Maximizing Short-Term Mission Trips Rev. Dr. Donald J. Dawson Presented by Rev. Dr. Donald J. Dawson Director, World Mission Initiative Director, New Wilmington Mission Conference

Short-Term Mission Trips… …have the potential to change lives!

Short-Term Mission Trips… …have the potential to change churches! From inward-looking to outward-looking From maintenance to mission mode From social club to church of Jesus Christ From declining to growing From dying to living & vital

Benefits Gain passionate love Grow a larger view of the world and Church See a big God with a big plan Envision what your church can do Develop a partnership with mission Stimulate mission giving Stimulate long-term mission involvement Stimulate local mission involvement

Goals for your church? Establish mission as a stronger core value Produce greater long-term involvement Produce greater local involvement Produce long-term missionaries

Home Team Those who SEND are as important as those who are SENT! Roles 1. Fundraising 2. Prayer 3. Organizing projects for the ministry 4. Commissioning 5. Transportation 6. Update congregation 7. Host a dinner for the “Away” team

Orientation Structure it to accomplish short-term and long-term goals. 1. Reason for sending 2. To serve more faithfully where we are 3. Long-term involvement 4. Preaching and teaching

During the Mission Trip Focus daily devotions Include daily group reflection Require journaling

Debriefing Like the Orientation: Structure it to accomplish short-term and long-term goals. 1. Three debriefing sessions: a. 1 week – share pictures, initial excitement b. 3-4 weeks – consider changes you will make c. 3 months – Keep each other accountable 2. Plan some new local mission involvement 3. Preaching and teaching

Reporting Back Plan for this before you go Where are you going to tell your story? Who can you influence?

Long-Term Changes 1. STM grows disciples who lead churches 2. Develop intercessory prayer (team) a. Pray regularly for specific individuals, the mission/church, and the people/country 3. Develop a long-term relationship 4. Grow your mission support and involvement

Long-Term Changes 5. Personalize your mission support 6. Keep educating your church about mission a. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement b. New Wilmington Mission Conference c. World Mission Initiative Conference

World Mission Initiative 616 N. Highland Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-362-5610 x2149 ddawson@pts.edu jhaddox@pts.edu www.worldmissioninitiative.org