On a mission trip, transformation and preparation go hand-in-hand. If you want to see transformation, preparation matters.
These were the words of Greg, my youth ministry elder, this past Sunday at our first meeting for our July trip to the Dominican Republic. Greg is right. Short-term mission trips are transformational for those who faithfully prepare.
As a youth pastor, I want to make every effort to prepare students for what they will experience and what they should expect on a mission trip. Furthermore, I want to make sure that my students are thinking intentionally about the purpose and function of short-term missions.
It’s my firm belief that short-term missions should be tied to a long-term mission. In other words, churches or groups looking to take a week-long trip should look to partner with someone who has boots on the ground for the long haul. A short-term mission team should seek to join and bless the mission of those who are seeking long-term transformation.
Furthermore, a mission team should spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually prepare for the trip. As a mission trip leader, I have no problem asking a lot from those who want to be a part of our mission team.
Mission Trip Requirements:
- 6 Mandatory Meetings
- 2 Required Readings
- 30 Day Devotional
- Fundraising
[shareable text=”Faithful preparation will open your eyes & hearts to what God wants to accomplish in & through your team. via @yminblog #youthmin #missions “]Faithful preparation will open your eyes and hearts to what God wants to accomplish in and through your team. #youthmin #missions TWEET THIS![/shareable]
Want to see our Deadlines and Meetings Schedule? Download it here.
Where are you going on mission this summer?
What do you do to prepare?
Comment below!
Mission Trip Meetings & Deadlines
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David Hanson: Texas native, Texas Tech Red Raider, M.Div. at Truett Seminary, husband to Ashley, father to Ava, Ben & Madelyn, Student Pastor at The Fellowship in Round Rock, Tx, table tennis (ping-pong) extraordinaire, addicted to coffee. For anything else…you’ll just have to ask.
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