Building Christian Community on the World Race

Building Christian Community on the World Race: Squads, Teams, and Lifelong Friendships

One of the most transformative aspects of the World Race is the vibrant Christian community you experience along the journey. On the Race, you’re not just traveling to new countries and sharing the Gospel – you’re doing it alongside a squad of like-minded young adults, all united by a desire to serve God and grow in faith. This unique community structure, built around squads and teams, is designed to help you thrive spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Here’s a breakdown of how squads and teams work and why they’re at the heart of the World Race experience.

The Squad: A Global Faith Family

When you join the World Race, you become part of a squad – a larger group of Racers who will travel with you from country to country for the duration of the journey. Squads are made up of young adults from all walks of life who share a common goal: to live missionally and grow closer to Christ.

Each squad typically has:

• Squad Leaders: These are Racer alumni who have completed the World Race and now provide guidance and spiritual leadership for the squad.
• Squad Mentors: Experienced mentors who oversee the leaders, offering wisdom and direction for the entire squad.
• Logistics Leaders: Current Racers selected to handle practical needs like travel arrangements, housing, and budgeting, freeing teams to focus on ministry.

The squad serves as your larger faith community. Together, you’ll worship, pray, and share stories of what God is doing in your lives and the communities you serve. The bonds you form often feel like family – encouraging and uplifting you as you navigate the challenges and joys of the Race.

The Team: Your Day-to-Day Family

Within each squad, Racers are divided into smaller teams. These teams become your day-to-day community, living, serving, and growing together on the field. Teams are intentionally designed to foster deep relationships and accountability, and they’ll likely be where you experience some of the most profound spiritual and personal growth.

Team Structure:

• Team Leader: A Racer chosen to provide spiritual leadership, facilitate team discussions, and guide decision-making.
• Treasurer: A Racer responsible for managing the team’s budget and expenses during ministry and travel.
• Team Members: Everyone plays a role in contributing to the team’s success, whether it’s through encouragement, prayer, or practical help.

Team Changes: A Chance to Grow

Over the course of the Race, teams typically change about three times. These transitions are decided by the squad’s leadership team (squad leaders and mentors) and are prayerfully made to help Racers grow. Team changes challenge you to step outside your comfort zone, learn from new perspectives, and build connections with more people in the squad.

One Racer shared, “Every time we switched teams, I thought it would be hard to start over. But each new team taught me something different about myself, about others, and about God’s love.”

Intentional Community Time

To foster connection and spiritual growth, squads and teams have structured times for bonding, worship, and reflection. These moments are pivotal in building a Christ-centered community that strengthens each Racer for the mission ahead. Examples include:

• Squad Worship Nights: Times of collective worship and prayer, where God often moves powerfully through the squad.
• Team Debriefs: Regular discussions to reflect on ministry experiences, address challenges, and celebrate victories.
• Community Adventures: Whether exploring a local market or hiking to a remote village, squads and teams find joy in shared experiences.

Lifelong Friendships

The relationships formed on the World Race often extend far beyond the 11 or 9 months of the journey. Many Racers describe their squadmates as lifelong friends – people who truly understand their faith and their heart for missions.

“I met my best friends on the Race,” one alum shared. “We walked through so much together – celebrated, cried, worshipped, and prayed. It’s the kind of friendship that doesn’t fade, even years later.”

Why Christian Community Matters

At its core, the World Race is about building the Body of Christ – not just in the communities you serve but within your own squad and team. Living and serving in close quarters with other young adults creates opportunities to practice humility, forgiveness, and grace. It also deepens your understanding of what it means to be part of God’s global Church.

This intentional focus on community equips Racers for a lifetime of missional living. You’ll leave the Race not only with unforgettable memories but with the tools to build Christ-centered relationships in every area of your life.

If you’re a young adult longing for Christian community and an opportunity to serve God around the world, the World Race is for you. Through squads and teams, you’ll discover the joy of walking alongside others who are just as passionate about living for Christ. Together, you’ll grow in faith, form lifelong friendships, and experience the beauty of being part of God’s family.

Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the World Race and how you can join a community of young adults making a difference for Christ. The adventure – and your squad – is waiting.