EnterMission — Organization Profile
EnterMission is a Christian gap-year and discipleship ministry for young adults ages 17–25. A ministry of New International, EnterMission exists to help students enter life on mission through immersive discipleship, hands-on ministry, community life, leadership formation, and cross-cultural service. Its programs are designed for young adults who want to grow in their faith, discern calling, and gain practical ministry experience before or during college, vocational training, or ministry service.
EnterMission is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, on the campus of Johnson University, and serves young adults from the United States and international ministry locations. Its experience begins with community and concept building at Johnson University, where students live together, study the life of Jesus, establish rhythms of shared life, and learn core concepts for discipleship and mission. From there, students participate in ministry experiences across the United States and, for the full gap-year track, overseas.
The ministry offers several program options, including a five-month Gap Semester, a 10-month Gap Year, a Resident Assistant experience, and a second-year Leadership Track. The first semester includes training at Johnson University, mentoring, communal formation, and ministry exposure through U.S. service experiences. These ministry trips often involve inner-city ministries, children’s homes, orphanages, Native American reservations, and service at the International Conference on Missions.
The full Gap Year adds an international ministry experience during the second semester. Students travel to an overseas ministry location, live and serve with local ministry partners, and apply the values and skills developed during their first semester. EnterMission describes this as more than taking a year off; it is a hands-on, trade-school approach to discipleship and ministry development intended to shape students as disciples, leaders, and young adults.
Mentorship is central to the EnterMission model. Each student is paired with a mentor for weekly meetings, encouragement, challenge, reflection, and guidance. The ministry’s core values include Kingdom living, wonder and curiosity, intentional community, spiritual formation, missional living, cross-cultural humility, resilience and growth, and creativity and calling. EnterMission also works with college partners such as Johnson University, Ozark Christian College, and Great Lakes Christian College for possible college credit and scholarships.
People can engage with EnterMission by applying for a Gap Semester, Gap Year, Resident Assistant role, or Leadership Track; giving financially through New International; sponsoring a student or staff member; connecting as a church or organizational partner; inviting young adults to apply; praying for students and leaders; or contacting the ministry with questions. Donations may be made online through New International, and inquiries may be sent to the Knoxville address or email listed by the ministry.
Key Links
- Website: https://www.entermission.org/
- Gap Year: https://www.entermission.org/gap-year
- Gap Semester: https://www.entermission.org/gap-semester
- Mission and Philosophy: https://www.entermission.org/mission-and-philosophy
- Staff: https://www.entermission.org/staff
- Board of Directors: https://www.entermission.org/board-of-directors
- Organizational Partners: https://www.entermission.org/organizational-partners
- Pricing: https://www.entermission.org/pricing
- FAQ: https://www.entermission.org/faq
- Donate: https://newinternational.org/give/campaign/entermission
Contact Information
- Email: in**@**********on.org
- Email: in**@**********on.world
- Phone: 859-248-0385
- Mailing address: 7900 Johnson Dr., Knoxville, TN 37998
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/entermission
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/entermission/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entermission/
Leadership
- Chris Irwin — Director
- Nicia Irwin — Mentor and Financial Admin
- Erin Popova — Dean of Students
- Luke Bolton — Program Assistant and International Facilitator
- Corban Williams — Student and Church Engagement
- Tori Williams — Student and Church Engagement
- David Empson — Board Member
- Dean Trune — Board Member
- Brent Brewer — Board Member
- Andrew Jit — Board Member
