Think Twice Before Going on a Mission Trip

Leading a Mission Team is one of my greatest joys. I love seeing the change that takes place in team members – their faith grows, their world view is transformed and they grow closer to gaining God’s perspective on the world. It is a rewarding thing to see happen.

I also love blessing the people we visit and serve. It is a joy to see them encouraged, healed and valued. Friendships are forged and the love of Christ transcends cultural barriers.

There also is a satisfaction in taking active steps to fulfill the mandate of Matthew 27:19 to “Go and make disciples of all nation…”

It good being a small part of the solution to the problems of this world.

Through my experiences in leading and being part of numerous missions teams, I have discovered that one wrong person on a team can make things really difficult for everyone. Every team leader should be alert to the following “red flags” of caution while evaluating applications in forming a team. If a team member is aware of their own struggle in any of these areas, they should be careful to address these issues with the team leader before leaving.

1. People who struggle with ethical financial management. People with a history of credit problems, people who pay bills late, who don’t tithe, etc. When a team member does not make financial deadlines or fails to communicate and follow through regarding payments towards their travel, a leader must not accommodate their irresponsibility. Whenever a leader allows this to continue, it usually ends up putting the church and the team in a precarious place financially. It is not worth it.
   
2. People with deep emotional or psychological challenges. Missions teams are emotionally challenging. They can be physically exhausting. Culture shock and re-entry can be difficult for people who are extremely healthy. Add these issues the potential for sickness and the effects of jet lag – all of these things can be the recipe for a break-down for someone who is already having a hard time managing their emotional or psychological health. When this happens during a mission trip it creates a very difficult scenario.
   
3. People who have trouble getting along with others. What more needs to be said? Abrasive and anti-social people tend to bring teams down.
   
4. People who are inflexible or stubborn. “Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.” Missions requires flexibility. It requires adaptability and unshakable optimism.
   
5. People who constantly question authority. When going into another culture as an outsider it helps to be able to trust and to follow the directions of others. Extremely independent or somewhat rebellious people do not do well in these environments.
   
6. People who are not willing to work hard and serve others. This is not a vacation. Our own agendas must be set aside. Team members must be prepared to be uncomfortable and to work hard. A servant’s heart is an essential disposition for a team member.
   
7. People who are facing challenges within their immediate family. Marriage problems, problems with children, parents and other domestic crisis cannot be managed or resolved while out of the country. They tend to only get worse. If this happens while on a trip it disrupt everything that you are there to do. People should not go on a team knowing that these there are unresolved issues that should be tended to.
   
8. People who have an agenda. The only agenda for a mission team member is to serve the people we are visiting. Compliance and enthusiasm are great qualities to have.
   
9. People who harbor prejudice, ethnocentrism, or supra-nationalism. Philippians 2:3 must be applied “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”
   
10. People who don’t have a deep love for God. A passionate spirituality will bring depth to the mission experience. Furthermore it will keep a person from the distractions of temptations that can pull a person away from the purpose of a mission trip.

This isn't a mandate for perfectionism -- But it is a list of the primary cautions as well as the converse qualities that make for a great experience on a mission trip.