I sat down for a cup of coffee with a good friend, Rawd Jones, at the end of our fifth summer of leading voyages. I was telling him about a summer full of great trips. I felt we had something very different to offer than any other organization. But it was becoming more difficult to define what we did for potential clients. “Are we a mission organization that leads great service opportunities around the world by connecting people to unmet needs? It seems like so many churches want mission trips but that is not exactly what we do.” Rawd sipped his coffee as I thought out loud. “Are we a pilgrimage organization that primarily leads spiritual journeys for Christ-seekers? Or are we adventure tour guides, teaching people to live life?” Still Rawd sat quiet. “I just don’t know how to properly define the type of trips we lead anymore.” Rawd looked at me as if he was the center of universal wisdom. But it was that kind of look that I knew would bring the wisdom I need. “Shawn, you guys aren’t a mission organization, tour guides or a pilgrimage company. You led Wonder Voyage’s, unique trips with their own vibe and rhythm. Nobody else in the world does that. It is what you do. It is who you are.”
Those unique voyages were the offspring of our core values. Some of these ideals were a part of the organization from its inception. But many of them developed as we matured in our calling. In year four, after a particularly good summer, our volunteer leadership team sat down and asked the question: what are the values that define us as Wonder Voyage?
Here are the ten values that make us a unique, one-of-a-kind organization. If we stay true to our core values we can only grow in depth and maturity. If we abandon them, Wonder Voyage is no longer alive. Take a look into the soul of Wonder Voyage.
The Core Values of Wonder Voyage
The Wonder Voyage staff holds to ten core values as our pilgrimage tradition. You must be able to embrace these values to be a fundamental member of the Wonder Voyage staff and to understand the vision of Wonder Voyage.
Pilgrimage (Psalm 84:5) – our lifelong spiritual journey is at the heart of our calling
We are dedicated to providing the modern day sojourner with the unique opportunity of pursuing the heart of God in extraordinary locations, through unparalleled opportunities. Every event becomes a journey and every participant a pilgrim. To understand Wonder Voyage you must embrace a lifestyle of pilgrimage.
Wonder (Genesis 32:30)- every pilgrimage consists of defining moments of wonder
We believe God is constantly speaking through moments of wonder. We strive to make room for these ‘encounters’ with the heart of God throughout our journeys. These encounters become moments of spiritual, emotional and directional clarity. Whether in a graveyard, cathedral, on a mountainside or in a cityscape, we open our eyes to wonder.
Exploration (Daniel 11:32)- moments of adventure and exploration are waiting to be seized
At WV we believe in embracing life passionately. The ability to take risks, to understand the cultures we visit, to try new things and see with new eyes, should be a daily part of our voyages. We believe a heart of exploration and adventure are awaiting all who would embrace life as a gift.
The Unexpected (Proverbs 3:5,6)- mystery is to be embraced not shunned
Because we customize every event to the personality and individual needs of each group that joins us, flexibility and adaptation are necessities. We must be extremely sensitive to all opportunities and circumstances that present themselves to us. As a staff we must be dedicated to listening, learning, praying and playing.
Transparency (Psalm 51:10)- absolute honesty and fearless self-evaluation allows us to grow
A safe environment to be transparent must be cultivated. Grace, mercy and love prevail as we explore our humanity.
Vibrant Reasonable Faith (1 Peter 3:15)- we define our theology through the Creed
Our faith demands thought yet, is also comprised of the mystical and functional. We take great pleasure in the communion of the saints; the vast practices and traditions of those around the world who are followers of Jesus Christ.
Constant Humor (Proverbs 17:22)- we love to laugh at all times
If you have no tolerance for the absurd or the funny side of life, you will not enjoy involvement in Wonder Voyage. Laughter is often the medicine that heals the soul.
Customized to Community (Eph. 4:13)- each event is tailored for each unique community
We strive to customize each event to the personality and needs of each group. Our focus must be drawing teams closer to each other and the Lord, strengthening them through Christ, as a collective fellowship. We are an ecumenical organization committed to the Word of God, the unity of the saints, and a living, passionate, Savior.
Sacrifice (Matthew 16:24)- A posture of servanthood is a necessity as a staff membe
You must be willing to serve our pilgrim participants, persuading them forward on their journeys. Our experienced staff does the work so other pilgrims can enjoy the benefits. One must lay their life down to gain life.
Ownership (Eph 4:11 -13)- We desire to empower our staff in their call
We believe in unique-gifted leadership as opposed to needs-based. Needs based leadership says, ‘I need you in this spot. Do the job.’ Unique-gifted leadership says, ‘You are unique, thus your call is unique.’ To take ownership you will need mercy-filled aggressiveness, a strong sense of responsibility, a steadfast determination, a distinctive individuality and a longing for community.
