Communication, Leadership

How a “Trader” Is a New Kind of Missionary

Trader Projects

In my Youth Pastor days, we worked through something called Trader Projects. It was part of our High School Discipleship series. (For more info, you can check out the related posts based around Surrender Self & What Is A Trader?)

The students set up official officers (President, Vice Pres., Secretary & Treasurer), and chose the type of ministry, or service that they endeavour to invest in. As they worked through the process, some of the people and places got sorted out. Then some dates were placed for project benchmarks. The projects started to take shape.

Then I encouraged the groups to start forming a mission, or vision statement for their project. Their ideas have started to take shape, but without a well-established purpose, projects can start to move in alternate directions.

After this instruction, the groups scattered.

I remember circling through our small groups, checking on progress. I heard excitement and anticipation as the plans were unfolding for each project. Mission and vision were unfolding! I was convinced that our students had chosen to invest themselves (and their $100 seed money) into some amazing ministry opportunities.

Youth-Led Service

The students were expected to unveil and present their Trader Projects during a Youth-Led Worship Service. This gave the congregation an opportunity to catch some of the vision of these students’ projects.

Join the Conversation, Leave Your Thoughts

  • What’s your Trader Project?
  • How will you trade up?
  • Who will you impact?

Your thoughts are valuable! Why not leave a few?