Go Global with SBU's CGC
What is the CGC?
Southwest Baptist University’s Center for Global Connections (CGC) coordinates domestic and international ministry projects, giving you an opportunity to experience diverse cultures, serve others, and share the Good News of the Gospel. The Center for Global Connections is dedicated to representing Christ globally by equipping the SBU community to live on mission (locally, domestically, and globally) and providing participants strategic educational experiences to be holistically transformed.
"CGC trips have transformed me in a lot of ways. I have learned to show Christ in
everything I do and have formed close bonds with other believers."
Ashley Scott
Elementary education major from Raymore, Mo.
Why does the CGC exist?
The purpose of the CGC is to connect you to a larger world. You should see your neighbor, your city, your country, "the ends of the earth" and be compelled to act. The CGC is committed to developing student leaders for a global society. You must learn to care for others while preparing to serve with others as a team. The CGC leads students into the global classroom to learn and to minister to others physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Thousands of students have served through the CGC since the department was founded, making it one of the largest short-term volunteer programs in the United States. These projects will expose you to short-term ministry in a cross-cultural context, develop grace oriented leadership, and provide a healthy, safe, and loving community experience.
How are CGC projects chosen?
CGC staff members work to select and establish service project opportunities. Most projects are formed through a connection already established with a church, alum, or mission organization. Projects are chosen based on opportunity for long-term impact.
Serve with the CGC
The CGC provides access to a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in a cross-cultural context. Some types of ministry opportunities that you can participate with the CGC include:
- Villages
- Disaster relief
- Inner city
- Trekking/village
- Teaching English
- Refugees/immigrants
- Youth/children's ministry
- Medical
- Hygiene/nutrition education
- Well drilling/clean water
- First American Reservation work
The CGC offers projects year-round in a variety of locations both domestically and internationally. They also facilitate the Contact program, an opportunity geared toward SBU graduates who are committed to serving overseas for a full year.
Prepare for a CGC Project
When you choose to participate in a CGC project you are enrolled in a course that fulfills an Intercultural Studies academic credit. This is a requirement of anyone who wishes to be a part of a CGC ministry team. These ministry teams are not seen merely as an extra-curricular activity but as a valuable opportunity for you to learn, grow, serve, and reach the world beyond yourself. The curriculum for this course is designed to be fulfilled through both weekly trainings and an on-field experience. The CGC holds trainings for each team specific to the needs of the project to ensure you are well prepared for your particular task.
Over the course of a semester prior to leaving, the CGC staff will partner with you and come alongside you as you plan, train, and fundraise for your trip. The CGC staff is committed to your spiritual development and well-being as you seek to serve in various locations. You will also develop deep relationships with your fellow teammates, with whom you will work closely with in the months leading up to departure.
CGC teams meet regularly throughout the semester leading up to the trip or project to prepare spiritually and logistically. CGC participants receive safety and security training relevant to their destination location and type of service project. You will be prepared to minimize risk, promote safe travel habits, learn about the culture you will encounter, and establish contingency plans and emergency procedures.
Join a CGC Project
For those interested in serving on a ministry team, please contact the Center for Global Connections at (417) 328-1900 or stop by the CGC office in the Goodson Student Union.