ACTS Teams F.A.Q.

ACTS Teams are short-term, intergenerational mission teams through Churches of God, General Conference. These teams are designed to help participants grow closer to God, experience the Gospel at work in a different culture, and see missions as part of everyday life. They also create connection between our USA church members and our International churches and congregations. Our International churches are incredibly encouraged by our visits. ACTS Teams usually visit, encourage, and worship with local congregations, plan and lead children's outreach/ministry events, and perform some service project work, (painting, gardening, construction, etc.). ACTS Teams are unique, in that the strengths & giftings of the individual team members are utilized to develop the trip itinerary.

ACTS Teams offer a chance to serve others, grow spiritually, experience ministry in different cultures, build friendships with other believers, and use personal gifts such as teaching, leading, building, singing, preaching, and encouraging others.

Applicants must be active in a local church congregation, be of sound Christian character and good mental health, support the ministries of the Churches of God, General Conference, be willing to submit to the discipline of the Churches of God, General Conference, and have some demonstrated skill in Christian ministry and leadership.

Once a participant is approved,& pays the confirmation deposit, they receive fundraising materials to help them begin raising support. These materials include a shareable donation link that can be emailed or posted on social media, a sample fundraising letter that can be used as written or edited, and a printable PDF that can be distributed to family and friends. The PDF can be mailed in with donations, or donors can scan the QR code on it to give online.

Finances should not stand in the way if someone truly feels God is calling them to serve through an ACTS Team. A major part of the ACTS experience is trusting God’s provision and watching how He meets financial needs in unexpected and humbling ways. Many participants are encouraged by the people God uses to provide support. Jenn is also available to help with additional fundraising ideas, but the main encouragement is to trust God and His provision.

No. ACTS Teams include both adults and minors, though minors have additional requirements depending on the team location and their age. All applicants under age 18 must have a completed parental consent form signed by a parent or guardian. For USA ACTS Teams, minors ages 12 to 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult and also receive approval from team leaders. Minors age 16 and older may apply without an accompanying adult. For international ACTS Teams, all minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, regardless of age. Acceptance is also contingent on approval from the team leaders.

Minor applicants must submit: - a completed online application - a recent photo - a signed parental consent form - two completed references—One of the two references must be from the applicant’s pastor.

Applications will not be processed until all required materials have been received, including the completed application, photo, parental consent form (if applicable), and two references—one from a pastor.

Applicants should choose two individuals to complete reference forms. After the application is submitted, the applicant will receive an email with a link to the online reference form to send to those references. The forms must be completed by the references themselves.

Yes. Teams are limited in size, and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

After the application is processed & approved, participants will receive & must complete the confirmation form and submit a non-refundable $100 deposit payable to CGGC. This deposit is deducted from the total balance due. This secures your spot on the team and indicates your commitment. After this step is complete, you will receive an email with fundraising materials and information.

Participants are responsible for their transportation to and from the airport. For most teams traveling outside the country, participants are also responsible for obtaining and paying for their own passport and VISAS if necessary.

The trip cost includes transportation from a designated meeting point to the mission site and back, transportation on the mission site, meals during the trip, tips, housing, supplies, materials, and typically one side trip or sightseeing excursion when possible.

Yes. Donors can give online toward a participant’s trip. They can also mail in checks. Both online and mail-in donations are tax-deductible.

The remaining balance must be raised and paid no later than 30 days before the trip departure date.

Questions about the ACTS Team ministry or application process can be directed to Jenn in the CGGC office at 419-424-1961 or JennS@cggc.org.

If a participant cancels after submitting the confirmation form, funds received for that person’s account cannot be refunded because tax-deductible receipts are issued for each gift received. Airline tickets are also non-refundable and non-transferable.