Ministries
Adult Ministries
The Adult Ministries Program focuses on the developmentally disabled, senior
citizens, and individuals who are chronically ill. This is often a forgotten part of our society. Students have the opportunity to serve in settings such as VITAS Hospice and the San Dimas Retirement Center.
Environmental Ministries
Our Environmental Ministries Program focuses on the importance of community
development and environmental stewardship. Students participate in activities
that help improve the community, including teaching educational
classes at local schools, and working together to grow plants and vegetables
in the community garden. The Environmental Ministries Program forges friendships
with the community through helping to preserve the environment.
Mentoring Ministries
APU's goal to train Christian workers who are "others-focused" finds
fertile ground in the mentoring ministries programs. Students pair with others
on a one-on-one basis offering friendship, guidance, and strength, forging relationships
with those who are overlooked and lonely. These friendships often last far beyond
the completion of the service requirement, changing the hearts and lives of
the APU students as much as the ones they serve.
Ministry with Children and Families
The needs of the community drive APU's local ministries. Through these programs,
the university develops relationships with churches and service agencies that
strengthen the community's connections and serve its people in a relevant and
meaningful way. With the enthusiastic support of local pastors, APU students
partner with their neighbors and work to establish a continuity in ministry
that will thrive in this area long after graduation.
Urban Ministries
Through agencies that have a constant presence in the city, students get to
know others who may have very different perspectives on life through their experiences
in the inner city. Agencies like SAY Yes! and Steven Bryant Youth Services give
students an opportunity to gain tremendous insights into the complexity and
promise of various urban centers in Los Angeles.
Additional Opportunities
Beyond the boundaries of the Azusa community, APU students reach out to those
in other cities, states, countries, and cultures. Because God's Kingdom and
calling are limitless, APU provides a myriad of avenues for students to travel
all over the world as learners and servants.
Off the Beaten Path: Starting a New Ministry
At M.A.S., we desire to forge new ministry opportunities within the city of
Azusa and beyond, partnering with religious and civic organizations to develop
long-term, sustainable ministries. We want to affirm the venturesome spirit
within students who seek to start relevant, exciting, and purposeful ministries.
Some new avenues of service may emerge through class-based service learning
projects that are organized and supported through the Center
for Academic Service Learning and Research. We work closely with the center
and encourage students to find ways to continue projects generated through those
efforts. You may also find new ways of meeting community needs at your job,
or with other agencies with which we have yet to work. Just visit the M.A.S.
office for more information and so that we can work to support you.
Summer Expeditions
Working in partnership with fellow students fosters camaraderie and community.
This is important, and exactly why M.A.S. strongly encourages students to do
their ministry and service during the fall and spring semesters. If, however,
exciting summer opportunities arise, be sure to contact the M.A.S. office. In
lieu of these listed ministries, students may choose to work at a local church,
preschool, or after-school program. For a more comprehensive list of opportunities,
please visit the M.A.S. office.
