How the World Race Prepares You for Global Ministry and Leadership

What if your greatest season of preparation wasn’t found in a classroom, but in the heart of the mission field?

The World Race is a launchpad for leadership. Whether you’re called to full-time ministry, nonprofit work, or simply living a life of Kingdom impact, the Race equips you with the spiritual depth, global awareness, and practical skills needed to lead in any environment.

If you’ve ever asked, “How do I prepare for a life of ministry?” or “What does leadership look like in a global context?”, this journey will give you the answers – not in theory, but in real-life experience.

1. You’ll Learn to Lead in Uncertainty

Great leaders aren’t made in comfort. They’re forged in the moments when plans fall apart, challenges arise, and the only option is to trust God.

On the World Race, you won’t have a neatly organized itinerary or a step-by-step guide to success. Instead, you’ll be placed in situations that require adaptability, quick thinking, and faith – just like in real ministry and leadership.

• Your plans might change last minute, but you’ll learn to lead through the unknown.
• You’ll navigate cultural differences, teaching you how to communicate cross-culturally.
• You’ll work with local pastors and organizations, gaining first hand experience in servant leadership.

Ministry doesn’t always happen in predictable, controlled settings. Neither does the World Race.

2. You’ll Develop a Kingdom Perspective on Leadership

The best leaders aren’t those who seek power, but those who serve first.

Throughout the Race, you’ll be challenged to embrace Jesus’ model of leadership – one that values humility, sacrifice, and love over personal achievement.

• You’ll wash dishes, clean floors, and serve in ways that strip away entitlement and build true humility.
• You’ll live in close-knit community, learning to lead through conflict, encouragement, and accountability.
• You’ll see how different cultures express faith, giving you a broader understanding of the global Church.

Many Racers enter the journey thinking leadership means taking charge. They leave understanding that real leadership is about laying down their lives for others.

3. You’ll Discover and Strengthen Your Spiritual Gifts

What if your calling isn’t something you find, but something you step into?

The World Race gives participants the space to explore their spiritual gifts and callings in an active, hands-on environment.

• Evangelists will have opportunities to share the Gospel with people from all walks of life.
• Teachers will lead Bible studies, disciple new believers, and mentor teammates.
• Servants will learn how to love practically – feeding the hungry, building homes, and caring for the vulnerable.

One Racer put it this way:

“I thought I had to have my calling figured out before the Race. But I realized that by saying ‘yes’ every day, whether to teaching, preaching, or simply listening, I was walking in my calling without even realizing it.”

Sometimes, you don’t discover your gifts until you step out in faith and use them.

4. You’ll Gain Practical Ministry and Leadership Experience

The Race isn’t just about spiritual growth – it’s about developing real-world skills that will equip you for future leadership.

• Team Leadership: Every Racer is placed in a team with rotating leadership roles, giving you experience in leading and being led.
• Cross-Cultural Ministry: You’ll work alongside pastors, missionaries, and nonprofits, learning how to partner with local leaders rather than impose Western ideals.
• Logistics & Problem-Solving: You’ll handle travel, budgeting, and ministry planning – essential skills for leading in any setting.

One Racer, now a part-time pastor, shared:

“Leading a church was intimidating until I realized I had already led teams across five countries, navigated crisis situations, and preached in multiple cultures. The World Race prepared me more than I ever expected.”

Ministry doesn’t start when you have a title. It starts the moment you say yes.

5. You’ll Walk Away Ready for Whatever’s Next

The World Race isn’t just preparing you for leadership on the field—it’s equipping you for a lifetime of Kingdom impact.

• Some Racers step into full-time missions, leading ministries around the world.
• Others become pastors, worship leaders, and nonprofit directors.
• Many return home as bold, mission-minded leaders in their communities, workplaces, and churches.

No matter where God calls you next, the Race teaches you this: leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about obedience.

Are You Ready to Lead?

The world is waiting for leaders who are bold, humble, and willing to say yes to God.

Upcoming Expeditions for Ages 21-30:

• Route 3 | August 2025: Guatemala, Albania, Greece, Turkey, South Asia, Nepal
• Route 1 | January 2026: Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Turkey, Ethiopia, Kenya
• Route 2 | January 2026: South Asia, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Guatemala, Colombia

All 2025 & 2026 Expeditions are now open for applications!