GLCC and GO Ministries form partnership to promote missions
Great Lakes Christian College and GO Ministries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a long-term partnership creating new academic, service, and educational pathways between the United States and the Dominican Republic. The agreement includes a semester-long study abroad option, a new online course paired with a short-term trip, and a pathway for Dominican students to pursue higher education at GLCC.
- GLCC students can study and serve in the Dominican Republic while earning up to 15 credit hours.
- U.S. high school students can take GLCC’s “Life on Mission” course and join a short-term trip with GO Ministries.
- Dominican students connected to GO Ministries can pursue a pathway to study in the United States at GLCC.
by Rick Cherok
Great Lakes Christian College and GO Ministries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a long-term partnership that will create new academic, service, and educational pathways between the United States and the Dominican Republic. The collaboration links GLCC’s faith-based undergraduate program with GO Ministries’ established work in Santiago de los Caballeros, opening new opportunities for students on both sides of the partnership.
Dr. Frank Weller, president of GLCC, told Christian Standard that he and the GLCC trustees went to the Dominican Republic and “for five days to see if the Holy Spirit would lead to a plan.” The idea that emerged, he said, provides an opportunity for students to experience international missionary work and to potentially replenish the missions pipeline.
Three opportunities created by the agreement
Weller notes that the agreement between GLCC and Go Ministries creates three distinct opportunities that will prove beneficial for both groups.
For GLCC students, the partnership offers a semester-long study abroad program in which students will gain a first-hand experience with cross-cultural missionary life. This option will enable students to earn up to 15 credit hours toward their degree program while living and serving in the Dominican Republic under the mentorship and guidance of the staff members associated GO Ministries.
A second opportunity will permit U.S. high school students to earn college credits by enrolling in GLCC’s new online course, Life on Mission, and participating in a short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic with GO Ministries. Weller reported that the curriculum for this low-cost, three-credit class was developed in cooperation with Rob Maupin, who will soon become the new executive director of the International Conference On Missions (ICOM), and will use Pete Cocco’s book, You Have Permission: Developing a Personal Mission Beyond the Walls of Church, as their primary textbook. Through the course, participants will reflect on their summer service experience while deepening their understanding of what it means to live missionally.
Thirdly, for Dominican high school graduates connected to GO Ministries, this partnership will create a clear pathway to higher education in the United States. GO will identify prospective students and support English-language readiness for potential students, while GLCC will assist students with admissions and student-visa requirements. The College and GO will work together to develop financial pathways that open the door to four-year college study that would otherwise be difficult to access for students from the Dominican Republic.
“This partnership reflects what we believe Christian higher education should look like in this moment,” said Weller. “It places our students in real cross-cultural relationships, brings the wisdom and witness of Dominican believers onto our campus, and removes barriers for talented young people who want to pursue both their education and their calling. We are honored to walk alongside GO Ministries in this work.” Furthermore, Weller said, “We want Great Lakes to be the college to go to for missions preparation.”
Will Partin, President of GO Ministries said the partnership extends GO’s approach of investing in people for the long term. “Mission has always been about more than the trip itself,” said Partin, “it’s about formation, multiplication, and equipping the next generation of leaders.” Moreover, he explained, “Connecting our ministry sites to a college that shares those values creates a pipeline of emerging missionaries who gain not just an unforgettable experience, but a foundation for whatever God calls them to do next.”
Program timelines
GLCC students will be able to study in the Dominican Republic beginning in Spring 2027. High school students can enroll in Life on Mission starting this fall. And GO affiliated Dominican Republic students can begin applying for admission to GLCC immediately.
Author: Rick Cherok
Rick Cherok serves as Managing Editor of Christian Standard, Executive Director of Celtic Christian Mission, and Director of Men’s Services at Kentucky Christian University.
