Momentum
Urban Centers
A MISSION TRIP EXPERIENCE DESIGNED TO HELP YOUR TEAM IMPACT OTHERS BACK HOME
Momentum Ministry Partners offers mission trip experiences at our Urban Ministry Centers in Los Angeles and Philadelphia for student and adult teams. Join us while we practically serve the city through food distribution, children’s ministries, and more – all while learning how to have gospel conversations in daily life.
Momentum Urban Centers provide students and adults with a mission trip experience that lasts well beyond your trip dates. Come join us at our Los Angeles Urban Center or our Philadelphia Urban Center and experience the impact you can have when you see each day as an opportunity to make Jesus make sense to others.
When you take a mission trip to one of our Urban Centers, your group will experience two foundational elements:
1) Your group will receive dynamic training on how to make Jesus make sense in our culture today and begin to see our everyday relationships as opportunities to be relational with the Gospel.
2) Your group will participate in hands-on ministry each day of your trip with opportunities to hear real life stories from people living in the city with the goal of sparking significant spiritual interactions as you connect with others.
Our mission trip experiences combine these two elements so that your group can serve and impact the city together and then return to your local community to continue living out the good news of Jesus with those around you.
An Urban Experience That Equips in
Making Jesus Make Sense to Others
Urban Centers have been training followers of Jesus in effective hands-on evangelism for over 20 years with locations in Philadelphia and Los Angeles!
We offer unique life-on-life training sessions on how to start conversations, how to tell your story, and how to share your faith in simple and life giving ways. We also provide practical, easy-to-use evangelism tools that make engaging with others simple. Our field experiences make our time together practical and profitable by immediately putting the lessons learned through the training sessions into practice!
We realize that every group is unique and at different stages in their relationship with Jesus, which is why we customize our mission trip opportunities to help you build momentum in your ministry. Click on the Request More Information button and one of our Urban Center staff will reach out to you to start a conversation, hear your mission trip goals, and discover the best way to build a mission trip experience for your group.
We partner with Youth Groups, Small Groups, College Groups, Adult Groups, Church Leadership Groups, and much more.
Momentum Urban Centers
Locations
Momentum Urban Centers has training centers in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Each center offers opportunities for believers of all ages to understand how to make Jesus make sense to others. Our passion is for individuals and churches to not only impact our neighborhood but their home communities as well, through our year-round experiences.
We have facilities that are fully equipped with lodging accommodations, showers, kitchen, and training room. We can currently house up to 48 people at Urban Center Los Angeles and up to 75 at Urban Center Philadelphia.
Momentum Urban Centers
Trip Options
Our trips are designed for middle school & high school students, college students, adults, small groups, youth groups, church leadership groups, and colleges/universities. Whether your team understands how to make Jesus make sense to others, or this is their first missions trip, we will create a trip to help maximize their experience.
Momentum Urban Centers’ heartbeat is to ignite a passion for your team to reach their peers back home. It is not just about a weekend or week-long missions experience. Urban Centers are a springboard to help your team know how to engage with others in their own communities and with those that God has placed in their path!
WEEKEND & WEEK-LONG EXPERIENCES:
$170 | 2-day trip (Los Angeles and Philadelphia)
$395 | 5-day trip (Los Angeles and Philadelphia)
$450 | 7-day trip (Los Angeles only)
To inquire about available dates & cost of a trip for your group for other trip lengths(ex: 1 day, 3 days, etc.), complete the ‘REQUEST INFO’ form below and one of our Urban Center staff will be in touch.
Christmas Hope
Giving Hope by Meeting Practical Needs
What if there was a practical way for you to deliver the Hope of Jesus and serve others during the Christmas season. Our Momentum Urban Centers has an incredible opportunity for you to do just that! Momentum is inviting you and your family OR you and a group from your church to come join us for CHRISTMAS HOPE in Philadelphia OR Los Angeles.
Each of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips are only 3 days long and the cost is extremely affordable (kids come free with a paying parent/family member). Our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips include ministry to the homeless and an opportunity to engage with people in the city by handing out Christmas Hope packets, hot cocoa and meeting other practical needs.
Gather up your family, your small group, your student ministry, your young adult group OR even your student leadership team and come join us for a CHRISTMAS HOPE trip in the city.
If you and your church are interested in bringing a group to one of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips and want more information about cost, schedule, and how to register, email us today: Philadelphia [rrojas@buildmomentum.org] or Los Angeles [tlansing@buildmomentum.org].
Space is limited, so reach out today and reserve your spots!
2026 Dates:
Dec 11-13
Dec 18-20
Dec 28-30
Jan 1-3 (2027)
“$125 per person includes breakfast each morning, lodging, training sessions, and ministry supplies & opportunities.
Christmas Hope
Giving Hope by Meeting Practical Needs
What if there was a practical way for you to deliver the Hope of Jesus and serve others during the Christmas season. Our Momentum Urban Centers has an incredible opportunity for you to do just that! Momentum is inviting you and your family OR you and a group from your church to come join us for CHRISTMAS HOPE in Philadelphia OR Los Angeles.
Each of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips are only 3 days long and the cost is extremely affordable (kids come free with a paying parent/family member). Our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips include ministry to the homeless and an opportunity to engage with people in the city by handing out Christmas Hope packets, hot cocoa and meeting other practical needs.
Gather up your family, your small group, your student ministry, your young adult group OR even your student leadership team and come join us for one of our 6 CHRISTMAS HOPE trips this Christmas season in the city.
If you and your church are interested in bringing a group to one of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips and want more information about cost, schedule, and how to register, email us today: Philadelphia [rrojas@buildmomentum.org] or Los Angeles [tlansing@buildmomentum.org].
Space is limited, so reach out today and reserve your spots!
,,What if there was a practical way for you to deliver the Hope of Jesus and serve others during the Christmas season. Our Momentum Urban Centers has an incredible opportunity for you to do just that! Momentum is inviting you and your family OR you and a group from your church to come join us for CHRISTMAS HOPE in Philadelphia OR Los Angeles.
Each of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips are only 3 days long and the cost is extremely affordable (kids come free with a paying parent/family member). Our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips include ministry to the homeless and an opportunity to engage with people in the city by handing out Christmas Hope packets, hot cocoa and meeting other practical needs.
Gather up your family, your small group, your student ministry, your young adult group OR even your student leadership team and come join us for one of our 6 CHRISTMAS HOPE trips this Christmas season in the city.
If you and your church are interested in bringing a group to one of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips and want more information about cost, schedule, and how to register, email us today: Philadelphia [rrojas@buildmomentum.org] or Los Angeles [tlansing@buildmomentum.org].
Space is limited, so reach out today and reserve your spots!
HANDS-ON MINISTRY
FIELD EXPERIENCES
There is a wide variety of “in-the-field” ministry young people will experience at Urban Centers, including:
- Ministering to the homeless in urban areas.
- Participating in park and beach ministries.
- Food distribution to families in need.
- Children’s ministries.
- Other peer-to-peer ministry opportunities.
IGNITE
LIFELONG PASSION
Momentum Urban Centers
ARE Committed To:
REAL Training
Practical training sessions geared towards helping your team understand the process of making Jesus make sense to others
REAL Experience
Daily ministry experiences to impassion your team to love & value the unchurched
REAL Impact
Your team will go home with a passion to reach and a plan to impact the unchurched within their circles of influence
REAL Partnership
Supporting you as a ministry leader by providing ongoing encouragement, assistance and training to help you continue to develop a culture that values the unchurched
What Makes Momentum Ministry
Partners Unique?
We know that there are quite a few options available when pastors and church leaders are looking for engaging ministry opportunities for their youth leaders. But with Momentum Ministry Partners, we believe that our unique and comprehensive approach to ministry services truly sets us apart and allows for a transformative experience for young people.
What makes Momentum Ministry Partners unique?
- Emphasis on connecting to local churches and church leaders.
- Diverse training sessions and unique ministry opportunities.
- Experienced and inspirational leaders.
- Invaluable hands-on ministry experiences.
- A commitment to a Biblical Worldview.
Christmas Hope
Giving Hope by Meeting Practical Needs
What if there was a practical way for you to deliver the Hope of Jesus and serve others during the Christmas season. Our Momentum Urban Centers has an incredible opportunity for you to do just that! Momentum is inviting you and your family OR you and a group from your church to come join us for CHRISTMAS HOPE 2022 in Philadelphia OR Los Angeles.
Each of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips are only 3 days long and the cost is only $75/person(kids come free with a paying parent/family member). Our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips include ministry to the homeless and an opportunity to engage with people in the city by handing out Christmas Hope packets, hot cocoa and meeting other practical needs.
Gather up your family, your small group, your student ministry, your young adult group OR even your student leadership team and come join us for one of our 6 CHRISTMAS HOPE trips this Christmas season in the city.
2022 CHRISTMAS HOPE TRIPS:
- #1| Nov 25-27 [Fri-Sun]
- #2| Dec 2-4 [Fri-Sun]
- #3| Dec 9-11 [Fri-Sun]
- #4| Dec 28-30 [Wed-Fri]
- #5| Dec 30 – Jan 1 [Fri-Sun]
If you and your church are interested in bringing a group to one of our CHRISTMAS HOPE trips and want more information about what is included in the cost, the schedule and how to register, email us Philadelphia [rrojas@buildmomentum.org] or Los Angeles [tlansing@buildmomentum.org].
Space is limited, so reach out today and reserve your spots!”
Join the Momentum
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical daily schedule look like at Momentum Ministry Partners Urban Centers?
A typical day at a Momentum Ministry Partners Urban Center is intentionally structured to bridge the gap between practical training and real-world application, making it an ideal choice for students seeking hands-on urban ministry training. The schedule focuses on two foundational elements: helpful morning training, followed by impactful afternoon field experiences.
- Morning Training Sessions: Each day begins with Life-on-Life evangelism coaching. Momentum Ministry Partners staff lead sessions designed to help participants understand how to make Jesus make sense in modern culture. These sessions provide practical, easy-to-use tools for starting spiritual conversations and sharing personal faith in accessible ways.
- Afternoon Field Experiences: In the afternoon, groups transition from the classroom to the city to put their training into immediate practice. These hands-on experiences are designed to spark significant spiritual interactions through:
- Direct relational engagement in local city parks or beach settings.
- Relational ministry at homeless shelters and urban street corners.
- Practical service at food distribution centers and local soup kitchens.
- Leading children’s ministry programs and neighborhood kids’ outreach.
- Evening Debrief: The day concludes with dedicated time for youth groups to process their experiences under the mentorship of their own leaders and Momentum Ministry Partners staff, ensuring the lessons learned in the city translate into long-term spiritual growth.
This balanced approach ensures that every student leaves with both the confidence and the practical experience necessary to share their faith. By combining classroom instruction with immediate urban application, Momentum Ministry Partners creates a lasting impact on both the students and the communities they serve.
What kind of ministry activities will our group participate in with Momentum Ministry Partners?
Youth groups partnering with Momentum Ministry Partners Urban Centers engage in a diverse range of on-the-field urban ministry activities. Rather than passive observation, participants are immersed in active service and evangelism. Specific activities include:
- Relational Evangelism: Engaging in Life-on-Life outreach where students learn to listen to real-life stories and connect the Gospel to the needs of people they meet in the city.
- Homeless Outreach: Ministering directly to the homeless population in Philadelphia and Los Angeles through conversation and meeting practical needs.
- Food Security Programs: Serving in local soup kitchens and assisting with food distribution to families in need.
- Children and Youth Programs: Organizing and running kids’ programs in city parks to reach the next generation in urban neighborhoods.
- Peer-to-Peer Ministry: Opportunities for students to engage with other young people, fostering peer-level spiritual connections.
- Specialized Seasonal Outreach: During Christmas Hope trips, activities expand to include handing out cocoa and hope packets to meet practical needs during the winter season.
These varied activities allow participants to see the diverse ways the Gospel can be lived out in a complex urban environment. Momentum Ministry Partners tailors these experiences to ensure your group provides tangible help while building authentic relationships within the city.
Are Momentum Ministry Partners’ facilities equipped to house and feed our entire youth group?
Yes, Momentum Ministry Partners provides fully equipped, year-round facilities specifically designed to function as a home base for youth group teams. Both the Philadelphia and Los Angeles campuses are prepared to handle the logistical needs of large church organizations. We offer:
- Capacity and Lodging: The Philadelphia Urban Center can accommodate up to 75 people, while the Los Angeles Urban Center can accommodate up to 48 people. Housing is typically arranged in a dormitory style that facilitates group bonding.
- On-Site Amenities: Each facility features full kitchens for meal preparation, private showers, and dedicated training spaces for morning coaching and evening worship.
- Comprehensive Logistics: For many trips, the cost includes lodging and breakfast each morning, significantly reducing the administrative burden on church leaders. This infrastructure allows teams to focus entirely on the urban ministry coaching and practical experiences provided by Momentum Ministry Partners.
By providing centralized housing and kitchen facilities, we eliminate the stress of coordinating external lodging and meals. This allows your team to stay focused on the mission and the community-building aspects of the Momentum Ministry Partners experience.
How does Momentum Ministry Partners ensure the safety of students during city ministry?
The safety of every participant is a top priority for Momentum Ministry Partners. The organization utilizes a proven leadership model to ensure that students are supervised and supported throughout their urban ministry experience.
- Expert Staff Supervision: Groups are never sent into ministry environments alone. Every in-the-field experience is led by experienced Momentum Ministry Partners staff who maintain long-standing relationships with the local community and have a thorough understanding of local dynamics.
- Strict Safety Protocols: Momentum Ministry Partners follows rigorous safety protocols, including a 1:12 ratio of youth workers to students. All staff and volunteers undergo a vetting process that includes background checks and specific training for working with minors.
- Relational Security: By focusing on REAL Partnership with local churches and leaders, Momentum Ministry Partners ensures that ministry takes place in contexts where they have an established presence. This relational approach provides a layer of security that allows students to focus on practical urban ministry for young leaders while remaining in a safe and monitored environment.
Our commitment to safety is rooted in our extensive local knowledge and high staff-to-student ratios. Momentum Ministry Partners provides a secure framework that empowers students to step outside their comfort zones with complete peace of mind for parents and leaders.
