Category: National STMs
Looking for a sunny and warm location to spend part of your summer next year? Is your youth or church group looking for a place to serve during the summer? Iglesia Presbiteriana Sola Escritura (OPC) in Guayama, Puerto Rico (part of the Presbytery of New Jersey) is eager to welcome individuals or a group to help with the church’s first
Join Rev. Chris Byrd and Dr. Henry Krabbendam at the Boardwalk Chapel for a week of intensive evangelism training! Throughout the course of the week, a broad range of topics will be covered, all concerning evangelism, the Gospel, apologetics, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Teaching sessions are accompanied by “field training” opportunities, where you’ll be able to put all that you’ve
2023 Junior Staff Opportunity: Interested in serving for a longer period of time, or know a teen who is? The Boardwalk Chapel is looking for men and women to join their 2023 Jr Staff! This is a four week position that is designed specifically for those who are 16 or 17 years old and want to serve on staff. There
by Allison Hill, Short Term Missions Administrative Assistant “Gospel-sharing starts right where you are, and it goes out from there. Evangelism isn’t reserved for far-away mission trips—evangelism should be a part of the Christian’s daily life,” says Tyler Detrick, pastor of Light of the Nations OPC in Dayton, Ohio. This convicting statement is not mere sentiment for Pastor Detrick but
Interested in having your church’s youth group spend a week at the Chapel? Contact the Boardwalk Chapel now to save your spot for 2024! Summer 2024 Openings: June 8 – June 15 (Defining the Faith Training Week) June 15 – June 22 (Defending the Faith Training Week) July 6 – July 13 August 17 – August 24 Ministry Team Leaders
by Allison Hill, OPC Short Term Missions Administrative Assistant As each summer day comes to its end in Wildwood, New Jersey, the sun fades and is almost seamlessly replaced by twinkling fluorescent bulbs all along the boardwalk. Running the length of Wildwood beach, the boardwalk attracts vacationers with two-and-a-half miles of enticingly aromatic food, boisterous music, carnival games, and intriguing
Dave shares his experience serving at the Chapel, including the opportunities he has had with the youth from his church and with teens on the boardwalk. “The teaching at the Chapel is definitely Gospel-centered. It’s speaking the truth to others, and the need to speak it in love. Not argumentative, not from a place above them because we’re sinners just
This year was Claire Vanderwey’s second time serving at the Boardwalk Chapel and she was thrilled to have personally shared the gospel with multiple people on the boardwalk. Claire says, “I have had quite a few conversations where people are just so interested. They really wanted to hear, asked really good questions, were genuinely interested, and left with a Bible
Two brothers, Justin and Luke, have spent many summers serving at the Chapel and are confident their faith has been strengthened because of it. They share their favorite things about the chapel, and why they keep coming back. Justin: “My favorite thing about the Chapel is that our efforts to evangelize are steeped in prayer. It helps the kids see
No doubt you’ve noticed the near-depleted list of short-term mission opportunities the past two years due to COVID restrictions. But praise the Lord, things seem to be changing and we’re encouraged! According to the travel site, Kayak, as of November 24, 2021, the borders of five countries are now open, with no restrictions. 166 countries’ borders are open, with limited
by Emma Nakhla member of Calvary OPC, Glenside, PA The flashy, noisy boardwalk of Wildwood, New Jersey is far from physically dark, but it desperately needs to see the light of the gospel, and the Boardwalk Chapel provides this in such a unique and important way. The Boardwalk Chapel has just wrapped up another fruitful summer! Over 175 Chapel volunteers representing
by Molly Rose Youth Group Leader, Covenant OPC, Orland Park, IL “Once a king or queen in Narnia,” Pastor Jim Zozzaro quipped as we stood around a makeshift dining table in a dingy screened-in back patio for our Friday night debrief. “Everyone who visits is forever part of the Chapel family.” And so it has felt to me. For five years, the
by Trish Duggan OPC Short-Term Missions and Disaster Response Communications Coordinator Summer conjures up thoughts of longer, warmer, less stressful days. On paper it can appear to be a less productive time, but the somewhat slower pace allows for the Committee on Diaconal Ministries to concentrate on some crucial, behind the scenes work, as their duties continue to expand. David Nakhla, in addition to his duties
The first ever Boardwalk Chapel Street Preaching Conference has come to a close. Over 4 days, up to 25 people have been trained in street preaching and evangelism and have gone out onto the Boardwalk. People seeking to grow in evangelism traveled from as far as Alabama and Georgia, and from closer to home: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. The faithful preaching of
By Trish Duggan The quick answer is, of course, yes, if at all possible. With all the government mandates across the world, we’ve all slowly become accustomed to “sheltering in place”, not seeing friends, not having an opportunity to fellowship and we’ve spent more time inside watching tv or on our devices. And we know that if we aren’t actively
by Tom Pfeil 2020 Evangelism Coordinator, The Boardwalk Chapel, Wildwood, NJ It is important to understand that what makes the evangelism joys so sweet is the repetitive rejection that we experience often while witnessing. Often in preaching, I will hear preachers speak of instances when “God moved.” The Bible teaches us that God the Holy Spirit is always proactive when
Mike, from Heritage PCA, has been coming with his church to the Boardwalk Chapel for four years! Mike plays bass on stage, performs gospel skits, and evangelizes every night with the staff. “What I love most about the Chapel is being able to evangelize to people on the boardwalk. At the Chapel, there are so many ways that we, the
This past summer was Athan’s first time coming to the Chapel with his youth group. One of his favorite aspects of the Chapel was being able to take part in the programs. For those who don’t know, the Boardwalk Chapel’s nightly programs run for an hour and a half, involving evangelistic music, skits, and word segments. Athan said that he
Lucie, from one of our youth groups, has been serving at the Chapel for four years. Each summer she comes back with an excitement to be able to serve alongside her youth group and the Boardwalk Chapel staff. Each summer, Lucie’s faith is deeply encouraged by the staff and the things that she is able to learn. Through the staff’s
Sam is a Boardwalk Chapel alumni who was on staff in 2018 and served on the evangelism team. Prior to him coming on staff, Sam came to the BWC for the first time in 2017 with his youth group. That year at the Chapel was the year that Sam became a Christian, praise God! It was because of one of
Lauren from New Hope OPC in Maryland shares her recent experience at The Boardwalk Chapel. “I have been coming to the Chapel for 6 years with my youth group. Every year, while being at the Chapel, I love seeing the staff’s infectious love for the Lord. It is such a joy to be able to serve alongside them for the
Rachel, from New Hope OPC in Maryland, shares about her recent experience at the Boardwalk Chapel: “Hi everyone! I have been coming to the Chapel for 5 years now with my youth group. What I love most about being at the BWC is the community that you create when you are here. You truly feel like a family, both with
Elanor from the Harvest PCA Team at the Boardwalk Chapel writes, “This was my 6th year coming to the Chapel with my youth group! I absolutely love the true sense of fellowship that I’ve only ever felt at the chapel. It really feels like all the bloat of modern church life falls away, and I feel connected to the disciples
Meet This Summer’s Boardwalk Chapel House Parents: Michael & Melissa Spangler by Sarah Klazinga This article was originally posted on www.opc.org Michael and Melissa Spangler with their sons, Michael, Jr. (4), and Josiah (2). Boardwalk Chapel House Parents take care of the staff throughout the summer, discipling them, caring for them as they’re away from their homes and churches, and
This article was originally posted on opc.org. by Trish Duggan Fun (and evangelizing) in the sun? It almost seems impossible with all that’s going on these days, but it may still be. This year is certainly different for OPC Short-Term Missions. We may be down, but we’re not out. If you were thinking of a missions’ trip, but it was
How Can You Pray for Our Missionaries? As some of our fields anticipate not being able to welcome teams and friends this summer as they normally do, would you commit to pray for each of our missionaries? Feel free to use the schedule below, if you find it helpful: Week of April 22: for the Boardwalk Chapel as they prepare for
Wildwood, NJ Apply now! Full-time staff positions for summer 2023 are open! The Boardwalk Chapel currently has the following opening: Drama Leader (Volunteer): This role includes leading skit practice and performance for nightly programs. Other volunteer staff opportunities are also available! These are broken down into four categories: Evangelism Team: Staff specifically trained in evangelism and apologetics lead teams in Gospel
January 3-10, 2020: For the first time, the Boardwalk Chapel band is going on tour! They’ll be performing at six OPC churches in five states…
Two Boardwalk Chapel Ministry Team members’ testimonials appeared in the October 2019 issue of the OPC’s New Horizons magazine…
I still think of what God may be doing in the lives of those to whom we witnessed. We didn’t go alone onto the boardwalk on those evenings, neither do we go alone in anything we do. God calls us and equip us to the tasks he has given us…
Summer Reports Galore – Parts One and Two – feature the latest photos and testimonials received from summer short-term missionaries…
It is the Boardwalk Chapel’s last official weekend of the summer as we wrap up with Fri-Sat night concerts and continue the process of collecting feedback, thinking and praying over the summer’s events…
We must remember, whenever we are doing outreach, of any sort, that these works are not our own. And, even more, that God is sovereign. He will guide us to the right conversations, he will make sure and certain that we say the right things and the right times. It’s not our own works that bring men to Christ…
Fun video of members of the Chapel staff and friends standing on the boardwalk looking into the Chapel, singing along with the team performing on stage…
Kyle Learn created this excellent video on the ministry of the Boardwalk Chapel…
Remembering Twenty-Five Summers at The Boardwalk Chapel by Ron Elwell The Elwell Family at The Chapel in 2006. For twenty-five years groups of young people and adults from Faith Church in Pole Tavern, NJ have traveled to Wildwood, NJ to participate in the ministry of the Boardwalk Chapel at the end of the summer. Truthfully, support and participation in the
Many thanks to at least 300 people, from 50 OPC churches, 11 non-OPC churches, 22 states, and 13 presbyteries who served on 6 short-term mission fields this summer…
Boardwalk Chapel, Wildwood, NJ: We had about three hours of training every day, and the staff really pushed us out of our comfort zones. We learned about different kinds of questions to ask while evangelizing, and we also practiced giving a gospel presentation in under three minutes…
The team was often left physically and mentally tuckered out at the end of each day, but performing these labors to advance Christ’s kingdom made them richly worth the effort …
Imagine a whole summer of church camp and living with a bunch of young people who love the Lord and love to serve Him, all rolled into one …
A selection of photos from the summer of 2019 at the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, NJ …
Boardwalk Chapel, Wildwood, NJ: I was nervous at first when going out onto the Boardwalk to evangelize, but when we actually got out there and started talking with people, I felt energized. I was inspired, and felt as though I could walk up to anyone and present them with the good news of Jesus Christ…
Boardwalk Chapel, Wildwood, NJ: Fun photos from the album put together by the Ministry Team that served during Week Four…
Boardwalk Chapel, Wildwood, NJ: Walking away from the conversation, I remember this feeling of pure joy and excitement. Here was an example of God using me to bring people closer to himself…
One of the best opportunities for short-term missions in the OPC is at the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, New Jersey…
The Boardwalk Chapel is truly a “don’t miss” opportunity for anyone wanting to sharpen their faith and strengthen their evangelism…
I appreciated all the hard work everyone put in and their willing attitudes to help wherever they were needed. I learned a lot from watching others on the team interact with and respond to the children…
I would recommend a stay at the Chapel for anyone wishing to grow in their gifts in a challenging way…
Anyone who wonders what a Ministry Week at the Boardwalk Chapel looks like, will get a very good idea from this blog…
I saw a message in the S.T.O.R.M. Report about the need for a small group to do some projects at the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, New Jersey. After making plans with Rich Seither, the Chapel’s property manager, the six of us headed down to Wildwood…
Once again this year at Spring Break, Reformed Missions Services (RMS.org) sent a team to Florida to serve at Christ the King OPC in Naples…
Is your youth group, small group, or deacon group looking for a weekend service project? Each year in May, the Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, NJ, seeks help with maintenance projects as the Chapel and staff houses are readied for the busy summer season. Teams are needed for two weekends in May. May 12 – 14: Paint job & moving furniture,
Andy and Beth said, “We had a great time with the project….So happy to be able to serve the Lord in this way…”
NEW HORIZONS, October 2018: Focus on Menominee Missions 2018 and Uruguay English Club 2018…
Thankfully, God Himself works through His imperfect servants. He is there to help, comfort, and shield. Others’ salvation is not up to us, but He can help us plant His seeds…
One night on the boardwalk after the nightly program, we went out to evangelize. This time was different because as we prayed we asked our Heavenly Father for soft hearts to receive the Gospel. So, on a calm cool night not only did we meet soft hearts, but other groups said the same as well…
During and after Menominee Missions, I really began thinking about God’s love and what an essential part of His character it is. He loves us even when we come to Him in smelly, filthy rags with burdens of sin on our back. How can we not then love our neighbors…
The Boardwalk Chapel started in July 1945. The work continues to this day with the efforts of trained staff and volunteers who proclaim the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ all summer long…
The float we’re building will be used at Cedar OPC’s Memorial Day parade in Jenison, and then the name changed to Meadow Springs for the July 4th parade. This is Presbyterianism at some of its best!”
We received biblical training, spent much time in prayer, and enjoyed sweet Christian fellowship, both amongst our team and with the Boardwalk staff. The staff was amazing; I had never been amongst a group of young people that lived and breathed and radiated the love of Christ like they did…
To raise funds for it youth group to travel to Wildwood, New Jersey, and serve as a Ministry Team at the Boardwalk Chapel this summer, Covenant OPC (Orland Park, IL), replicated the atmosphere and nightly program of the Boardwalk Chapel…
The reputation of our church, and the credibility of our cause for the Gospel, has been significantly enhanced among our neighbors based on these good works…
Shiloh OPC (Raleigh, NC) provided the funding, and a couple from Redeemer OPC (Ada, MI) volunteered to do the work! A great example of churches helping churches as two congregations came together to serve the OPC church plant in Neon, KY…
Jesus commands us to go out and make disciples. We must be bold in proclaiming the gospel. I really enjoyed my time at the Boardwalk Chapel and I was definitely strengthened and encouraged. I really hope I can come next year . . .
As we drove back to Wildwood, we spent some time praising God for the fruitful conversations we’d shared in and praying for the people we’d talked to . . .
My wife, Natalie, and I joined the caravan of high-schoolers heading down to Wildwood, New Jersey. In God’s providence, our trip to the Boardwalk Chapel taught us not only about the youth group, but also about the value of short-term mission trips . . .
The evangelism training my team and I received in Key West inspired me to be “bold and courageous,” and to have peace in my heart knowing that the God who is the God of my life is also the God of the lives of the people I’m witnessing to . . .
The Sunset Celebration takes place every evening, and there are a number of different vendors and acts that are there to attract the locals and tourists who show up. This means that there are a lot of “distractions” from Bill’s message, but as he says, there is no real competition . . .
Boardwalk Chapel newsletters (now called “Prayer and Praise Bulletins”) include openings for leaders, staff, musicians, youth groups, skilled volunteers; news items; prayer requests; info on how to donate, and more…
A Ministry Team is a church group that comes to the OPC’s Boardwalk Chapel in Wildwood, NJ, for a week at a time, from Saturday to Saturday, between mid-June and early September, to serve alongside the Full Time Volunteer Staff in carrying out the ministry of the Boardwalk Chapel . . .
I (used to) have a very small, enclosed bubble of what I was comfortable doing and who I was comfortable talking to. Going on the trip would mean essentially popping that bubble and doing things far outside my comfort zone . . .
TEAM UTAH 2017: This trip was something I was nervous about because I felt like I didn’t have enough experience, but I was blessed with an amazing team who patiently taught me everything I needed to know . . .
Boardwalk Chapel 2017
The most important thing I took away from these experiences were the relationships I made. The people of Menominee OPC will always be dear to me. In my other teammates, I found some of the best friends and mentors I could ever hope for . . .
I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we had a time we will never forget! Daily working for the Lord, praying, learning, singing, performing skits, living like a little family, were just some of the highlights of the week . . .
“Venture Missions” is a growing experience for high school and college students who want to grow closer to Christ and gain experience spreading the gospel. The beautiful Menominee Indian Reservation is full of friendly people, but it is a place that needs the gospel . . .
Come to Keys Evangelistic Ministries (KEM) to receive classroom training and practical experience in evangelism, and,”embark on a short-term mission in which you will grow in your ability to speak with boldness about the eternal hope that is in you . . .”
Venture Missions 2017
I found our mission trip to Key West extremely encouraging. I really enjoyed going to Mallory Square and helping Bill Welzien witness to people. Also, our afternoon snorkeling was one of the highlights of the trip . . . . It was a great time of learning and fellowship . . .
As the minutes ticked by and the time was getting closer for me to stand up and open-air preach, my throat grew parched and my palms sweaty. Bill had prepared me for this, and yet, I still had knees knocking, with an anxiety about being ready . . .
August 2016 marked 30 years since OP Pastor Bill Welzien began doing open air easel evangelism at Mallory Square in Key West, Florida! His article, “Glancing Back and Forward,” gives a quick overview of the years that have sped by for him . . .
Pete Onink and his daughter Jessica drove down from Illinois…Mark and Patti Palmer from Alabama joined them…David and Donna Taylor from Bradenton were vacationing nearby and came to pitch in…
NEW HORIZONS, February 2017: The opportunities for outreach in Wildwood are truly endless. With the Lord providing more manpower and increased resources each year, we hope to use the practical gifts we have been given to work harder for the kingdom of Jesus . . .
More than anything else, this summer at the Chapel was characterized by one word: prayer. We prayed more intentionally, regularly, spontaneously, and fervently than we did last summer or at any other time or place I have ever seen . . .
The words of a song can draw people in and bring them to a better understanding of Christ, but so can faces full of joy! When you see a young adult smiling, singing proudly, and worshipping Jesus on stage, you can tell that there is something different about him or her . . .
It is both humbling and encouraging to experience the love and unity of the body of Christ in this way. Our church family loves this team dearly and feels a strong kinship for the saints at Trinity…
Boardwalk Chapel 2016 (Set 3 of 3)
Boardwalk Chapel 2016 (Set 2 of 3)
Boardwalk Chapel 2016
Here at the Boardwalk Chapel we aren’t just another group of young Christians on a summer mission’s trip. The Boardwalk Chapel is different. We live together in one house as a community of believers, and each night we perform a program at the Chapel so we can share with people walking along the Boardwalk the love and joy that Christ
Boardwalk Chapel 2016 (Set 1 of 3)
In this brief video, Susanna Buckley, Pro-Life Coordinator at the Boardwalk Chapel, explains her role and shares some of the materials designed to help her bring hope and truth to those seeking answers about abortion and life . . .
Boardwalk Chapel 2016
NEW HORIZONS, June 2016: As an international hot spot, Wildwood is particularly ripe with opportunity for young believers to proclaim the gospel boldly while learning to face culture shock for future mission endeavors . . .
NEW HORIZONS, October 2015: Energy and resources we would normally use to serve only ourselves, instead are called to be used in service of others, both those we came to minister to and our fellow team members . . .
Following the nightly Chapel services, teams of Chapel workers stroll the boardwalk, striking up conversations with strangers about Christianity. The first few times you do this, every doubt you’ve ever had about the Christian faith is drawn to the forefront of your mind . . .
My visit to the chapel influenced me in more ways than I ever anticipated it would, and I’ve come to see Christianity from many new perspectives that continue to build my relationships with God and his people . . .
Much relies on the maturity and initiative of the team members, many of whom have served year after year and have grown both in their commitment to missions and their love for the children they meet . . .
No other week has given me greater proof that God is active in His relationship with me. I came to the Chapel looking to be revitalized with a stronger passion for Christ, and the Spirit answered my prayers far beyond what I could have ever expected . . .
We are very thankful that you took the time each day to talk in depth with us as a group. Your explanation of why we witness and evangelize was refreshing. You showed us how to use God’s authority for reaching people with truth and love . . .
I found it very interesting seeing how all those different people on the pier reacted to God’s word. In our sometimes protected world we never see the effects of God’s word on unbelievers, and seeing the wide variety of responses people had was very eye-opening . . .
Boardwalk Chapel 2015
TEAM UTAH 2015: Our team was honored to be able to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by helping Christ Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Magna, Utah. They are truly a light in a very dark corner of our country . . .
We just want to say “thank you” to the volunteers who are helping the Boardwalk Chapel get spruced up for the summer season . . .
An OPC church plant in New Hampshire put out a call for help with building refurbishment and received volunteers from California, Ohio, Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts…
I was struck when I witnessed Pastor Bill Welzien’s gospel presentation in Mallory Square the first night. I had seen various methods in my time as a Christian but none so captivating, so clear . . .
The children this year were very responsive to and receptive of the message we were sharing through the means of drama. Many children even remembered lessons learned from previous years’ skits and lessons . . .
The Boardwalk Chapel ministry has blessed countless people from all over the world, both saved and unsaved, and the Lord has sustained and grown many disciples within its walls. All this, and much more, I have been blessed to know firsthand . . .
I learned a lot about evangelizing, and I also learned some things about myself; areas where I am lacking and areas where I have strengths I wasn’t even aware of. It was a fantastic trip overall . . .
The experience I had there was incredible and I definitely grew closer to God over the week. I also grew much closer to the guys I went with and am very thankful for their friendship . . .
The specific technique taught by Bill was called “word painting.” This involves shapes that are pre-drawn on paper, which are subsequently filled in to reveal block letters of his message. It was a good way of captivating an audience at Mallory Square in Key West . . .
“Venture Missions-Zoar” is a short-term summer ministry that takes place on the Menominee and Stockbridge Indian Reservations in Wisconsin. It is sponsored by the two OP churches located on these reservations: Menominee OPC (Zoar, WI) and Old Stockbridge OPC (Gresham, WI) . . .
We attended and assisted in six public gospel presentations at Mallory Square sunset celebration where we spoke to listeners and handed out literature . . .
Boardwalk Chapel 2014
KENTWOOD, MI (2014): With the help of 3 other OP churches in Michigan, Meadow Springs Community Church (OPC) reached out to their community with a “Dragon Master” theme during the Annual July 4th Carnival in Kentwood, Michigan . . .
We thank the Lord that we have grown closer to our sister church through mutual service and encouragement in the Lord. We are so grateful for their generosity. They have given of their resources to build up the body of Christ in northeast San Antonio . . .
Amidst this burst of physical exhaustion, the Spirit fills us up. On a personal level, there is no way to survive the summer intact without fleeing to the feet of the God we walk the boards to proclaim. This reliance on Christ as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ brings joy-filled fellowship . . .
We had such a great experience spending time with Bill and learning from him. We came home wanting to know God’s word better and with a renewed desire to tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ . . .
As always, God does and will continue to provide for the Chapel and His ministry. Thank you so much for all help, consideration, and prayer . . .
Jon W. Stevenson, long-time Director of the Boardwalk Chapel ministry in Wildwood, New Jersey, retired on March 31, 2013 . . . “It all began for me as a college student with the giving of a testimony on the Chapel stage in 1967 . . .”
NEW HORIZONS, October 2012: On July 9, 2012, a group of more than thirty people came from nine churches across the country to transform the inside, outside, and grounds of New Covenant OPC in South San Francisco, California . . .
GRACE OPC, GERMANTOWN, PA (2012): Where there was discouragement, the crew brought encouragement and fellowship (especially to the pastor and his family!) Where saints felt isolated and alone, the lingering impact of this crew’s presence brought an increase of traffic that made it clear that we had a new and more visible presence in the community . . .
BARRE, VT (2012): In response to a request for a team to paint a house, eight men from Harvest OPC in Wyoming, Michigan, drove to Barre, Vermont. The homeowner was extremely grateful for this outpouring of Christian love from the missionary team from Harvest.
We had other plans for the summer – but God had one that was better than anything we could have imagined. Our work at the Chapel has given us a deeper appreciation for missions and evangelism . . .