Should You Go On A Short-term Mission Trip? Намуна

So far, we’ve looked at what short-term mission trips are about, and how fulfilling the Great Commission, right where you are is part of God’s purpose for your life.

Today, we look more closely on whether the short-term mission trip opportunity is for you or not. Quite likely, if you prayed about it, you already know the answer. In fact, God may have put the desire to go – or the desire NOT to go – on your heart already.

In discerning whether a short-term mission trip is for you or not, the first step is to pray about it. Pray that God will give you wisdom, and that you can make a decision without undue influence coming from of your emotions or from others who may be trying to convince you one way or the other. Check James 1:5 to see that God gives wisdom to all who ask!

As you pray about involvement in a mission trip – whether that trip is now or later – be sure to look and listen for insight into these three questions:

1. Does the mission trip make use of the particular skills, talents or experience that God has given you?  Each of us is equipped and called of a certain task – just as a body is made up of many parts, so too with the church – see 1 Corinthians 12:12.
2. Is the trip serving others in a way that helps build God’s Kingdom? Do trip activities help bring the gospel to the unsaved, or help equip others to do that?  Romans 10:13-15 reinforces the need for us to share the gospel, not just perform acts of service.
3. Does the planned trip make good use of your time, talents & treasure? Or, is it better to offer financial & prayer support to those already there, or to support someone else to go? God has given each of us resources to use for His glory – how we use these and what return on the investment of our gifts in the building of His Kingdom is important. See how Jesus describes this in the parable of the talents – see Matthew 25:14-30.

So, the next time you consider a short-term mission trip opportunity, take time to prayerfully consider these questions, and discuss them openly and honestly with others in your Christian fellowship. 

The answer on whether or not you should go on a short-term mission trip is not always readily available. Discernment comes only through prayer and waiting on God. The enemy wants us to jump to any conclusion that hinders the building of God’s Kingdom – so pray earnestly, and listen carefully.

And check back in tomorrow to learn more of what God has in store for you.