomplish this, Lutheran Campus Mission Association (LCMA) has established the role of Peer Missionary Volunteer.

Position

A Peer Missionary Volunteer (CMV) accepts a one-year assignment to assist a ministry worker and/or ministry staff in reaching out to a campus community or to the young adults in a community; coaching student and lay leaders; operating day-to-day ministry activities; and recruiting students and/or young adults for various sharing and service opportunities.

Peer Missionary Volunteer Selection and Service Process*

A Peer Missionary Volunteer (PMV) candidate will be interviewed first by a committee from LCMA, then by the local ministry. Reasonable background checks, references, etc. will be included in this process.
The PMV will be expected to raise the funds and/or work part-time to provide for his or her living expenses. A reasonable estimate the amount necessary to raise for a year's PMV service might be six to seven thousand dollars. A portion of the funds raised is to be placed with LCMA and allotted monthly during the academic year.
It is anticipated that the PMV will have a part-time job while engaged on a local campus; ideally, this will serve a twofold purpose—providing income and placing the PMV in an environment in which he or she can be in regular contact with young adults.
Housing will be worked out with the local ministry providing direction/advice. Housing may be provided in some cases.
The PMV will be required to take a specified number of LCMA's online courses before the academic year begins.
On July 1, prior to the academic year, the PMV will begin a mentoring program with the participating campus ministry.
A certification program would be available following the academic year served.

Lutheran Campus Mission Association Involvement

LCMA will provide online training content, as well as the follow-up program leading to certification.
LCMA will provide public relations, communications and fund raising support.
LCMA will provide access to short-term health insurance possibilities if needed.

* Subject to revision

Status

LCMA begins accepting applications April 1 each year.

For more information about LCMA's PMV program, please complete and submit the form below.

For a printable PDF about the PMV program, click here.