What is it?

“Hands On” is a four to five month tour of mission service offered to qualified students by the International Mission Board, SBC. Students will serve as semester missionaries in teams of four working alongside experienced field supervisors. Their duties will include evangelism, discipleship, and holistic ministry. For locations and job descriptions see www.thetask.org/handson.

 What are the pre-requisites for the Hands-On program?

To be eligible for this program, students must have passed the following pre-requisite classes:  CHMN 1023 Introduction to Christian Ministry; and MSSN 2303 Introduction to Christian Missions. (For non-OBU students or non Christian studies majors, this requirement may be waived.)

Also, students must meet the International Mission Board’s requirements for this program. One of these requirements is that the student be a member of a Southern Baptist church. In the future, the Pruet School of Christian Studies may explore similar opportunities with mission agencies that accept other students, but for now this program is available only to Southern Baptists. Click here to check out the Southern Baptist convention. Click here to check out a Southern Baptist church near you.

How can I earn college credit for the Hands-On program?

In conjunction with this program, Ouachita Baptist University will offer credit in the following courses.

MSSN Internship—

The Chair of the Department of Christian Missions will coordinate this program according to guidelines listed in OBU’s course catalog. Grading for this course will be determined by the field supervisor’s evaluation, a student evaluation of the experience,  and an exit paper showing what the student has learned.

MSSN Methodology—

The instructor for this course will guide students through pre-field, on-field, and post-field assignments. The post-field assignments will include a follow up report to be submitted after the student’s return.

MSSN Special Studies (Field Work)—

Students will receive credit for this course by successfully completing the work assigned by the field supervisor. Grading for this course will be determined by the field supervisor’s evaluation of the student.

MSSN Cross-Cultural Communication—

As in MSSN Methodology, the instructor for this course will guide students through pre-field, on-field, and post-field assignments. This course may be offered on line if the student has internet access on the field.

For more information about these courses see OBU’s online catalog at www.obu.edu/academics/general-catalog.

How do I sign up?

To receive college credit for the Hands-On…Ouachita program, students must enroll in the above courses through Ouachita Baptist University. Normal tuition fees will apply. Students must enroll in at least twelve hours in order to remain a full time student and maintain their existing financial support package. For more information on sign up go to Hands-On Application Procedures.

How do I contact someone to find out more?

For more information contact:

Ray Franklin, Associate Professor of Missions
Pruet School of Christian Studies
franklinr@obu.edu
870-245-5282

Ian Cosh, Director
Center for International Studies
coshi@obu.edu
870-245-5320

Terry Carter Chair, Department of Christian Ministries;
Acting Chair, Department of Christian Missions
cartert@obu.edu
870-245-5147