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Engaging the World

For those who lead in mission, service and peace ministries.

Short-term mission trips

by Sandy Miller

So your church wants to do mission? The first question to answer is not, "Where?" It is, "Why?"

Mission trips are not throwaway vacation weeks or excuses for sightseeing. They begin long before the vans or flights leave and, if done well, they continue long after participants return.

Mission or service trips are ways to connect to God’s work in other parts of the world that can help a congregation in God’s work near their homes.

1. Discern
What is God calling you to do? As you discern whether God is calling you toward a mission trip, ask how many of these statements apply to you:

I am interested in learning more about mission around the world.
I believe in the good news of Jesus Christ.
I believe Jesus calls us to fellowship with other believers and to learn from them.
I enjoy getting to know new people and listening to their stories.
I enjoy experiencing different styles of worship.
I can handle the uncertainty of new situations.
I am willing to observe and participate in different ways of doing things without asserting "my way" as a better option.
I can be flexible when plans change unexpectedly.
I know people who would support me in prayer during a mission trip.

The Church Relations department at Mennonite Mission Network (MCUSA) or the Christian Witness staff at Mennonite Church Canada can meet with you, pray with you and help you develop objectives for potential trips.

2. Prepare
The church wide mission agencies can help you examine specific locations and the ministries taking place there. Read their news stories and talk with others who have lived or visited the region.

Examine your group. Your group will form bonds during their time together, but there also will be needs for space, conversation, and support. Consider what each member contributes to the team and what may get in the way of healthy group functioning.

The most successful trips involve the congregational members who stay home. Use announcements from the pulpit, notes in the bulletin and daily prayer requests to create interest and involvement. Plan a fundraiser that incorporates the reasons for the trip and offers insights into the culture you will be entering.

Hold a commissioning ceremony for the departing group to represent the congregation and God.

3. Process
Before you go, consider how you will respond to your experiences, reflect on what God will reveal, and report on what you will learn. Plan a time each day to process experiences and emotions in ways that help you engage a new culture and build relationships with enthusiasm. Evaluate your expectations and how or why they were or were not met.

Culture shock typically begins with excitement, enters disorientation and anger when the excitement wears off and ends with acceptance of a culture for both its differences and similarities. Consider keeping a journal, both to help you think through what you are learning and report on those illuminations when you return.

Engage your hosts and their partners in conversation. Consider your trip the start of a potential long-term relationship, not simply a weeklong encounter. Listen to others. Then take time to be alone—praying, reading the Bible or simply resting.

Mission or service trips are ways to connect to God’s work in other parts of the world.

4. Discern again
Talk with your congregation about the people you met, your shared experiences, and any changes in how you view your world. Through prayer, allow God to show you how your trip can help your own ministries evolve. Do not discount the inspirational ability of a few people with renewed missional energy to change the way congregations operate.

Some mission visits have led to ongoing relationships with mission workers or partners, continued support of specific projects or outreaches, discoveries of shared vision, and even formal partnerships among congregations and ministries.

Sharing about the trip, continuing to journal, praying and listening for the Holy Spirit’s leading as members share will add to or change the life of the congregation.

Sandy Miller is director of church relations for Mennonite Mission Network. She is a member of Yellow Creek Mennonite Church in Elkhart, Indiana and serves on the editorial committee of Leader.