3 Key Elements of Mission Trip Preparation

What are the three key elements of being an effective mission trip team? These three key elements I learned long ago from Tim Gibson my friend at World Servants. Very simply here they are. On a Mission Discovery mission trip we ask every team member to come as 1) Learners, 2) Servants, and 3) Story Tellers. In these three headings every aspect of a mission trip experience is covered.

Learners-Luke 2:52- “And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature and size, in favor with God and in favor with man.” Jesus no doubt was the best "question asker" ever. Each of his questions in a sense, asked the listener to go deeper. I don't fully know how the all knowing God-Jesus grew in wisdom, but I believe He sets the example for us to be seekers of His wisdom. Prayer is one aspect of learning, seeking God's guidance. Approaching another culture as a learner may mean setting aside some of my knowledge of "how it should be done" to understand how the culture I am serving does something. I'm not asking anyone to violate a principle of scripture, just to seek to understand. Be a learner.

Servants-John 13:5- “After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel tied around his waist.” Mark Williams, Youth and Family Minister at Community Church in Hendersonville, TN, tells me that this act of washing the disciples feet, his bending down, is actually a demonstration of the very act of coming to earth. He stepped from Heaven to enter the earth and His purpose was to serve. Andy Andrews in his book, Mastering the Seven Decisions, asks the question, "What can you do to begin or continue a servant's spirit?" Asking your team to commit to acts of servant-hood before a trip, talking about the experience and thus making it a priority for your mission trip is essential.

Story Teller-Each of us has something unique about us. Something worth telling. It is the story of our journey in life and God's intervention, compassion and care for us along the way. At Mission Discovery we help leaders prepare their teams to be "Story Tellers." Giving them the tools to help each mission trip participant tell their story in just 5 minutes. Go on any Mission Discovery trip and you could point to any participant and say for example, "Bob, while we are visiting this family here in Sowetto when it is appropriate would you tell your story?" I love that part of our work. Everyone is prepared! Public speaking is among the greatest fears of men and women. Mission Discovery pre-trip training helps a participant be better prepared, so the fear subsides.

I have the opportunity this summer to lead an adult group from my church to Swaziland. My opening meeting this Sunday will introduce this model to each participant.

Here's an exercise for you. Take these three elements of a mission trip into today's activity. What ever you are doing today, working, having lunch with a friend, or exercising at the gym, take these three elements of a good mission trip, and apply them to today's activity! Be a learner, be a servant and be a story-teller today! Then, let me know the result!