On a mission trip, transformation and preparation go hand-in-hand. If you want to see transformation, preparation matters.

Mission Trip Preparation & Transformation

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:

[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

[guestpost]David Headshot

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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