Missions

What do you mean when you say Missions?

The Bible, from front to back, is a rescue story. It tells the story of the rescue of humanity from sin; that is God’s mission. The church, then, is God’s fruit; as God draws mankind to Himself through the heralding of the Gospel, sinners are saved. As sinners are saved, God builds His church. As the church is built, it joins in God’s rescue plan: the mission! 

The church’s biblical mandate is to make disciples of all nations. Therefore, on a Biblical level, Connection Church sets its eyes on reaching the Nations. On a practical level, you will also find our local efforts to make a difference in our city, short-term mission trips that we send people on, our local/regional church planting efforts, as well as information regarding our long-term global church planting efforts on this page. 

So whether that is taking the gospel into our local communities or sending missionaries throughout the world, we understand the message of Jesus is for anyone and everyone.

Short Term Trips

Each year we send short-term mission teams to 2 places: the Dominican Republic and Turkey. These trips take place various times throughout the year and last anywhere from 7 to 10 days. In addition, we also send teams to Engage Global which is a missions organization that provides training, resources, and coaching over weekend experience that helps equip people to take ownership in global missions

We also partner with ministries like Cafe 1040 and Pioneers to connect people who feel called to become full-time missionaries abroad.

Why Unreached People Groups (UPGs)?   

There is a great imbalance in the overall flow of people and resources. $78 Billion a year goes to missions, and of that only 1 cent of every $10 goes to UPGs. 43% of the world’s population is unreached, and 85% of those people live inside of the 10/40 Window. Engage Global makes these realities abundantly clear, and it is why we send 2-3 teams there a year.

Connection Underground

Connection Underground exists to inform and support. We as a church wanted to develop a community that served as a leader for missions information and also rallied support for the missionaries we had on the ground. They rally our church to pray for missions, rally people to attend Secret Church, and work closely with staff to care for long term missions workers. 

 Fundraising Opportunities

Turkey June 2026

This June we will be spending a week in Turkey! While there, we will experience a country rich in Christian history and ripe with Gospel opportunity. The trip will focus on sharing the good news of Christ with Muslim locals, as well as strengthening and encouraging new followers of Jesus living out their faith in a context where Christianity is frowned upon.

If you would like to donate to a specific individual, click one of their profiles below.

Jordan Thigpen

Jordan Thigpen

Leader

Natalie Irvan

Natalie Irvan

Kate Rentz

Kate Rentz

A young man in a brown jacket smiles for a photo. In the background is a scenic overlook of the city of Florence, Italy, under a cloudy sky.

Logan Woodward

Engage Global July 2026

This July we will be taking a trip to Engage Global! Engage Global is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing missions training and coaching for local churches to engage the unreached world. Through teaching sessions and group discussions, participants study God’s global thread throughout Scripture (from Genesis to Revelation), with a focus on understanding God’s Word, God’s World, and God’s Work. Groups also learn about major religions, belief systems, and practices throughout the world; and how to be cultural learners through simulation activities in class, and through interactions with different culture and language groups at local markets.

If you would like to donate to a specific individual, click one of their profiles below.

Jon Irvan

Jon Irvan

Leader

Olivia Sandhagen

Olivia Sandhagen

Leader

Cammie Black

Cammie Black

Trey Black

Trey Black

A formal headshot of a young woman with long, wavy brown hair. She is smiling and wearing a black off-the-shoulder top and a pearl necklace.

Jada Coble

A close-up photo of a young woman with light brown hair smiling warmly at the camera. She is indoors with a kitchen in the background.

Madison Frawley

Tyler Frawley

Tyler Frawley

Kevin Haymond

Kevin Haymond

A smiling man and woman stand together outdoors in the warm glow of sunset, with fall foliage in the background.

Anna Jackson

Justin Jackson

Justin Jackson

A smiling blonde woman stands outside a storefront, wearing a turquoise tie-dye tank top and denim shorts while holding a small brown cup.

Amanda Johnson

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson

A portrait of a smiling woman with brown hair wearing a blue and white floral dress and gold bracelets, standing outdoors during a warm sunset.

Maddie Joyner

Drew Kuiters

Drew Kuiters

Cassidi Lynn

Cassidi Lynn

Scott Sandhagen

Scott Sandhagen

Trevor Sconyers

Trevor Sconyers

A headshot of a smiling, middle-aged man with glasses and a beard, wearing a plaid button-down shirt. The background is a soft-focus view of autumn trees.

Bryan Waters

Jennifer Waters

Jennifer Waters