Frontier Commons

ISM In A Box

The mission field is already at your doorstep. No passport required. The nations have come to you.

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1.1MStudents in the U.S.
6Phases
28Steps
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International Student Ministry is the single most cost-effective global mission strategy available to the local church. These students are tomorrow's presidents, professors, and pastors — and most will never be invited into an American home.

Campus Radar

See who's already near your church. Select your state to discover nearby universities and their international student populations.

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international students in your state
Phase 1

Pray 0/3

Everything begins here. Before strategy, before events — ask God who in your congregation already has a heart for the nations. They're usually already there, waiting to be invited.

    Discussion Questions
    1. What are some of the biblical and theological reasons for ministering to international students?
    2. What makes ministry to international students so strategic in the spread of the Gospel globally?
    3. How might your church become more accommodating to international students?
    Phase 2

    Learn 0/5

    Knowledge breaks fear. Most churches don't engage because they don't know who's nearby. Find out how many students are at local schools, where they come from, and what their actual needs are.

      Discussion Questions
      1. What factors contribute to effective ministry to international students?
      2. What benefits accrue to a church involved in ISM? Why might churches be hesitant?
      3. Discuss best practices for establishing a ministry to international students.
      Phase 3

      Connect 0/5

      Show up where students already are. Welcome events, campus offices, student clubs — the first touchpoint matters more than you think. Many students say the first week determines their entire experience.

        Discussion Questions
        1. Share a story of how someone's hospitality impacted you. How might your church's hospitality impact a student?
        2. What steps could be taken to establish a ministry to international students in your area?
        Phase 4

        Host 0/5

        Hospitality is a biblical command and the most powerful thing your church can offer. A seat at your table during Thanksgiving can change someone's entire view of faith, family, and America.

          Discussion Questions
          1. How does the biblical command to be hospitable affect your commitment to international students?
          2. Review the blessings and challenges of ISM. Which challenge might you struggle most with?
          Phase 5

          Disciple 0/5

          Create space for honest questions without pressure. International students are often more spiritually open than you'd expect — many are encountering Christianity authentically for the first time, far from family expectations.

            Discussion Questions
            1. What group of people in the Bible serves as a functional equivalent to international students?
            2. How does the New Testament reflect the importance of ministry to those from other nations?
            Phase 6

            Send 0/5

            The most overlooked phase. Students who return home without re-entry preparation often lose their faith within months. Commission them, connect them, and stay in their lives. This is where local ministry becomes global mission.

              Discussion Questions
              1. How does re-entry training help prepare students to return to their home country?
              2. How might Christian international students serve as mentors and advocates when they return?
              🎉

              You did it.

              Your church is ready to welcome international students.

              Go Deeper

              Curated resources to strengthen your ministry.

              Ministry Tools & Resources →Budget calculator, cultural guides, journal, team dashboard & more
              Article

              The Mission Field Coming to Our Campuses

              Leiton Chinn on why ISM is the most strategic yet overlooked opportunity.

              Read on Lausanne →
              Video

              Lausanne Global Classroom: ISM

              9-part documentary: biblical foundations, hospitality, best practices, re-entry.

              Watch the series →
              Book

              Paradigm Shift

              Jack D. Burke on why international students are strategic to global missions.

              Find the book →
              Network

              International Friendships (IFI)

              National ministry connecting students with local volunteers.

              Visit ifiusa.org →
              Book

              Strangers Next Door

              J.D. Payne on immigration, migration, and the missional opportunity.

              Find the book →
              Network

              ACMI

              Training, resources, and a global network of ISM practitioners.

              Visit acmi-ism.org →