Apex uses short-term trips as a tool to accomplish this goal. We believe that these experiences are powerful tools for all involved, even though trips run the risk of being counterproductive and often times are negatively perceived. Just because a tool can be used poorly, does that mean we should throw away the tool? We believe that intentional short-term trips planned with the guidance and insight of experienced local ministry leaders benefit everyone involved.

Each Apex experience should accomplish at least these three objectives:

1. Assist in long-term work that will continue when the trip comes to a close
2. Increase the chances of local non-Christians encountering the gospel
3. Challenge, teach and equip the participants to love Christ more, and join Him in His work

If the long-term ministry is more equipped and energized to do its job; if the locals had a chance to hear about Jesus or meet a long-term worker who can share Christ with them; if the student loves Jesus more and is more excited about joining in the mission—how could we pass up the opportunity of sending students on trips?

How does Apex support work in local contexts internationally and domestically?

Whether it's a domestic youth trip or an international college-aged trip, all of our trips serve in places and with teams where long-term church planting is the goal. The day that the trip comes to a close does not bring ministry to a close at that location. The pastors, missionaries and partners continue in ministry after the students are gone and will be ready to host the students again when they decide to return for more.

What makes Apex unique?

Whether it's a youth group or college-aged experience, all of our trips serve in places and with teams where long-term church planting is the goal. The day that the experience comes to a close does not bring ministry to a close at that location. The pastors, missionaries and partners continue to be gospel influence after the students are gone and will be ready to host the students again when they decide to return for more.

Where does Apex fit in the EFCA?

Apex is the student missions program of the Evangelical Free Church of America. The EFCA has a global church planting missions arm called ReachGlobal and a domestic church planting arm called ReachNetwork. Apex straddles both of those church planting efforts by sending teams to both ReachGlobal City Teams internationally, and ReachNetwork ministry sites domestically.