Next Step Ministries

What Next Step Ministries does

Next Step Ministries is a Wisconsin-based 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2007 that organizes one-week Christ-centered youth mission trips for middle and high school church groups at 12+ domestic and international locations. Core operations center on pairing short-term trip service work with year-round community development partnerships maintained by 12 Area Directors stationed at sites including Fairbanks (AK), Colorado Springs, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Knoxville, Kansas City, Boston, Columbia (SC), Elliott County (KY), Cheyenne River (SD), San Augustine (TX), and Sumpango (Guatemala), with additional sites in Crownpoint (NM), Los Angeles, Jamaica, and Haiti. Revenue is generated primarily through per-participant trip fees ranging from $489 to $849, supplemented by tax-deductible donations, a paid summer internship program (positions paid $2,000-$3,500+ with housing), and an intern scholarship fund. The organization also produces an annual exclusive original video series featuring speakers such as Francis Chan, distributed through Right Now Media as a year-round content engagement layer.

The operational platform includes a proprietary online trip registration dashboard, Procore construction management software for worksite coordination, and an NSM Construction YouTube training channel used by interns to maintain quality standards across building projects. The organization runs a paid 10-week summer internship program with three tracks (Construction, Worship and Programming, and Youth Ministry and Leadership), staffing roles including Team Leader, Construction Project Manager, Worship Leader, Emcee, VBS Coordinator, and Adventure Coordinator. All deliverables—accommodations, meals, work projects, programming, worship—are handled turn-key for church groups, with Area Directors ensuring local nonprofit and church partners (e.g., Breaking Cycles, KARM, Operation Backyard, Adullam) identify community-driven service priorities.

Distribution is direct-to-consumer through website registration and phone support, with a church referral network (documented 12-14 year repeat partnerships) as the primary growth channel. Marketing spans Instagram, Facebook, email newsletter, school visits, and the ICOM conference. The organization does not accept venture or private equity capital and is governed by founders and a board, supported by donations, trip fees, and partnerships with hundreds of churches across denominations.

Name

Next Step Ministries

Legal name

Next Step Ministries, Inc.

Website

https://nextstepministries.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Next Step Ministries is a Wisconsin-based 501c3 nonprofit that organizes week-long Christ-centered youth mission trips at 12+ U.S. and international locations, serving church youth groups through turn-key service projects paired with year-round community development partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Mission Trip Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Faith-Based Missions & Evangelism Organizations (Domestic & International) (BPAGAJAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Faith-Based Humanitarian Aid & Relief Ministries (BPAGAJAF), Faith-Based & Mission Service Programs (EDAIAGAI), Faith-Based Education & Formation (Seminaries, Religious Schools, Catechesis) (BPAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Youth mission trips
• Summer internship programs
• Community development services
• Faith-based travel
• Volunteer mission experiences

Headquarters

HQ city

Madison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Mission Trip Registration Fees: Youth groups pay registration fees for week-long mission trips at various domestic and international locations. Prices range from $489-$849 per person depending on location. Includes deposit ($50 per spot) and two scheduled payments (March 15th and May 15th).
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations accepted monthly or one-time to support ministry operations, student scholarships, community projects, and internship programs.
3. Paid Summer Internship Program: Summer staff positions paid $2,000+ to $3,500+ with food and housing covered. Some positions require support raising. Interns also pay $2,500 fundraising requirement for internship expenses.
4. Student Scholarships: Designated fund to help interns who cannot raise their full $2,500 fundraising amount for summer internships.
5. Intern Scholarship Fund: Donor-funded scholarships to support college interns unable to raise full fundraising amount, ensuring no one is excluded due to financial constraints.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Next Step Ministries organizes week-long Christ-centered youth mission trips for middle and high school groups at 12 locations across the U.S. and abroad, combining service projects, worship, and community development. It also runs a paid summer internship program for college-age young adults across construction, worship, and youth ministry tracks, and produces an annual original video/film series for faith formation. The organization operates as a 501c3 nonprofit, funding operations through trip registration fees, donations, and church partnerships.

Product overview

Next Step Ministries operates a platform of youth mission trip programs centered on connecting short-term mission experiences with long-term community development. The core offerings include one-week youth mission trips across 12+ domestic and international locations, a comprehensive summer internship program with three tracks (Construction, Worship & Programming, and Youth Ministry & Leadership), original video/film series for faith formation, an online registration dashboard, community development initiatives, work projects, and a donation platform. The internship program provides paid positions where young adults lead mission trips while gaining professional experience, with positions including Team Leader, Construction Project Manager, Worship Leader, Emcee, VBS Coordinator, Adventure Coordinator, and more. The organization also produces annual original film series featuring Christian speakers and authors, available through Right Now Media.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Youth Mission Trips One-week Christ-centered mission trips for middle and high school youth groups combining service projects, worship, and community development at 12+ domestic and international locations; pricing ranges from $489 to $849 per person depending on location.
• Summer Internship Program 10-week paid summer internship program ($2,000-$3,500+ stipend with meals and housing included) for young adults to lead mission trips across construction, worship, and youth ministry tracks; interns complete a $2,500 fundraising requirement with scholarship support available.
• Original Film Series Exclusive annual original video series produced for mission trip participants featuring notable Christian speakers such as Francis Chan, exploring faith themes; current 2026 series is 'The Heart of the Father.'
• Community Development Program Year-round community development initiatives partnering with local organizations across 12+ mission sites to support sustainable, community-led projects alongside short-term mission trips.
• Work Projects Construction and service project opportunities at mission sites including residential home repair, porches, roofing, drywall, and community facility improvements, identified and selected by local community partnerships.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of youth explore faith and experience God through mission trips annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Breaking Cycles (Sumpango, Guatemala)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2007Local Guatemalan ministry founded by Betty Merida that works to break cycles of poverty through programs meeting community needs, sharing the gospel, and discipleship. Runs tutoring programs, job skills training, home building, and bed distribution for families.
• Family Life Services (Colorado Springs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based organization facilitating life transformation of struggling single moms and their children through resident programs and community outreach. Originally an orphanage, now focused on rebuilding lives.
• Crossfire Ministries (Colorado Springs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides no-cost groceries, clothing, and compassionate care to individuals and families during difficult seasons. Rooted in Matthew 25 teachings, meeting practical needs while fostering dignity and hope.
• Greccio Housing (Colorado Springs)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLow-income housing provider in Colorado Springs. Student teams help residents and employees create safe welcoming communities through building projects.
• Adullam Outreach (Milwaukee)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServing practical and spiritual needs of the Milwaukee community with dignity and love, focusing on fostering community in the name of Christ through neighborhood revitalization projects.
• City on a Hill (Milwaukee)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization transforming lives by restoring hope, equipping families, and fostering lasting change to break cycles of generational poverty in Milwaukee.
• Adventist Community Services (Fairbanks)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partner running a disaster response warehouse supporting the local community and providing supplies to rural Alaska regions when disaster strikes.
• The Door (Fairbanks)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner24/7 shelter for homeless youth aged 6-18 providing safe sleep, meals, clothing, supplies, and connections to community resources.
• Unity Outreach Inc (Fairbanks)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinistry helping community physically and spiritually through facility improvements, gardening, greenhouse building, and firewood splitting for winter fuel assistance.
• Christian Service Center (Oklahoma City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity services organization in Oklahoma City working alongside Next Step for construction and community development.
• Restore OKC (Oklahoma City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity rehabilitation organization hosting job training ministry, mentoring programs for children, and community garden supporting local neighborhoods.
• Cross and Crown (Oklahoma City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub offering food pantry, counseling, legal, laundry, and medical services. Renovated properties used as transitional housing for training program participants.
• The Mission: Norman (Oklahoma City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMeeting physical needs with spiritual support and meaningful relationships sharing Christ's restorative love through construction, donations, and food ministry.
• Christian's Closet (Cheyenne River)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinistry serving children in the foster care system on the reservation, collecting new items so kids can shop for needed items like shoes, coats, and clothes.
• Black Horse Ranch (Cheyenne River)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquine therapy ranch introducing participants to Lakota Horse culture through exercises promoting healing and personal growth.
• The Mustard Seed (Cheyenne River)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless shelter providing tiny houses with main house for laundry, cooking, eating, and socializing, plus emergency food delivery to low-income households.
• Knoxville Area Rescue Mission (KARM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChrist-centered ministry providing rescue, recovery, and restoration to homeless women, men, and children through meal service, facility upkeep, and prayer.
• Operation Backyard (Knoxville)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome repair program for limited-income, elderly, and disabled individuals providing physical help through home repair services.
• Family Promise (Knoxville)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmergency shelter provider that has housed over 1,000 families in 10 years, supported by thrift store operations.
• Restoration House (Knoxville)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransitional housing for low-income single mothers breaking cycles and regaining hope through advocacy, housing, and youth development programs.
• Grace Chapel Church (Columbia, SC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal church providing host facility for Next Step volunteers, actively partnering in community outreach and home repairs.
• AME Turner (Columbia, SC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal church serving community through church services, feeding programs, child development, health services, counseling, and summer kids programs.
• Mission Lexington (Columbia, SC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompassion ministry serving individuals and families in crisis with emergency needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
• Scooter Scott Project (Columbia, SC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based Christ-centered organization helping kids become future leaders through various practical and spiritual programs.
• Emmanuwheels (Columbia, SC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides wheelchair ramps to mobility-impaired individuals who cannot afford them, sharing Christ's love practically.
• Adullam Kentucky (Elliott County)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatalyst for revival of lives and lands in the Appalachian region through God's love, creating spiritual center as house of prayer.
• Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council (Kansas City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood revitalization organization formed from prayer vigils that closed drug houses and reinvigorated community cooperation.
• Jerusalem Farm (Kansas City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity dedicated to serving common good with hospitality, nonviolence, and solidarity, welcoming all individuals.
• City Union Mission (Kansas City)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless ministry offering programs moving people toward personal and spiritual transformation from hurting to healed.
• Boys and Girls Club of Wakefield (Boston)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal youth organization with programs in education, fitness, and arts, requiring facility renovation to accommodate community needs.
• Commissioners Court (San Augustine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSan Augustine County government providing community and government programs for children to senior services, partnering on poverty alleviation.
• White Rock Baptist Church (San Augustine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal church providing student housing, project selection, family discipleship, cookouts, and staff support.
• First Baptist Broaddus Church (San Augustine)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal church partnering with Next Step for community home repair and revitalization efforts.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Group Mission Trips: Closest direct competitor—operates short-term youth mission trips across multiple U.S. and international locations, serving the same church youth group customer with a similar turn-key model.
• YouthWorks: Nonprofit running week-long youth mission trips in U.S. cities and international sites, directly overlapping on customer segment (church youth groups) and trip format (service + worship).
• Adventures in Missions: Long-running faith-based mission trip organization offering youth and adult short-term trips domestically and internationally; comparable pricing, customer base, and faith-formation programming.
• Praying Pelican Missions: Faith-based organization providing short-term mission trip coordination for churches and youth groups in the U.S. and abroad, with similar turn-key logistics and Christ-centered programming.
• Teen Missions International: Faith-based mission organization running youth mission trips with a construction/service focus domestically and internationally; comparable audience and trip structure.
• M3 (M3 Ministries): Runs youth-focused mission trips combining construction/service work with worship and discipleship, overlapping closely on programming format and church-youth customer.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity: National faith-affiliated nonprofit coordinating volunteer-driven home construction; overlapping on the construction/service-project component of Next Step's trips but at materially larger scale and broader geographic footprint.
• The Dream Center: Larger urban faith-based nonprofit running community outreach, residential programs, and short-term mission volunteer hosting—broader scope but overlapping on youth-group volunteer hosting and faith formation.
• Youth For Christ: Established interdenominational youth ministry organization with faith-formation programming; adjacent in audience (church-referred teens) but broader programmatic scope beyond mission trips.

Emerging players

• Mercy Ships: Faith-based humanitarian organization providing short-term service opportunities including youth participation; comparable faith-driven service model but focused on medical/surgical missions rather than construction ministry.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_tXuCxjzMoXiR4MauKcsAg
• Facebookfacebook.com/nextstepmissiontrips
• Instagraminstagram.com/nextstepbuzz/?hl=en
• Xx.com/nextstepbuzz
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/nextstep-ministries

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Next Step Ministries