Each Mystery Monday has three main components. First, we connect our student ministry to a real need in their own backyard—needs they may not have known existed. By partnering with nonprofits, students join in work that is already established, effective, and rooted in long-term relationships. This teaches humility, collaboration, and respect for those who have been faithfully serving the community for years. Along the way, students encounter real-world challenges such as poverty, food insecurity, and social inequality, while also witnessing stories of hope and resilience. These experiences strengthen their character, deepen their empathy, and give them a fuller picture of what it means to love their neighbors as Christ commanded. Mission is not just something “out there” in distant places—it begins right here, shaping disciples who see service as a lifelong calling rather than a short-term trip.
Second, Mystery Mondays are not only about serving but also about learning. As Chap Clark and Kara Powell remind us, many mission trips and service projects, though meaningful, often remain at the surface. The problems run deeper than a paint job or fundraiser can solve. That’s why education is essential. To pursue deep justice means asking harder questions: Why does poverty persist in a particular neighborhood? What systems sustain inequality? How do power and policy disadvantage some groups? And what does lasting change look like? Deep justice calls us to move from doing for people to doing with people—listening, building relationships, and even embracing uncomfortable work like advocacy, systemic change, and self-examination.
Finally, each Mystery Monday ends with connection. After serving, we intentionally engage in team-building activities that allow students to celebrate the lessons they’ve learned together. Laughter, reflection, and shared experiences help cement the day’s growth. Serving side by side not only fuels stronger teams but also shapes a community of students who are learning to live out justice, mercy, and love in Christ—together.
You never know where or how long a day might go, but most last about 4–5 hours. You will need to signup in advance so we have enough seatbelts and supplies. We hope you’ll join us for our four Mystery Mondays this summer—where serving meets learning, and ordinary students become everyday disciples.
Past Mystery Mondays Examples
Academy 4 Mentor Training / Poverty / Cidercade
Feed My Starving Children / World Hunger / Activate
CEC Enrichment Center / Homelessness / Bowling
Second, Mystery Mondays are not only about serving but also about learning. As Chap Clark and Kara Powell remind us, many mission trips and service projects, though meaningful, often remain at the surface. The problems run deeper than a paint job or fundraiser can solve. That’s why education is essential. To pursue deep justice means asking harder questions: Why does poverty persist in a particular neighborhood? What systems sustain inequality? How do power and policy disadvantage some groups? And what does lasting change look like? Deep justice calls us to move from doing for people to doing with people—listening, building relationships, and even embracing uncomfortable work like advocacy, systemic change, and self-examination.
Finally, each Mystery Monday ends with connection. After serving, we intentionally engage in team-building activities that allow students to celebrate the lessons they’ve learned together. Laughter, reflection, and shared experiences help cement the day’s growth. Serving side by side not only fuels stronger teams but also shapes a community of students who are learning to live out justice, mercy, and love in Christ—together.
You never know where or how long a day might go, but most last about 4–5 hours. You will need to signup in advance so we have enough seatbelts and supplies. We hope you’ll join us for our four Mystery Mondays this summer—where serving meets learning, and ordinary students become everyday disciples.
Past Mystery Mondays Examples
Academy 4 Mentor Training / Poverty / Cidercade
Feed My Starving Children / World Hunger / Activate
CEC Enrichment Center / Homelessness / Bowling