FaithX experiences are short-term service trips that challenge us to be more aware of ourselves, our communities, and our world so that we may learn to participate in God’s vision of justice for all people. Through these trips, participants will grow in Christian discipleship, formed by the command to love God and neighbor, and inspired by Christ’s example of humbly serving others. We strive to build relationships of mutual learning and understanding with the communities and individuals that we serve. While we seek to make a difference in the lives of others, we know that we are equally benefitted by the difference that others make in our lives. We hope that, by serving, we will deepen our faith and better understand our own privileges and values as we aim to be compassionate and just global citizens and children of God.
FaithX has trips for those in junior high, senior high, and adulthood! Junior high trips are open to those who have completed grades 6, 7, and 8. Senior High trips are open to those who have completed grad 9 through age 19. Adult trips are open to those 18+. The We Are Able trip is for youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Individuals from one congregation should comprise no more than 1/3 of the total participants of any FaithX experience. Custom FaithX trips can be arranged for groups of 12 or more participants from the same congregation.
On FaithX trips, participants have the opportunity to share God’s love through acts of service, build relationships with the community we serve and with one another, reflect on our unique faith journeys to grow in new ways, and appreciate the beauty and culture of the locations that we visit. Each trip’s schedule includes service projects with local organizations, Bible study based upon our FaithX theme, fellowship with other participants, and recreation activities in the area. Some trips may have the chance to connect with a Church of the Brethren congregation through a community meal, an activity with the youth group, Sunday morning worship, or simply by being housed in the church building for the duration of the trip.
FaithX trips exemplify the Brethren philosophy of simple living. Positive attitudes, flexibility, and openness to new experiences are essential for every FaithX experience. Those who have the best time at FaithX are those who can most successfully adapt to their surroundings. Although the projects and living conditions are different for each FaithX trip, they all share some basic universals. Eating (simply), sleeping (often on the floor), showering (at least once!), working hard, learning about the community participants are serving in, playing, and having fun can be expected! Participants also have a chance to meet lots of people from all over the country (and sometimes out of it) and make new friendships that last much longer than just one week. All details for individual FaithX trips will be provided by the FaithX Office prior to their start.
Adult advisors are encouraged to attend with groups of youth – FaithX recommends that congregations send at least one adult advisor for every two to four youth participants, keeping housing accommodations in mind (i.e. if all youth are male, there should be at least one male advisor that can be housed with the youth). Advisors should be 21 years of age or older and are required to go through a background check administered by the denominational office. Please contact the FaithX Office if any of these recommendations are not possible or if you have questions.
Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis starting on February 1, 2023 at 6 p.m. (central time). A $150 non-refundable deposit is due seven days after registration confirmation is received. This deposit reserves the registrant’s spot on the chosen FaithX trip. You may pay your deposit online or may mail a check (payable to Church of the Brethren) to: FaithX Office, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Sample registration forms are available here. These sample forms show you what information will be collected so that you can prepare. Paper registration forms will not be accepted – all registrations must be submitted online.
The registration fee for a FaithX trip covers food, housing, local transportation, recreation, a t-shirt, and materials for the project. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the FaithX location and usually one meal during the FaithX trip. Typically, the first day of the FaithX trip begins late in the afternoon and the last day ends before lunchtime. The Church of the Brethren provides a small, primary group accident insurance policy for its FaithX participants.
FaithX is using a new pricing model that allows participants to choose which fee they pay. Each trip is broken up into 3 different registration fee levels: Supporter, Standard, and Subsidized.
The Supporter level covers the actual cost of a FaithX trip, plus provides a gift to FaithX. This will support the mission of FaithX and will assist with covering costs for those who need to register at the Subsidized level.
The Standard level reflects the actual cost of a FaithX trip, including expenses for food, housing, local transportation, recreation, project materials, and leadership travel.
The Subsidized level allows FaithX to provide a discounted option in the hopes of allowing all youth and adults the opportunity to participate in a FaithX trip.
We encourage FaithX participants to choose the level that most closely reflects their ability to pay for a FaithX trip.
A subsidized registration fee is available to assist with the cost of a FaithX trip as needed. Additionally, FaithX is happy to write and send a scholarship request letter to a participant’s home church to ask the church to consider financially supporting the participant with the contribution of a portion of the registration fee.
The full balance of the FaithX registration fee is due by May 1, 2023. You may complete payment online or mail a check (payable to Church of the Brethren) to: FaithX Office, Church of the Brethren, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.
Since FaithX trip budgets are based on the number of registrations, there will be no refunds for cancellations after May 1, 2023 (deposits or balances). Please keep in mind that each registration holds a spot that could be filled by another participant, and late cancellations prevent other people from being able to experience FaithX trips.
Infomation coming soon!
Please reach out to Marissa Witkovsky-Eldred, Interim Coordinator of Short-Term Service, if you have questions.
Phone: 847-429-4337
Email: faithx@brethren.org