Are you making the most of mission trips?

Mission trips for your students can be life changing.  They can open the eyes of your youth to what the world is really like outside of their little bubble.  These trips can show the power of the gospel and build a heart for the nations in your youth.

All trips however, are not created equal.  Here are 5  things you can do to ensure that you make the most of your mission trips:

1. Have a purpose for the trip

Do not just take a trip to take a mission trip.  Your mission trips should be helping support the characteristics and qualities you are trying to build in your Youth Ministry.

Knowing what you are trying to accomplish will help you identify the type of trip and location for your trip.  If you are wanting to build a heart for the nations for example, you will likely need to go overseas.  If you are trying to build a heart for serving others, you have several options.

There are many ways to accomplish the same things.  If you want to make the most of your mission trip, know what you are trying to accomplish.

2. Take a vision trip to the location ahead of time

There are few things that can help you make the most of your mission trip than taking a vision trip ahead of time.  Knowing the lay of the land before you take a group there will do more for you than you can imagine.  It will give you confidence once you arrive which only helps you ability to lead your group.

Knowing exactly who you are working with, who will be picking you up once you arrive, the locations you will be working, where you will be staying, and what you will be doing will help you lead and allow your team to follow you well.

3. Budget well and anticipate unknowns

Do not fall into the trap of trimming the budget to the detriment of the trip.  Especially if it is the first year in a given location.  Be realistic, don’t over budget, but always anticipate the unknowns.  If you must,for the first year build into your budget the cost of your vision trip.

4. Train, train, train your team

I feel like this one goes without saying, but I see and hear of so many groups who fail to really train for the work they will be doing ahead of time.  Yes, things will always change.  Yes, there is a need to be flexible.  That does not remove the need for your team to be prepared for what you know you will be doing.  Train your team well.

5. Debrief regularly

Please, please, please take the time to debrief with your team each day.  Talking through your day and the experiences of the trip will help to cement the lessons and memories in your team.  Depending of the trip, your team may be struggling to process all of the things that are quickly coming their way.    Debriefing will also help you get a feel for where they are and what they are dealing with.  This will help you once the trip is over as well as know what to prepare for future trips.

What other things do you do to help make the most of mission trips?  Leave a comment below and let me know!