What Are Advance Teams?
Advance Teams are short-term, cross-cultural trips designed for high school students, college students, and ministry groups to engage the global refugee crisis while tracing the story of the early church. Over 10–14 days in Athens, Greece, students experience hands-on exposure to missions and gain a vision for how God is moving among the nations.
Whether you’re a youth pastor bringing your students, a college leader equipping young adults, or an individual lookoing for a summer missions opportunity, Advance Teams provide an unforgettable opportunity to step into the age of modern missions.
Who Can Join?
High School Groups –
Ideal for juniors and seniors (ages 17+). Leaders can bring their student groups for a transformational summer trip.
College Groups –
College pastors and campus leaders can bring teams of students to serve and learn together.
Individuals –
Students and young adults ages 17–26 can sign up on their own and be placed on a Nextwave team.
*Group leaders and pastors: Reserve a spot for your team through our interest form.
*High school or college students: Fill out an individual application form to join a team this summer.
Why Athens?
Athens is at the crossroads of the modern refugee highway and the historic spread of Christianity. Every day, refugees from the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia arrive in the city searching for safety and hope. At the same time, the streets of Athens carry the legacy of the Apostle Paul, who preached the Gospel here 2,000 years ago.
By joining an Advance Team, you’ll stand at this intersection of biblical history and present-day mission, seeing firsthand how God is moving among the nations.
What You’ll Experience
Engage Refugee Ministry –
Serve alongside local partners who are providing food, language classes, and the hope of Christ to displaced families.
Encounter the Refugee Highway –
Learn the stories of those who have fled war and persecution, and see how the church is responding.
Walk in Paul’s Footsteps –
Explore ancient biblical landmarks like the Acropolis, Agora, and Mars Hill, where Paul proclaimed the Gospel.
Visit Historic Cities –
Take a day trip to Corinth or Thessaloniki, diving deeper into the world of the New Testament.
Grow Spiritually and Missionally –
Develop a heart for the nations through team discipleship, reflection, and prayer.
Advance Teams are designed for both spiritual growth and cross-cultural exposure. Here are just a few of the highlights you will experience during your time in Athens:
Why join an Advance Team?
Equip the Next Generation – Youth leaders and college pastors can help their students grow in maturity, leadership, and passion for the Gospel.
See the Gospel in Motion – Step into a story that connects the book of Acts with the modern refugee movement.
Experience Deep Formation – Students grow not just in knowledge but in faith, courage, and cultural awareness.
Catch a Vision – These trips are about more than service—they’re about exposure. Students gain a global perspective and return with a clearer sense of how God might use them.
Trip Details
Length:
10–14 days
Location:
Athens, Greece + one additional historic site (Corinth or Thessaloniki)
When:
Rotating summer dates (reserve your spot early)
Who Leads:
Nextwave staff guide each trip, with local partners providing ministry opportunities
Who Can Apply:
Groups (high school and college) or individuals (ages 17–26)
*Full itineraries and packing details will be included in your trip info packet after reserving your spot.
Next Steps
Individuals:
Fill out the Advance Team Interest Form to be considered for the next team.
Group Leaders:
Reserve a summer slot for your student group today. A Nextwave staff member will connect with you to walk through logistics.