Thoughts about Mission Trips

As you prepare to take your students on a mission trip here are a few thoughts for you:

1. Do you have a plan/vision for missions within your ministry? Are you leading your ministry on purpose or just by the next great idea? It will make a difference! Develop a vision first on what you want your students to do/go over the course of MS and HS years.

2. Find locations that can handle your group. The worst thing for you is when you show up the group you are working with can’t handle a group your size and a lot of students stand around doing nothing.

3. Plan out your trip. What locations are you going too? What are they doing at each location?

4. If you are doing back yard bible clubs plan them out before you go. Who is leading the games? Is someone doing music if so what songs? Is someone teaching if so who and when are they teaching? Think through all the details.

5. Location options: Apt Complexes with kids, Children Homes, Boy Ranches, Boys Home, Girls Home, School Campuses, Church Plants and more. There are so many options out there.

6. Go on a pre trip. Don’t just trust someone to set it up. You go early and set it up and see all the sites. Be sure it fits your ministry!!!

7. Do something Fun: take them to experience the city they are in. Most students never get outside their own community so anyway you can let them experience a new culture don’t miss that opportunity. (EX: baseball game, go out to eat at a local restaurant, basketball game, hockey game, any game, work your connections)

8. Sleep in a church on the floor. Saves a lot of money. Offer to serve the church you are staying at.

If we can help you in any way our MS and HS team really do a great job at putting on a mission trip for our students. We would be happy to help.