The Purpose
The purpose of the Hawaii Summer Outreach Team is to network PLNU students with the ongoing ministry efforts of the Church of the Nazarene in Hawaii. Working in a supportive role alongside the pastor and the congregation, the focus of each student’s efforts is determined solely by the host church. Typically, one or two PLNU students are assigned to each church.
A student may serve in any designated area of church service including children, youth evangelism and discipleship, music, and community based outreach. Congregations requesting a PLNU student are asked to make as specific requests in regards to ministry activities. This is done through the Request Form.
Since the student program is also designed to educate and equip the student with experiences that will strengthen his/her individual future, occupation, and life goals, the student should be viewed as an assistant to the pastor in the context of a mentoring relationship. Students will have varying degrees of experience in church ministry and will need regular, caring, and constructive feedback.
It is important to note that some but not all students who apply for the program are considering a life of ministry, and that this is a time for them to serve in the context of full time ministry. In other words, this can be a formative, shaping time in the life of a student. Pastors and congregations have the potential of playing a key role in helping the student to clarify life direction. Not all students who apply are going into full time ministry. Many simply desire the opportunity to give a summer of service. These students also need mentoring and shaping, for they will have unique perspectives on being strong laypersons after serving the church in a situation like this.
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