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Serving as a Missional
At Providence Park, we believe in a community response to the needs of our neighbors in each step of their journey.
One of the most important ingredients in forming this community is our Missionals.
Missionals are people of purpose who embody the mission of Providence Park by helping create a safe, supportive, judgement-free environment in which they can plant seeds of dignity. It is a calling for those who are passionate about community building, leading compassionately, and contributing to the emotional growth and physical wellbeing of our neighbors as they transition from homelessness to their forever home.
Like their neighbors, Missionals pay rent to live in Providence Park and donate their time for the good of our community. Missionals enter intentional community with our neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and restoring relationships which are essential to recovery and success. As they invest in relationships rooted in mutual respect and love, they receive trust, laughter, friendship, and a profound sense of purpose in return.
Is Missional Life Right for Me?
Becoming a Missional is a big commitment—one that calls for reflection, readiness, and a heart aligned with our mission. That’s why we offer a guided discernment process, supported by wise mentors who walk alongside you as you explore this path.
Here are some signs that Missional life might be a good fit for you.
You Might Be Ready If...
- You read about Providence Park and thought, “This is the kind of community I’ve always longed to help create and live in.”
- You understand that homelessness is complex—and you’re drawn to solutions that address not just housing, but the loneliness and lack of support that often go unseen.
- You’ve tried to help unhoused neighbors on your own and realized that lasting change requires community.
- You feel a deep, perhaps even spiritual, calling to this way of life.
- You have enough for yourself and feel ready to sacrificially share your time and talents with those who’ve never had enough.
- You’re passionate about dignity, equity, and hospitality—and want to walk alongside neighbors as they rediscover their worth and reach their potential.
- You’re moved to tears reading this. That’s okay. Many of us are.
It Might Not Be the Right Time If...
- You struggle to set boundaries and often neglect your own well-being while caring for others.
- You’re currently overwhelmed by personal challenges, responsibilities, or demands on your time.
- You’re hoping to heal your own wounds by focusing on others.
- You’re seeking affordable housing or a way out of a difficult situation.
- You find it hard to maintain healthy relationships or have little patience for others’ struggles.
- You’re uncomfortable around people who look, think, act, or believe differently than you.
- Moving to Providence Park would separate you from your support system or loved ones who depend on you.
If You’re Not Sure...
Please don’t be discouraged. Your worth is not measured by whether this calling fits your life right now. Timing matters. Life changes. You may be the right person—but not yet. And when the time is right, we’ll be here to walk with you.
In the meantime, there are many ways to serve our neighbors and Missionals without living on site. Bring your gifts, your heart, and your presence. There’s plenty of work to be done—and you may carry something we didn’t even know we needed.
If you would like more information or if you feel ready to be a missional, please contact Steven Morris, Director of Spiritual Life and Missionals, at
steven@providenceparkhome.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Missional” a paid position?
No. Missionals do not receive payment for their service. Like their neighbors, Missionals pay rent to live in Providence Park and donate their time for the good of our community. The term Missional does not describe a position but a way of life. It is a life of intentional community with our neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and restoring relationships. As they invest in relationships rooted in mutual respect and love, they receive trust, laughter, friendship, and a profound sense of purpose in return.
Is being a Missional a full-time job?
Only if you want it to be. Serving as a Missional is a significant commitment. It means prioritizing your time, as well as offering your gifts and presence to nurture the culture of Providence Park. Each person’s hours of availability are different but being present to our neighbors is what’s most important. So, it’s not about how much time, it’s about how much of yourself you bring to the time you have with our neighbors. Our discernment process helps ensure that those considering this path understand and embrace the values and responsibilities of the Missional life, and that they are in an appropriate time of life to make this commitment and transition.
What are the qualifications of a Missional?
Missionals are intentional neighbors who live within Providence Park and commit to fostering a community of healing, dignity, and belonging. To be considered for this role, individuals must:
- Complete a discernment process that includes reflection, dialogue, and alignment with our mission and values
- Demonstrate a lifestyle of service, empathy, and relational investment, especially with those who have experienced chronic homelessness
- Exhibit emotional maturity, reliability, and a spirit of hospitality
- Be willing to engage in ongoing formation, including training and community rhythms that support personal growth and collective flourishing
- Commit to living within Providence Park and actively participating in the life of the neighborhood
Missionals are not defined by credentials, but by character. They serve as friends, mentors, and bridge-builders—cultivating relationships rooted in mutual respect, love, and support. Their presence helps create an environment where grace, growth, and restoration are not just possible, but expected.
What is expected of a Missional?
We want each missional to serve authentically, allowing their gifts, passions, and personality to shine. Our expectations are centered around core principles that should guide how our Missionals contribute to the life of the community: Display compassionate leadership, practice community building, actively participate in the life of the community, and encourage emotional growth and physical well-being. Practicing these principles ensure Missionals are instrumental in creating a welcoming and supportive environment where all individuals—neighbors and Missionals alike—can thrive emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
What does compassionate leadership look like?
Misssionals serve as role models within the community, demonstrating values and skills such as respect, compassion, empathetic listening, and dedication to the mission of Providence Park. Their leadership is defined by a dedication to equality and community: never a, “you should…” but a, “let us” approach.
How do Missionals build community?
Missionals cultivate meaningful connections with fellow Missionals and neighbors alike. They contribute to a sense of unity within Providence Park. Mutual support and collaboration are key to thriving as a community. The question that guides every choice and interaction is, “does this build or break community?”
What does active participation look like?
Missionals engage in activities designed to support the personal, social, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of our formerly homeless friends. This includes building relationships, attending events, providing encouragement, and modeling healthy habits, interactions, boundaries, and lifestyles. They work shoulder to shoulder through collaborative empowerment, which could look like the four-stage training process: 1). I do; you watch. 2). I do; you help 3). You do; I help 4). You do; I watch.
How does a Missional encourage emotional growth?
Missionals strive to create opportunities for personal and shared emotional growth, offering kindness, empathy, grace, and encouragement to everyone in the community; neighbors and Missionals alike.
Missionals are patient and forgiving, allowing neighbors to work through their emotions and discover the safety of a community committed to reconciliation and growth. Missionals realize that many negative emotions stem from years of reinforced feelings of unworthiness or helplessness; they see that we all need purpose to feel valuable and empower neighbors towards independence and leadership.
How do Missionals encourage physical well-being?
Missionals promote activities that encourage physical health, such as leading or participating in wellness programs, recreational activities, or group exercises that focus on healthy living. Missionals invite their Neighbors to join them in outdoor and social activities which engage body and mind to promote physical and mental health and overall well-being and offer greater quality of life.
What is discernment?
Becoming a Missional is a big decision and should not be taken lightly. That’s why we have wise mentors committed to guiding potential Missionals, like you, through discernment. The journey of discernment typically spans six to nine months. During this time, prospective Missionals volunteer at Providence Park and build connections with our neighbors, Missional team, and staff. They’ll also gain deeper insight into what full-time life at Providence Park entails. The discernment process includes meeting with our Director of Spiritual Life, other Missionals, and our Discernment Committee to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your purpose, and Missional life. Though the required reading, introspection, and reflection exercises can reveal difficult truths, candidates are supported every step of the way by our Missional team. It is an invaluable time of personal growth and discovery, whether you ultimately enter the Missional life or serve Providence Park in some other way.
What is formation?
For those who complete discernment, are affirmed as Missionals, and commit to life within Providence Park, the journey of reflection and self-discovery doesn’t end—it deepens. Formation is the next chapter: a guided process of becoming, not just doing.
While it includes practical training and skill-building, formation is ultimately about uncovering and cultivating the truest version of yourself—the one most capable of contributing to a community rooted in healing, restoration, and shared purpose. It’s where personal growth meets collective vision, and where your gifts are nurtured in service of something greater.
How long do Missonals commit to living in Providence Park?
Supporting people who have experienced the loss of relationships requires consistency and resilience. Missionals commit to 12-months of service, at minimum. Building relationships takes time and we deeply desire you and our neighbors to experience the meaningful impact of your time investment.
What if I Feel Ready to Be a Missional?
If you feel called to serve through presence, relationship, and shared life, we invite you to consider this transformative opportunity and contact:
Steven Morris
Director of Spiritual Life and Missionals
steven@providenceparkhome.com
501-859-4957