Do I have to be a member of a Southern Baptist Chuch to attend Fusion?
NO! You do NOT have to be a member of a Southern Baptist Church to attend Fusion. HOWEVER, the cost to attend Fusion is considerably higher for non-Southern Baptists. This is because Fusion's tuition and international travel costs are subsidized by Southern Baptist Convention monies. Per our guidelines, Southern Baptist funding can only be utilized to support members of Southern Baptist churches. For more information, please call 816-414-3767.
Do I have to be called to "vocational "ministry to attend Fusion?
The answer is NO! We at Fusion believe that all Christians are called to full time ministry, however, not all Christians are called to serve as a
vocational ministers (pastor, missionary, etc). Besides those who have come to Fusion planning to pursue ministry vocations, many students who have completed Fusion intend to serve as to be teachers, doctors, engineers, biologists, soldiers, marines, airmen, even forestry workers. So regardless of your intended vocation, Fusion could be for you!
Compared to other colleges, Fusion's cost is quite competetive ($15,000 for the year). Does Fusion qualify for financial aid or can I use my current scholarships and financial aid to help pay for Fusion?
Financial aid for students, including Title IV Funding (Federal Financial Aid), is available through Midwestern Baptist College-SBC for those who qualify. However, Fusion is considered as a gap-year program and as such is no longer eligible for Federal Financial Aid. There are several options for payment. Fusion provides its students with a fundraising guide to help them raise the funds necessary to participate. As far as Fusion's total cost is concerned, Fusion $15,000 for the year, including tuition, room and board, training, and and all international transportation and living expenses. Compare this to most colleges and universities who charge $14,000-$20,000 (or more...) for tuition and housing and you will see that
Fusion’s cost is quite competitive!
How about fundraising, how hard is that?
Fusion offers students an entire packet of material that helps them raise funds. This includes lessons and templates on how to write letters and how to use a Powerpoint presentation for use with church congregations. You are only limited by your own creativity when it come to raising funds. We do however suggest that you start early with this process.
How do I transfer credit to another college or university?
Credit transfer is facilitated by Midwestern Baptist College-SBC. All you have to do is contact the registrar and have them send your transcript to your school. Once your school receives the transcript, it is up to them to apply the credit to your current major.
Do I get to come home for Christmas?
Yes. Generally you leave Fusion for home around December 15 and begin travel overseas around January 10.
Who can I contact with any other questions or needs?
For information on Fusion at MIdwestern Baptist College in Kansas City, MO, please contact the Fusion staff at 816-414-3777 or email
fusion@mbts.edu.
Do I get to choose where I go overseas?
Fusion is committed to placing you where you are going to be most adequately used by the Lord and where you are most likely to have a good experience. The Fusion application process is designed to help you find that place of service. If during Phase One it becomes evident that you need to go to another Fusion international ministry site other than the one initialy offered to you, then we will work with you to make it happen.
What is Ground School?
Ground school is Fusion’s “basic training.” It is 10 days of intensive discipline that is designed to help Fusion participants take their mind off themselves and place it on the body as a whole. Based on 1 Timothy 4:7-13 and Romans 12:1-2, Ground School instills personal and corporate disciplines in the lives of students. Ground school instills in participants a powerful commitment to Christ and each other through: Fusion customs and courtesies, high adventure team building, early rising, guard duty, physical training, and intensive quiet times. training of this caliber empowers students to learn what it takes to be a catalytic follower of Jesus Christ.
Is Ground School hard?
Ground School is challenging but manageable. It is designed to push you out of your comfort zone but not to “break” you. Ground School more than anything is an intense time of personal and team bonding. The Fusion Cadre leading Ground School have been through Fusion’s Ground School before or have had similar experiences (Scott Brawner, Fusion founder, designed Ground School. Brawner is a US Army Ranger, youth pastor, and student mission team leader. Shawn Branscum, Fusion campus director, is a US Marine, Iraqi Freedom Veteran, youth pastor, and itinerant preacher). With all that said, there is no reason that anyone should not complete Ground School intact!