what is a mission trip essay

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What Good Comes from a Short Term Mission Trip?

The phrase “mission trip” can mean a lot of different things to different people. For some, it conjures meaningful memories about how they connected with a community of people on the other side of the world. For others, it may not be so positive. Headlines about mission trips done wrong and memories of seeing people treated like projects leave some asking, “What good comes from a short-term mission trip? ”

While Experience Mission is a short-term missions organization, it may be surprising to know that we think everyone should ask this question. Because the truth is that unhealthy mission trips can do more harm than good. They can leave people feeling undignified and small while making those who go feel big and important for what they’ve done. This is not the vision of self-sacrificial love we see in the life and teachings of Jesus , and we should say “good riddance” to this approach to missions.

However, we believe that healthy mission trips — approached with intentionality, a focus on relationships, and a mission to dignify everyone we serve and partner with — are exactly what the world needs more of today . So, here are 3 great parts of these kinds of mission trips that make each experience 100% worth the time, money, and effort you put into them.

1. Meeting Tangible Needs

In a world that’s not experiencing enough love, mercy, and justice, mission trips allow you to participate in God’s plan to redeem and restore the whole earth by serving your neighbors in need. There are real needs around the world that we as followers of Jesus have the opportunity to help address—most effectively by coming alongside amazing local ministries with a vision to serve and impact their local communities. We call this type of humble, self-sacrificial service “being a tangible picture of God’s love.”

When welcomed in by local leaders, mission trip volunteers play a critical role in tackling real problems alongside local residents.

How can mission trip teams help in communities?

Momentum & Energy —  People working and volunteering at local ministries around the world are stretched thin as they seek to love and serve their own communities well. Mission trip teams have the opportunity to humbly do the “grunt work,” like cleaning, organizing, and expanding ministries, which frees up full-time staff and volunteers to gain vision, avoid burnout and serve their own communities well, year-round.

Ease the Financial Burden —  On many mission trips, a large portion of your mission trip fee goes directly toward addressing financial needs for local projects or long-term ministry partners. For example, on 1-week  mission trips to Savannah, Georgia , this partnership can literally put a roof over a family's head as they seek to find a sense of hope for their future.

Power in Numbers —  For some small and growing ministries, the help of short-term volunteers reinforces the truth that they are not doing their work alone. Mission trips create space for all of us to rally around people faithfully loving and serving like Jesus as they determine how to help and bring hope to their community.

Education & Training —  In some rural areas around the world, access to educational resources is scarce. When specific needs align with volunteer expertise, short and long-term volunteers can, when invited, help by bolstering programs, training volunteers, and providing a new perspective on ministry. We do this humbly, not as "saviors", but as mutual learners , looking to learn from local people as much (if not more so) than we seek to teach and instruct.

2. Building Meaningful Relation ships

From our perspective, healthy mission trips don’t focus on projects and agendas — they’re about building meaningful relationships across cultural boundaries that honor each person’s God-given humanity. Mission trips with a relational approach do more than just meet immediate needs, they empower everyone to “live their mission” more fully every day.

We believe intentional relationships unlock our God-given potential for compassion and grace.

From community members feeling valued and dignified as they work to fight cycles of poverty and injustice, to volunteers learning to have empathy and understanding for those around them in different life circumstances.

What can relationships do on your mission trip?

Empower Everyone to Live Their Mission — Relationships are all about mutual respect and influence . This means allowing people to mold and shape us just as much as we hope to bring meaningful change to their lives. When we choose to approach mission trips as an opportunity to listen and learn from one another, everyone is empowered (both those who go and those receiving teams) to serve and partner together to create lasting change in our own communities.

Restore Dignity — Mission trips and charity organizations don’t always have a good track record when it comes to dignifying those in need. When we choose to build relationships that lead to serving and partnering together, community members receive more than handouts, they have a sense of dignity and ownership over what’s happening in their own lives.

Inspire Generosity —  One argument against taking short term missions is that the money would be better spent by sending the funds for local people to do the work. While it’s true that those funds could certainly be put to good use, we believe that a long-term face-to-face relationship between real people and real churches has the power to transform the generosity of an entire congregation of givers.

When we can put a face and a name to a cause, it becomes a priority and challenges us to give above and beyond a simple, one-time gift.

Create World-Changers — Especially with youth mission trips (but also with adults and college students!), the experience of going on a mission trip can fundamentally shift our worldview. When we fully understand how vast and diverse the world is, we gain context about the impact and influence we can have, for good or bad. And hopefully, we choose to live into the good, showing God’s love to others in big, bold, world-changing ways.

3. Giving and Receiving

Life-changing mission trips are about serving with “open hands” — ready to give as well as receive. While we all understand the importance of meeting tangible needs, what does it look like to receive? We think it has a lot to do with your attitude and posture. When we come with open ears and open hearts to hear what God may be revealing to us during the trip, we can allow the people we meet to challenge and change us for the better.

What can you learn on a mission trip?

Compassion and Empathy for Those Around You —  We’re all the same in God’s eyes, but in a world filled with news headlines and stories about “others” around the world, taking time to build relationships with those who might seem different than us unlocks understanding and compassion, not just with those you encounter on your mission trip, but for people in all walks of life.

Faith and Hope in the Face of Adversity —  There’s power in sharing our stories with each other. When we take time to listen to those who have experienced difficult circumstances in their lives—whether it’s loss of community or family, generational poverty, racism and injustice, or simply being ignored and cast off in their struggles—we can learn what it means to depend on God in all seasons of life. Choosing to sit in the struggle with those we seek to serve is a humbling and hopefully inspiring approach to loving and serving like Jesus.

Leadership and Teamwork   —  Mission trips are a group effort! Hopefully, you’ll have the opportunity to see and experience God working as you come together with others from your church, family, and the community where you serve.

This is a rare glimpse into what the Kingdom of Heaven looks like, and hopefully, it inspires us to foster strong, loving community in all aspects of our life.

How To Live Your Mission   —   It all boils down to this! We believe that good short-term mission trips transcend the week-long experience. When you take a week to live intentionally, love your neighbors, and see everyone the way that God sees them, you walk away changed, and you can and should apply that change to every area of your life. We call this “Living Your Mission.”

Mission trips are a powerful experience, and they should be treated as such. If you’re asking yourself, " What good comes from a short-term mission trip? " we think you’re on the right track! Serving with a humble posture and seeking to build relationships and create lasting change on your mission trip can be the difference between a meaningful, dignifying, transformational experience or one that wastes time, effort, and resources—or worse, degrades the community you hoped to serve.

Will you fight for a mission trip that dignifies, empowers, and uplifts those in need?

Will you go and allow people you meet to challenge and change you? Will you give your group the unique opportunity to meet tangible needs, build meaningful cross-cultural relationships, and grow into people who live your mission every day? We hope so.

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The Mission Trip That Changed My Life

Mission trips are a life-changing experience, regardless of your background. Each trip is different and that's what makes them special. For my spring break, I went to Belize with a group from Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at my school. This was my fourth mission trip and is was my favorite by far.

Going into this trip, I held little to no knowledge about the culture or even the location of Belize. Right off the plane, delicious food and famous watermelon juice greeted us. Imagine eating three homemade meals every day for a week. Can the women who cooked for us please come live with me in Dallas? I am barely getting by with the Easy Mac!

The team was told that we would be doing “light construction.” That consisted of balancing on wood that was five feet in the air and putting rocks in cinder blocks. We were building Sunday school rooms and transporting sand in wheel barrels under the scorching sun. I never sweated so much in my life!

Bring on the kids! While we were taking a break from the “light construction,” we had the opportunity to play with the children from the school we also worked with. On every mission trip that I have gone on, it is always the kids who pull the string on my heart. Their sweet smiles will forever be embedded in my mind and the intriguing stories that they have to tell are priceless.

For mission trips, you have to   earn   fun time. Upon doing so, we got fried in the sun a bit. It felt as if we were in paradise, despite the hard work that we put in that week. Who else can say that they swam with (and touched) sharks with their friends? Also, I swam with a sea turtle! Who casually does that? SMU RUF does! I also lost count of the amount of ice cream that was consumed and the stories that were told around the eating table.

As I commented earlier, this was my fourth mission trip and I quite can’t put my finger on what made it so extraordinary. One thing that made the Belize trip different is that I went with a group of people who I had literally just met and I did not know much about their backgrounds. All of my other trips were with my mom who kept up with my spending money and people who I’d known my whole life.

Building lifelong friendships Part of what made the trip so special was that we did not know each other’s talents or backgrounds going into it. I now have lifelong friendships that started with a simple conversation. I made a friend who has awesome photography skills and another one who lived in my shoes growing up in a single-parent household. The others on this team are all facing similar events in life and handle relatable challenges at Southern Methodist University (SMU). We were able to laugh at ourselves and learn from each of our mistakes. We had to learn the culture and work methods of those in Belize. If the people in control did not like the work that you were doing, they would take over. Also, is it not culturally correct for a woman to work, so all of us girls did a lot of talking to the children and taking a ton of photos to prove that we actually did some work.

We created a dozen or so hashtags during our trip including #unBELIZEable, which I think is very original. Now, if any of those phrases are said for any reason, I am reminded of the unbelievable time that I had with this mission team.

Starting off the week, our team was given the phrase, “Sometimes we need to drop the shovel and do something else.” This would consist of pausing our rock hauling and helping one of the students with their homework or talking to one of the workers to understand how they live their lives. This wasn’t just for people who lived in the village, but also within our team. I was able to grow stronger in my faith alongside my new friends and we have continued to grow, even after the trip was completed.

Saying goodbye For me, the last day was and will always be difficult. It is the time when goodbyes are said and you're trying to make your last memories with the people who relationships were created with. I befriended a little girl and when I told her goodbye, she asked if we were coming back the following day. Unfortunately, I had to inform her that it was our last day in the village. I could see in her eyes that she was sad that we couldn’t have another day together. Yet, what she said next gave me hope and peace. She replied with, “You will be back one day.” That absolutely tore my heart to pieces. It was astonishing that this child was able to comprehend that we would be together again, even if it was years from now. It made me sad, watching her get on the school bus to head home, but I was overwhelmed with joy when she looked back with a huge smile on her face, waving one last time.

That little girl will forever hold a huge part of my heart. Even if it was less than a week, she changed my life in ways that no SMU student, ministry leader, or people from home could ever do. She showed me what bravery and hope look like. She is the reason why, when I walked into my dorm room at midnight after enduring a six-hour flight delay, I started to sob. I wasn’t back to reality for five minutes and I was in culture shock. I walked into a beautiful room filled with photos of people who I love and paintings made by people who love me and I wondered, "What does that little girl go home to?"

I don’t want you to only know about what my mission team did in Belize, but know that it changed many lives, including mine. We made an impact on the workers who were determined to finish those Sunday schools. We spread love to all of the children and planted seeds that will continue to grow until we come back.

Mollie Mayfield is a journalism student at Southern Methodist University.  

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Church of the Redeemer in Monroe, N.C., invests in its youth and global missions through annual short-term mission trips.

Give thanks for those who participated in short-term missions this summer. Pray that God would continue to encourage them toward missions. 

Pray for participants going on short-term missions this summer, that God would use the trip to encourage, strengthen relationships, and build a foundations for missions.

Pray that God will give churches a vision to invest in their youth by taking short-term mission trips. Pray that youth would grasp a heart for missions as a result.

Pray for those who God is calling to missions, that God would clarify their call, and equip them to serve Him.

Pray for students considering going on summer trips and internships as they make decisions. 

Pray for college students to participate in global missions. Pray that they would a catch a vision for missions that would stay with them long term.

Pray for those returning from mission trips to stay engaged with missions. 

Pray for those going on mission trips this spring and summer as they raise finanical support and prepare for their trip.

Give thanks to God for the hundreds of thousands of Iranians who have come to faith over the last two decades. Pray for God to protect believers and draw more to Himself. 

Pray that the global church, including the PCA in the U.S., would make evangelism a priority, and share the truth with those around them. 

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Why You Should Go on a Mission Trip: What’s Their Purpose?

Posted: 8th June 2020

The term ‘missionary’ refers to someone of the Christian faith travelling to other parts of the world, to spread the word of God and show His ways through the good deeds performed in His name.

Mission trips are a lot more relaxed these days when it comes to the religious element, however, their goals and values usually stay true to the history.

Volunteer mission trips in the 21 st century are shorter, with more emphasis on undertaking a long term commitment to uplifting communities. Modern mission projects are executed in a shorter time frame and use practical methods to improve the living standards of the affected communities.

What’s the purpose of a mission trip?

Many mission trips focus on building projects – such as housing, schools or clinics where volunteers work to introduce vital infrastructure to people who may never had access to them before. Other mission trips could focus on social issues and ways to resolve them, such as our partnership with 25Zero, where we tackle the issue of Ugandan girls missing school because of their period .

However, the true focus of any mission trip is to spread love and compassion to those you encounter. Sometimes, that may be as simple as really listening to the everyday problems people have to endure and reminding them of the undying love God has for them.

Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer, or you’re considering taking your first mission trip, we’d like to share some of the reasons this is truly a meaningful way for you to make a lifelong impact on many, many people.

Why should you go on a mission trip?

Most mission trips are run as Christian organisations, but factoring out religion entirely, the Samaritan aspect is the real driving force behind our two-week volunteer trips. A mission trip (whether abroad or local) is a great way to meet new friends and make lifelong connections, with people who hold the same values and morals as you. It’s also a wonderful chance to expand local networks of volunteers who you can call on if you ever find a local community that needs your help.

Women, children and the elderly are some of the most vulnerable and susceptible members of any community, more so in areas affected by disease and a sever lack of government funding. Volunteering on a mission trip that focuses on building infrastructure – such as hospitals, clinics and schools helps to uplift these people, and future generations.

Whether it’s through providing young girls with an education they would otherwise not have received – thus empowering them to uplift themselves out of the poverty cycle – or providing a safe and clean clinic to women where they can have access to life saving medicines that, before, may never have been available – your participation will always have far reaching impact that may well change the lives of others forever.

While a two-week mission trip may seem like a very short time out of your life, you should know that the difference a team of dedicated Christian volunteers can make in that time truly is life changing for so many people. The sense of belonging the beneficiaries will feel, the improved living standards they will have and the knowledge that you were part of making that change is a feeling to be cherished for the rest of your life.

During your two-week trip, you’ll get to experience some down time where you have the opportunity to visit historical sites, and really get to know your host country and the struggles they have faced before. This richness in knowledge is something you won’t soon forget. Our mission trips span the world, so whether you want to help people in Sierra Leone to rebuild the SAIO school after the devastation of Ebola and the Regent Mudslide, or you’re more inclined to want to visit Brazil where the mission trips focus on uplifting the thousands of people living in slums or favelas, you really can see the world and make it a trip to remember.

Aside from the generosity, kindness and faith-based lessons you’re bound to impart on your fellow volunteers and future friends, there’s no doubt that a mission trip will open your eyes to the privilege of a house to call a home, a school to send your children to and food to eat every day.

There’s so much more to a mission trip than meets the eye. Read our testimonial impact stories for first-hand accounts of how Mission Direct’s charity mission trips have made impactful differences to volunteers and beneficiaries alike.

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What is a Mission Trip and Why You Should Go On One

You may have heard about mission trips from your church, school, or social circles and are curious to learn more. Mission trips are impactful and life-changing experiences that involve helping others while exploring your faith. This article will teach you what you need to know about mission trips, possible reasons to go on one, and how to connect with an organization or trip leader. 

What is a Mission Trip?

There are two main types of mission trips: religious and non-religious. In both options, participants undergo deep self-exploration, make a positive impact, and learn about other communities while completing volunteer work. 

However, Christian mission trips, which will be the focus of this article, always involve a component of faith. 

Christian Mission Trip Overview

Christian mission trips are opportunities for Christians to serve the world around them through community outreach. Churches or religious organizations typically arrange them. 

All sorts of people go on Christian mission trips; high school students, college students, retirees, seniors, and everyone in between. Some trips are designed for a specific age group or skill set, so check with your church or religious organization about which trips are most suitable. For example, there are youth mission trips for younger kids or medical mission trips for nurses and doctors. 

What Do You Do on a Mission Trip?

During the mission trip, participants will connect with the local communities, helping them, learning from them, and sharing their experiences with Christ. 

Your exact role will vary depending on the type of mission. Usually, mission trips focus on one type of community project, such as teaching English, painting churches, helping with natural disaster recovery, building homes or medical clinics, or providing other services needed in the area. 

The community service component is complemented by prayer, religious discussions, and other faith-based activities. More examples of Christian mission trips include church planting and Bible education, also known as Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Usually, Christian mission trips have a set daily schedule. Your day will involve service, prayer sessions, activities with local people, reflection, and entertainment, often organized by the group or congregation running the trip.

Length and Destination

Missions vary in length and location. Short-term mission trips can be around one week to one month, while long-term assignments can last up to 2 years or more. 

Trips arranged by church groups or Christian university organizations typically lean more toward the short-term end. However, if you’re looking to spend more time away, you can check out other mission trip providers and organizations, which we will review later on.

Additionally, trips take place both near and far. For example, many Christian mission trips go abroad to developing countries, like parts of Africa, South America, and Asia. However, you can also choose a closer destination, like an inner city near you. Get in contact with your church or Christian college to see what destinations and types of projects are available. 

Reasons to Go on a Mission Trip

Mission trips are eye-opening experiences that provide personal and spiritual fulfillment, while helping communities in need. The reasons to go on a mission trip are endless and can often be very personal. The following section will name a few key motivations for embarking on a Christian mission trip. 

• Gain a New Perspective

Mission trips teach you that there’s more to the world than what you’ve previously seen. It teaches you how to put others before yourself and the true meaning of selflessness. It may even get you thinking about your higher purpose.

• Learn Valuable Skills

Whether you’re building a house, teaching English, or helping with disaster recovery, you’re going to learn new, valuable life skills. In addition, you’ll discover capabilities and things about yourself that you never knew you had!

• Get out of Your Comfort Zone

Many missions take place in foreign countries. The language, culture, food, people, and environment might be new to you. You’ll be entirely out of your comfort zone and immersed in something unfamiliar, which will help you grow.

• Cross-Cultural Exchange 

Related to the previous point, an immense amount of cultural exchange will occur on mission trips abroad. You’ll make connections with people from entirely different backgrounds than yours. Experiencing culture will help you reflect on yourself, who you are, where you come from, and in which direction you want to go, all while learning something new. 

• Connect with God

A key part of Christianity is helping and serving others. Mission trips do just that and beyond. In addition to completing a service project, you will participate in faith-based activities and share your love for God. 

How Do You Go on a Mission Trip?

A good starting point is to check with your local church or university (if you’re a student). If you can’t go with either of those groups, you could ask another church in your area about their programs. Make some calls and get an idea of what options are available. You can also check out organizations that lead faith-based mission trips. 

Once you know your options, consider what type of trip best suits your needs, timeline, and preferences. Ask yourself what type of project you are looking for, where you want to go, who you want to serve with, and when and for how long you’re able to go. Then, choose the program that most closely matches your answers. 

Make the Most out of Your Trip

A mission trip is your chance to make tangible and intangible differences in communities that need your help. So go on a mission trip with your whole heart. Challenge yourself, serve others, try something new, and give, give, give! 

You’ll feel greatly satisfied knowing your positive impact on another person’s life. Then, reflect on your mission trip experience and talk about it with others back at home.

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Mission trips have gained immense popularity over the years, attracting individuals and groups with a shared desire to make a positive difference in the world. But what exactly do mission trips do, and why are they so impactful? In this blog post, we’ll explore the profound impact of mission trips, their purpose, and the meaningful experiences they offer.

The Impact of Mission Trips

• Transforming Lives: Mission trips have the power to transform the lives of both participants and those they serve. Participants often return with a deeper sense of purpose, greater empathy, and an expanded worldview.
• Community Development: Mission trips contribute to community development by providing essential resources such as clean water, healthcare, education, and housing. These projects can uplift entire communities, improving their quality of life.
• Spiritual Growth: Many participants experience significant spiritual growth during mission trips. These experiences often lead to stronger faith, deeper relationships with God, and a renewed commitment to living out their beliefs.

The Purpose of Mission Trips

• Spreading the Gospel: A primary purpose of mission trips is to share the message of Christ. Participants aim to bring hope and salvation to those who may not have had the opportunity to hear the gospel otherwise.
• Humanitarian Aid: Mission trips often involve providing humanitarian aid such as food, medical care, and disaster relief. This practical assistance addresses urgent needs and shows God’s love in action.
• Building Relationships: Mission trips foster relationships, both among participants and with the communities served. These connections can lead to ongoing support and partnerships, furthering the mission’s impact.

Meaningful Experiences on Mission Trips

• Cultural Exchange: Mission trips provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. Participants learn about different customs, languages, and traditions, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation.
• Personal Growth: Mission trips push participants out of their comfort zones, leading to personal growth. Skills such as adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving are honed, enhancing one’s self-confidence.
• Lasting Memories: The memories created during mission trips often last a lifetime. The shared experiences, challenges overcome, and lives touched create a treasure trove of meaningful moments.

In summary, mission trips have a profound impact on participants, communities, and the world at large. They serve the dual purpose of spreading the gospel and providing humanitarian aid, all while offering meaningful experiences and opportunities for personal growth. If you’re considering joining or supporting a mission trip, remember to make the most of this life-changing experience.

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20 Questions to Help You Prepare for a Mission Trip

Preparing for a short-term mission trip doesn’t stop when your funds are raised and your flight is booked. Before jetting off on your short-term mission trip, it’s critical to have an understanding of the culture in which you will be living and serving. Having knowledge of your host country’s unique customs will engender the respect you need from locals to be successful in ministry. It also might save you from a cultural blunder or two!

To build a foundation of cultural competency, spend time answering the following diagnostic questions. You can download a printable version with space to record your findings here .

Questions to Help You Prepare for a Mission Trip

While culture is an abstract concept, it has concrete effects on everything from our clothing, how we spend a Friday night to the jokes we find funny. Before your mission trip, you can’t learn everything there is to know about your host culture, but you can build a foundation that will greatly increase your ability to participate in community life.

Some of these questions will be easier to answer than others. You can consult reliable websites or the long-term missionary serving in your host country. If possible, you can even connect with a person from your host country living in your area now.

Worldview can be affected by things like age, life experiences and beliefs, and, thus, is difficult to state generally (and accurately) for an entire culture. Answer the following questions keeping in mind that you are painting with broad brushstrokes. On your trip, you will be able to see how your experiences with real people in the culture support or refute these generalizations:

• Is my host culture honor/shame based , fear/power or guilt/innocence based?
• How do people in my host country view authority and age?
• What is my host culture’s view of timeliness?
• Is the society individualistic or collectivist in how they relate to others?

For a comical look at what not to do on a mission trip, watch this video .

Before we even open our mouths, our clothing makes an important statement for us. On a mission trip, it’s important that this statement fits cultural standards before personal preferences for style or comfort. Before packing your suitcase, consider the following questions:

• What is the appropriate clothing for the climate of my host country?
• What is the typical dress of a person my age and gender in this culture?
• What is the culture’s standard for modesty in dress?

Get a complete mission trip packing list here .

It might not be possible to be fluent in the local language before your mission trip, but you can learn basic phrases as a sign of respect and goodwill. Be sure to ask your host missionary what level of language learning is expected of you before your arrival and if there will be an opportunity to further your learning abroad. Here are some other questions to research on you own:

• What is the primary language spoken by the local population?
• Are many locals also fluent in other languages or dialects?
• How do I greet a peer? How do I greet an authority figure?
• How do I express gratitude in the local language?

Spiritual Life and Practice:

Knowing the spiritual context of your host country will help you as you develop meaningful friendships. Consider the following diagnostic questions as you pray about how the host culture’s current beliefs might be a bridge to making disciples of Christ:

• What is the primary religion of my host country?
• How does the average citizen practice his or her beliefs?
• What knowledge will the average citizen have about Jesus?
• How are evangelical Christians generally regarded in my host culture?

Birthday traditions , annual holidays and colorful cuisine are the little things that make a big difference in community life. Spend time researching these customs so you can confidently share in them on your mission trip:

• Will there be any culturally important holidays celebrated during my mission trip?
• What expectations are placed on giving and receiving gifts?
• What is typical cuisine? What dining etiquette should I be aware of?

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Why Do People Go on Mission Trips?

Over 1.5 million citizens of the United States go on a short-term mission trip every year. That’s a lot of people! And, mission trips aren’t just something you randomly decide to squeeze into your schedule. They take lots of prayer, time, and money to make happen. So, why are so many people each year choosing to make the sacrifices and go on a mission trip? Because it’s worth it. 

Forming Relationships with Christians Around the World

One of the most significant benefits of participating in a short-term mission trip is the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with fellow Christians from around the world. Mission trips often involve visiting churches, communities, and organizations in foreign countries, where participants can connect with local believers. It is astonishing to be able to see the power of the gospel unite followers from completely different cultures. Even though Christians can live in completely different places with different customs and traditions, Jesus gives them so much to have in common. 

Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and witnessing their faith firsthand can be a profoundly enriching experience. It allows participants to gain a deeper understanding of the global body of Christ and fosters a sense of unity among believers. Such relationships often last long after the mission trip ends, providing a lasting connection and support system across continents.

Fulfilling God’s Commandments

Short-term mission trips provide an avenue to fulfill the commandments of Jesus, who urged his followers to love their neighbors and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 22:39, Matthew 28:19-20). These trips embody the Great Commission , offering a practical way to share the message of Christ with people in need.

By reaching out to faraway communities, mission trip participants actively spread the gospel and offer hope to those who may have never heard the Good News. This act of obedience to Christ’s commandments not only impacts the lives of those served but also deepens the faith and commitment of the individuals who undertake the journey.

Feeling Convicted

Another compelling reason people choose to go on mission trips is the desire to respond to the needs of hurting individuals and communities. Whether it’s providing medical care in underserved areas, assisting with disaster relief , or supporting orphanages and schools , mission trips offer a tangible way to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing adversity.

Many individuals are motivated by a sense of conviction, a deep inner calling to address the suffering and injustices they witness in the world. This conviction drives them to take action , and mission trips provide a structured and organized platform to channel their compassion and commitment into meaningful change.

Personal Transformation

Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of participating in a short-term mission trip is the transformation it brings about in the volunteers themselves. While the primary purpose may be to serve others, participants often find that they are equally transformed by the experience.

Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and immersing oneself in a different culture can be a profoundly humbling and eye-opening experience. It challenges preconceived notions, broadens perspectives, and deepens empathy. Many individuals return from mission trips with a heightened sense of gratitude , a renewed faith, and a stronger desire to make a positive impact in their communities.

This personal growth experienced on a mission trip often extends beyond the individual. When the volunteer returns home family and friends typically notice their loved one’s transformation, and they want to be a part of that as well. 

Growing Closer to Christ

A big part of that personal transformation is growing closer to Christ. By following Him into communities that He is already present in and partnering with Him in the work He is already doing, mission trip volunteers get to see the power of Christ in a way like none other. Volunteers not only get to hear testimonies of God’s faithfulness over and over again throughout their mission trip, but in times of stepping out of their comfort zone, they are also forced to lean on Him in new ways. 

In a world that can sometimes seem divided and disconnected, short-term mission trips offer a powerful counter-narrative of unity, compassion, and transformation. The decision to go on a mission trip is never made lightly, as it requires considerable dedication in terms of time, money, and prayer . However, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices.

Mission trips enable participants to form lasting relationships with Christians worldwide, fulfill God’s commandments, respond to the needs of hurting people, and undergo personal transformation. These experiences not only impact the lives of those served but also leave a mark on the hearts and minds of those who go on these journeys.

So, if you’ve ever considered going on a mission trip or are wondering why so many choose to do so, remember this: It’s about more than just a trip; it’s about making a meaningful difference in the world and being transformed in the process. Ultimately, the decision to go on a mission trip is a testament to the enduring power of faith, compassion, and the belief that, indeed, it’s worth it.

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Does God Call Everyone to Be a Missionary?

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Tips for Leading a Short-Term Missions Trip

More By Larry McCrary

Spring is here, the time when many churches are preparing for short-term missions trips. A staggering 2 million or more Americans go on these trips each year.

As a field worker for the last 20 years, I believe there are two key elements for such a trip to be successful. First, your team needs to meet regularly. Second, you should seek to serve the partner missionaries’ strategic needs.

With those priorities in mind, here are some basic tips for before, during, and after the trip.

Before You Go

The first question to ask is this: Where does your trip originate? Was it your idea, your church’s, or your partner missionaries’? There are many decisions to make: when you’ll go, what you’ll do, and how many people will participate. But this preliminary question will make all the difference.

It’s best not to do anything until you talk with your partner missionaries. Ask them how a trip could help their strategy. Be aware that missionaries often think they’re expected to provide satisfactory trip opportunities for churches or else they’ll lose the partnership. You need to assure them this isn’t the case. Instead, take their lead.

Hopefully the missionaries know their needs and how your team can strategically help. Align your expectations to those needs. For example, ask the missionaries how many people should come. Most likely they’ll prefer a smaller team, which is often more manageable and effective.

Think about how you can prepare your team to fulfill the missionaries’ strategy. How can they be spiritually ready? Can you provide opportunities to pray together about the trip? Should you provide theological, evangelistic, or skills training? How much of the language and culture can you teach them about before they go? Can you provide some cross-cultural experiences before they leave home? Most churches that do short-term trips well provide at least four pretrip meetings to equip the team.

Most churches that do short term trips well provide at least four pretrip meetings to equip the team.

While You’re There

While you’re on the field, keep your team meetings going. I love seeing teams who debrief daily so they know what is and isn’t going well. More importantly, this is a tremendous discipleship opportunity. Involve the missionaries in these times to teach cross-cultural skills. Your team will learn skills they can apply in their lives back home.

Again, be sure to follow the missionaries’ lead throughout the trip. They know the place and the people. They know potentially dangerous situations and what to do in a crisis. Listening to them and doing what they say is usually the best way forward during the trip.

To reciprocate for all the missionaries do for you, the team should go ready to serve. Missionaries often labor in difficult circumstances year-round. Are there ways you could help them during your stay? Consider offering to watch their kids one night so they can go on a date. Perhaps take their whole family to a fun place—and pay for it. The best teams that came while my family was overseas loved our children well, and our kids loved them in return. Plus, it gave our children the opportunity to be cultural guides and translators. It’s a win-win.

After You Return

Once you’re home—you guessed it—keep meeting. Continue to debrief. This can be done individually or as a group. Either way, talk about what they’ve learned and how they can apply it. God may be leading some of them to consider long-term missions.

The best teams that came while my family was overseas loved our children well, and our kids loved them in return.

Celebrate the trip with your church, whether by creating a short video, having the team visit small groups, or inviting them to share their experience at an event. This will do wonders in creating missions awareness in your church.

Find a way for trip participants to continue serving in your church or community at a deeper level. Don’t let the only next step be taking them on another short-term trip. Instead, help team members connect the dots of how to apply their missions experience to where they live.

Packing Tips

Perhaps I can best sum this up with a few packing tips. Work hard to see that your team packs things like humility, listening skills, a learning mindset, a servant attitude, and plenty of flexibility. Take care that they don’t pack pride, rigidity, or the need to be right, comfortable, and in control.

They may bring back some great “souvenirs,” like a more mature worldview, a practical understanding of how to live on mission here at home, and a heart for all nations. That’s a week well spent.

Is the digital age making us foolish?

It doesn’t have to be this way. With intentionality and the discipline to cultivate healthier media consumption habits, we can resist the foolishness of the age and instead become wise and spiritually mature. Brett McCracken’s The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World shows us the way.

To start cultivating a diet more conducive to wisdom, click below to access a FREE ebook of The Wisdom Pyramid .

Larry McCrary is the cofounder and executive director of The Upstream Collective . He is author of The Marketspace: Essential Relationships Between the Sending Church, Marketplace Worker, and Missionary Team and the coauthor of Tradecraft: For the Church on Mission and Listen , a guide for short-term missions trip participants.

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The "Mission Trip" Essay... An exception?

Hello College Confidential!

I know that essays about mission trips are dreaded by admissions officers, but is it possible to use this topic in a different context? I’m applying to Johns Hopkins and their supplemental essay goes as follows: “Successful students at Johns Hopkins make the biggest impact by collaborating with others, including peers, mentors, and professors. Talk about a time, in or outside the classroom, when you worked with others and what you learned from the experience.”

Could I write about my teamwork during a mission trip where I built/fixed homes for the impoverished handicapped in this essay? I have some pretty funny experiences during this mission trip that I could write about. Or is this topic still too cliche? That is the best thing that is coming to my mind right now, I don’t know what else I could write about.

All feedback is appreciated. Thank you all!

It depends. Keep the mentions of where you were to a minimum and focus on the experiences. Or is it impossible to extricate those experiences from the location? Can you simply write about building a house?

Just avoid the “had the privilege of traveling to” paragraph. The truth is that some profound experiences make for cliche essays nobody wants to read one more of.

@Lindagaf so I should focus more so on the building and teamwork rather than the “mission” itself (helping people)? The mission trip was in Maine, so there weren’t any out of the ordinary experiences that would absolutely require me to extensively talk about my location.

@prodesse that’s good advice. Thank you!

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10 Characteristics of a Successful Missionary Trip

Through Jesus, God has called every Catholic to share the Gospel of Christ and help people in need. For some people, this calling is lived out in their neighborhood. For others, spreading the love of Jesus involves taking a short-term or long-term missionary trip to another part of the world to meet specific needs.

Going on a mission trip can be a life-changing event. From meeting the physical needs of communities to sharing the Gospel message, there are many types of missionary work that can make a huge impact on people’s lives. Let’s take a closer look at some characteristics of a successful missionary trip and what you as a missionary can learn from these trips.

Characteristics of a Good Mission Trip

Every mission trip is different, and each has the potential to impact you in a lasting way. Here are 10 characteristics of a good missions trip:

1. Broadening Your World Perspective

Mission trips can help you see the world in a whole new way. Visiting underprivileged communities can give you a newfound and lasting appreciation for your quality of life. You can also get a real feel for the culture by trying new foods, seeing different styles of architecture and getting involved with local celebrations and events.

2. Trusting God

Mission trips teach you to trust Him to meet your needs and help you every step of the way. Throughout your mission trip, you may be unsure how things will work out. When you look back, you’ll see how the Lord had a plan for you from the beginning, and he was the one who connected all the dots.

3. Taking Risks and Having Courage

You’ll learn to trust God by taking risks — even ones that may come at the expense of your comfort or safety. When Jesus gives the Great Commission in Matthew 28, he promises to always be with you as you share the Gospel and help people in need. A mission trip will put you in a position to experience Jesus’ promise in action as you rely on him to have courage and strength in every situation.

4. Displaying Servanthood

It can be easy to think a mission trip is all about you. While it’s true that you’ll receive spiritual blessings as a missionary, a good mission trip will always put other people first. Jesus is the perfect example of humility and servitude, and you should seek to emulate him as you carry out your mission.

5. Learning Flexibility and Patience

You’ll learn from your mission trip that concepts of time and schedules are different in other parts of the world. The culture you’re visiting may have less of an emphasis on strict timing and promptness. Use this as an opportunity to practice patience and remember that God’s timing is perfect.

6. Establishing Meaningful Relationships

A successful mission trip is one where you get to create meaningful, lasting relationships with the people around you. You’ll meet locals whose smiles and personalities stay with you for the rest of your life. You could also establish lifelong friendships with the other missionaries on your team. Mission trips are team efforts, and the new relationships you develop can last a lifetime.

7. Practicing Generosity

One of the most essential characteristics of a good missionary is generosity. From giving your money to the poor to sacrificing your time for someone else’s needs, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow in your generosity on a mission trip.

8. Meeting Local Needs

One of the best parts of being a missionary is having the opportunity to meet people’s physical needs. From doing construction work to bringing clean water to a poor community, a good mission trip will have lasting positive impacts on the people you’re ministering to — possibly for generations to come.

9. Sharing the Gospel

Meeting people’s physical needs is an important part of mission trips, but spreading the Gospel of Jesus is the most important activity of all. As stated in John 3:16 , Jesus wants to give the gift of eternal life to everyone. A missionary trip could be your chance to share this good news with people who may never hear it otherwise.

10. Building a Stronger Relationship With God

After completing your mission trip, you may feel you have a stronger relationship with Christ. You’ll have practiced many of the above characteristics, and you may have seen God’s hand in your life in a more real way than ever before. A good mission trip will launch you into the next phase of your Catholic walk, feeling closer to God than before you went.

Missions Trip Experiences

Mission trips are powerful experiences that take a lot of effort and perseverance. Many people come back from mission trips and reflect on all the hard work they did, saying they did some of the toughest activities of their lives. Others talk about the people they ministered to and the ones they helped experience saving faith in Christ. Every mission trip has its own incredible stories of hard work and growth, and your mission stories are waiting to be experienced.

Why Mission Trips Are Good

Mission trips give you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to make a difference in people’s lives. You’ll meet people from around the world who you may never have met at home. You’ll branch out and try new things. And sometimes, you could even learn something about yourself or see your life in a whole new way.

A mission trip can also help you discover your life calling. Many people go on a mission trip and discover that God is calling them to full-time missionary work. Others return home with newfound vigor for sharing the Gospel and helping people in need. Some come back with a sense of thankfulness and gratitude for what they have. If you go on a mission trip, you’re sure to learn something new about yourself that you’ll carry with you for years to come.

Returning From Mission Trips

Knowing how to explain a mission trip is important after you return home. People will want to hear about your experience. Others who donated may want to know how their money was used to impact lives. Here are some tips to help you share your experience when you get back from your journey:

• Define goals beforehand: Give yourself attainable and Christ-centered goals before embarking on your mission trip. That way you can tell people about your successes instead of feeling frustrated if you were unable to meet lofty goals.
• Journal throughout your mission trip: Journaling is a great way to record the events of your mission trip. Doing this will help you share your experiences when you return home.
• Be ready to talk about your experience: People will be eager to hear about your mission trip. Be ready to talk about it at a moment’s notice, because your stories can impact their lives and bring people closer to God.

Get Involved With Missions by Supporting Catholic World Mission

Mission trips are incredible ways to grow in your relationship with God while making a difference in other people’s lives. However, not everyone has the chance to go to a foreign village and share the Good News of Jesus.

You can get involved with mission work by supporting Catholic World Mission today . Our goal is to spread the Gospel while  helping communities around the world experience lasting improvement in their quality of life. By partnering with communities in need, we can make a true impact.  Contact us today for more information.

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Why Go on a Mission Trip?

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Are Mission Trips Still Relevant?

In a word, Yes!

In addition to having a significant effect on the ministry partner and the community being served, a mission trip will also have an influence on you and your group.

You come to see how your experiences fit into the overall narrative of what God is doing. As you serve people in a different setting, you will have a fresh and profound encounter with God.

Top Reasons to go on a mission trip

• Adventure Do you ever experience a missing-ness, a sense that something is off? A conviction that there must be more than this?
• Purpose You want to make an impact on the world. You desire to be a part of something greater than yourself.
• Stepping Up The globe is a large place full with heartbreak, hunger, poverty, disease, and sorrow. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the size of the situation and believe you can’t make a difference. All too often, people look at the issues of the world and say: “Someone should do something about this”. You have the chance to politely enter someone else’s suffering and genuinely alter things. to create sustainability where there had previously been none. However, you must first take action and leave your comfort zone.
• Frendship Often friendships made on mission are just deeper, richer, and more fullfilling. When you have shared experiences, emotions, victories, you have a lasting bond.

Mission trips are not easy, and they will change your life forever.

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Is it a mission — or a mission trip?

This article was first published in the State of Faith newsletter . Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox each Monday night.

Last week, my editor reached out to me with an article idea. A former contestant on “American Idol” had announced plans to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it felt to him (and me) like a great opportunity to revisit our coverage of her time on the show.

When I agreed to write the story , my editor reminded me to be careful about how I described her announcement. She wouldn’t be taking a mission trip, he said. She’d be serving a mission.

Having been with the Deseret News for 10 years, I wasn’t surprised by the reminder. But I have been surprised at times over the years by how frustrated my Latter-day Saint colleagues can get with people who don’t heed that advice.

Since I grew up in and still identify with the world of Protestant Christianity, I’m very used to the phrase “mission trip.” I took annual mission trips as a teenager. I worked for a mission trip company in college. I support friends’ kids’ fundraisers for their own mission trips.

For these reasons and others, I’ve always sympathized with reporters who describe a Latter-day Saint mission as a mission trip. They aren’t trying to cause confusion, I’d tell my colleagues. They’re just used to the phrase.

After I wrote the “American Idol” story — being careful to use the phrase “serve a mission” throughout — I circled back with my editor and some others to talk about why “mission trip” feels wrong to them.

They explained that, in their minds, “mission trip” fails to capture the significance of the work that Latter-day Saint missionaries take on. These missionaries don’t serve for a week or a summer, they serve for 18 months to two years. They embed themselves in a new community and, in many cases, a brand new culture.

Their comments reminded me that long-term missionaries for Protestant groups are usually referred to just like that — as missionaries, rather than as people on a long mission trip. I began to better understand why it might be frustrating for a Latter-day Saint to see “mission trip” in a headline.

The whole episode reminded me of how tricky it is to be a reporter, especially a religion reporter. You have to balance your interest in using common terms and phrases with the need to respect and understand the people you’re writing about.

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Term of the week: ‘Jesus Calling’

“Jesus Calling” is a popular Christian book that’s sold more than 45 million copies. Its devotionals are written as if Jesus himself is speaking to the reader, which is why some faith leaders see it as problematic or even dangerous.

Last week at its annual meeting, the Presbyterian Church in America voted to investigate “Jesus Calling” to determine if it is appropriate for Christian readers. The decision was somewhat shocking, since the book’s author, Sarah Young, died less than a year ago and since the book has been out for two decades, according to Christianity Today .

Before the vote, Young’s widower addressed the crowd, arguing that his wife’s goal was to point people to scripture, not to rewrite or add to scripture.

But Young’s opponents won out, which means two PCA committees will now undertake studies on “Jesus Calling.” One denominational leader said the goal of the research is not to condemn the author, but, instead, to think about how the book is used in religious settings, Christianity Today reported.

What I’m reading...

John Hawthorne, a former sociology professor who has spoken with me in the past about the future of faith-based colleges and universities, wrote an interesting essay last week about the work of chaplains at Christian schools .

The Lakota tribe is celebrating the birth of a rare white buffalo in Yellowstone, since it sees such animals as signs of good times ahead, according to The Associated Press. “For the Lakota, the birth of a white buffalo calf with a black nose, eyes and hooves is akin to the second coming of Jesus Christ,” explain one Indigenous leader to The Associated Press.

My colleague, Jennifer Graham, wrote a thoughtful analysis of Tucker Carlson’s career based, in part, on her (admittedly stalker-ish) road trip to the small town in Maine that he now calls home.

I’m rereading my Q&A with Colorado baker Jack Phillips from last year ahead of his latest appearance in court this week. The Colorado Supreme Court is weighing whether Phillips, who won in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018, violated the law when he refused to make a gender transition cake.

Odds and ends

Can you answer this “Jeopardy!” clue?

• “The LDS paper called this News, a word in the Book of Mormon, was established in 1850 and is still around today.”

It’s the Deseret News, of course! Check out my story on Deseret’s time in the “Jeopardy!” spotlight to see what else was asked about 19th century newspapers.