Short-Term Missions (STM) & the Kingdom of God

Praise & Worship

Ground Rules for Learning Be willing to participate Share your thoughts & wisdom Ask questions at any time Learn from each other—listen Be patient with one another Enjoy our time together

Overall Goal of STM Training Maximize the likelihood of a long-term positive impact on all STM participants

Senders GoersHost Receivers Participants in STM

Training Objectives Equip individuals to be effective trainers for STM team leaders Equip individuals to build/lead teams Provide tools and information to engage in cross-cultural ministry Describe the participants in STM Describe the STM process Provide information on available resources

Key Principle Participating on a STM trip is more than about YOU!

Who is the SAMS?

SAMS: Who are we? A servant ministry: rooted in the apostolic faith partners with Anglicans incarnational cross-cultural ministries shares the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed

SAMS’ History Founded over 150 years ago by Captain Allen Gardiner Initial effort to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the Yaghans of Patagonia

Allen Gardiner’s Journal Entry Grant, Oh Lord that we may be instrumental in commencing this great and blessed work; but should thou see fit in Thy providence to hedge up our way; and that we should even languish and die here, I beseech Thee to raise up others, and to send forth laborers into this harvest. Let it be seen for the manifestation of thy glory and Grace, that nothing is too hard for Thee. --Spaniard’s Harbor 1851

Why mission in the Majority World today? In many areas up to 90% unchurched Unique niche for (3-stream) Anglicanism – “Catholic, Charismatic, and Canonical” Bridge church among Evangelicals, Pentecostals and Roman Catholics

SAMS International Today 200 missionaries Extensive work among indigenous peoples SEAN courses (Seminary by Extension to the Nations) Seminaries in Madrid, Arequipa, Santiago, with other extension programs

SAMS Serves the Anglican Communion by sending people to share the good news of Jesus Christ through words and actions. Sends individuals to serve as missionaries—interns or career long-term missionaries. Supports local parishes involved in missions with STM training and on-field support.

SAMS: What we believe We affirm belief in the historic Christian faith as revealed in the Scriptures and as stated in the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian Creeds and the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (BCP).

SAMS - USA Long-term missionaries Short-Term missions (STM) training Interns serving with missionary mentors

Where SAMS missionaries are working Dominican Republic Honduras Panama Ecuador Peru Chile Bolivia Paraguay Spain Uganda United States SE Asia Global

SAMS & missio Dei Grow the Kingdom Equip the U.S. church with a missionary vision Foster vibrant and fruitful ministry in the Global South Raise up cross-generational leaders and missionaries Plant churches Minister to the poor

SAMS’ Foundation Long-term missionary sending and supporting structure Emerging short- to medium-term sending structure Broad range of holistic ministries Anglican in heritage

SAMS’ Foundation (continued) Strong relationships with the emerging orthodox Anglican movement in the USA Strong relationships with Global South church Strong partnerships with other Anglican mission agencies—AGMP Solid track record as organization of integrity

SAMS & STM Has assisted churches to send STM teams since 1993 Believes that good preparation and training are essential Understands that that STM can do harm Is very enthusiastic about the role that STM can play in building the Kingdom of God

SAMS short-term health teams are a part of the effort to bring health and spiritual healing

SAMS missionaries proclaim the gospel in word and deed through feeding body and soul.

Short-term teams build houses for the poor, share good news and construct churches.

SAMS’ Vision for STM Use STM to glorify Christ in word & deed and promote the building of His Kingdom Foster missions awareness in sending churches Equip leaders to prepare teams for cross- cultural ministry Work to ensure that STM will be a blessing to those who send and those who receive

SAMS’ Vision for STM (Cont) Encourage building long-term partnerships Seek to empower the poor and not do harm Many of those who go will sense a calling to the missionary endeavor Help unite the true church across cultural divides and economic classes Promote excellence in STM for maximum impact on all participants

Standards of Excellence Seven Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission

Std # 1 – God-Centeredness Seeks first God’s glory and his kingdom, and is expressed through our: –Purpose — Centering on God’s glory and his ends throughout our entire STM process –Lives — Sound biblical doctrine, persistent prayer, and godliness in all our thoughts, words, and deeds –Methods — Wise, biblical, and culturally- appropriate methods which bear spiritual fruit

#2 – Empowering Partnerships Establishes healthy, interdependent, on- going relationships between sending and receiving partners, and is expressed by: –Primary focus on intended recipients –Plans which benefit all participants –Mutual trust and accountability

#3 – Mutual Design Collaboratively plans each specific outreach for the benefit of all participants, and is expressed by: –On-field methods and activities aligned to long-term strategic partnerships –Goer-guests’ ability to implement their part of the plan –Host receivers’ ability to implement their part of the plan

#4 – Comprehensive Administration Exhibits integrity through reliable set-up and thorough administration for all participants, and is expressed by: –Truthfulness in promotion, finances, and reporting results –Appropriate risk management –Quality program delivery and support logistics

#5 – Qualified Leadership Screens, trains, and develops capable leadership for all participants, and is expressed by: –Character — Spiritually mature servant leadership –Skills — Prepared, competent, organized and accountable leadership –Values — Empowering and equipping leadership

#6 – Appropriate Training Prepares and equips all participants for the mutually designed outreach, and is expressed by: –Biblical, appropriate, and timely training –On-going training and equipping (pre- field, on-field, post-field) –Qualified trainers

#7 – Thorough Follow-Through Assures debriefing and appropriate follow-through for all participants, and is expressed by: –Comprehensive debriefing (pre-field, on-field, post-field) –On-field re-entry preparation –Post-field follow-through and evaluation

STM Manual Introduction Glossary Part I – Equipping Team Leaders Part II – Equipping STM Teams

STM Manual Part I—Equipping Team Leaders I.The role of STM team leader II.Introduction to STM III.Foundation for maximum impact STM trips IV.The birth of a STM idea V.Engaging senders & receivers in pre-field planning VI.Forming a STM team VII.Building a STM team

STM Manual Part II—Equipping STM Teams 1.Raising funds & support 2.Trip logistics 3.Understanding poverty and the poor 4.Preparing for cross-cultural ministry (Part A) 5.Preparing for cross-cultural ministry (Part B) 6.In-country ministry 7.Re-entry and follow-through

Training Methods Presentation of material –Key Principles Dialogue—learning from each other Reflection questions Small group activities Case studies Video clips

Small Group Reflection What would a successful STM trip look like?

The Importance of Preparation

“Short-Term Missions is a huge phenomenon. It has great potential. But STM does not appear to be realizing this potential.” --Robert Priest, Anthropologist & Missiologist

“But when the immersion experience is connected with the right sorts of orientation and coaching, significant change is possible. --Robert Priest, Anthropologist & Missiologist

Training is the Foundation for a Successful STM Trip: Why? The task (project) may not work out The logistics may go wrong But the training can prepare a team for such contingencies

Key Principle Training & preparation is the foundation for a successful STM trip.

Why is training important? To maximize the likelihood of positive impacts/changes To minimize the likelihood of negative impact or harm

Training Churches Teams In-Country Hosts Who is being equipped?

The Role of a STM Team Leader Session I

Goal – to form and equip a team with a shared vision for ministry Role of the leader – to facilitate the formation of that vision and provide the necessary training for the team

Question & Dialogue What qualities do you think are the most important for a leader of a STM team?

The Importance of Team Leadership Pre-field On-field Post-field

Pre- Field On- Field Post- Field STM Training-Learning Dynamic

Senders Goers Host Receivers Key Role of Leaders

Key leadership qualities Spiritual maturity Good character Adaptability Good communication & interpersonal skills Leadership and decision-making qualities Heart for missions Servant heart

Spiritual Maturity Committed relationship with Jesus Christ Life of prayer and Bible study and spiritual growth Spiritual discernment Wisdom in ministering cross-culturally

Good Character Person of high integrity Respected by others Others would be willing to submit to this person’s authority

Adaptability Have an attitude of a learner Must capitalize on the learning opportunities that arise in all phases of the STM process Must understand that the STM trip itself is a means to an end

Good Communication & Interpersonal Skills Able to teach and equip team members for cross-cultural ministry Can build bridges with the sending church Can develop clear and effective plans with the receiver host Can relate well to team members and empower them for ministry

Leadership & Decision-Making Qualities Can make informed decisions when there is need Delegates responsibilities to team members without being threatened Ability to keep the goal in focus and take necessary steps to achieve it Motivates by example, not coercion

Heart for Missions Demonstrates enthusiasm for evangelism and outreach Has a heart of compassion for the poor Willing to dedicate time necessary to fulfill role of team leader

Servant Heart Can lead by serving Can work under the authority of both sending church and receiver host Seeks to develop others rather than exalt self Treasures relationships over tasks

It would be nice if the leader: Had prior STM and cross-cultural experience Can speak the language of the country of destination Had small group leadership experience Had experience as a trainer Has experience with any activity that defines the purpose of the STM trip

Team Leader Key Responsibilities Overall project and trip planning & coordination with senders & receivers Select team members and builds team Facilitate the identification of roles of team members Oversee administrative details—budget, financial matters Prepare team with needed training Plan on-field and post-field de-briefings and follow-through, including reporting back to senders and receivers

Key Principle The quality of leadership directly determines the degree of STM impact.

Quality of Leadership Potential for Maximum Impact

Senders Goers Host Receivers Key Role of Leaders

Leader and those who send Capture a vision Raise missions awareness in the local parish Mobilize resources Establish bridges that can be used in follow-through to ensure maximum long- term impact

Leader and those who go Form and build a team Capture and instill a vision in the team Equip the team for ministry Plan logistics Plan for follow-through

Leader and those who receive Coordinate in the design stage Understand needs and opportunities Seek to serve the missionary/host mission Plan for follow-through

Number of leaders??? Depends on: Size of team Age of those who go Nature and complexity of the mission Situational context

Resource notebook that provides many helpful hints about the entire process of building a STM team. Includes teaching on spiritual formation, on-field and re- entry guidelines. Separate workbook provides 8-session training curriculum for team preparation.

Introduction to STM Session II

“We may be entering a new era when missionary work will not be left to professional missionaries, but will be the common task of the rank and file of church members in the course of their daily occupations.” --Missiologist Herb Kane But is this true? What do you think?

Perspective on the World Today Most people live in the majority world Half the people in the world are children 1 of 4 children has to work instead of going to school About 2.5 billion people live on <$2/day About 30K people die daily from preventable diseases 8% of the people in the world own a car

The Changing Face of Christianity Center of Christendom has shifted to the global south Christianity is the fastest growing religion in the world at ~7% per year Christians in the majority world: –generally poor –often suffer great persecution –are typically more communal than individualistic –are more attune to principalities & powers –understand the reality of miracles & power of prayer

Why the popularity of STM? “The world is flatter.” Easier to navigate the globe Increasing concern about the poor Availability of financial resources Desire to connect with God’s work—missio Dei—and to do something

STM Trips Characterized “A way for God to use ordinary people to show his extraordinary love” “If you want to see God in action, go on a STM trip” “Hands-on mission” “God’s workshop” “One of the greatest classrooms in the world to know God” “The #1 way to impact a person’s life is to send them on a short-term mission trip. “The gateway to career missionary service”

State of STM Today Grown tremendously in recent decade Likely a $1billion industry Both domestic and international U.S. outreach reinforced with Hurricane Katrina U.S. church invests more in STM than in long- term missions Most assessments of impacts have focused on those who go Little is known about impact on receivers Little is known about the long-term impacts in general

Some Perspectives on STM STM evolved in the late 20 th C from missionary recruitment into opportunity for spiritual growth in the lives of those who go on STM trips Scene of STM is changing from youth to more adults who have the time, resources, focus Increasing awareness that going on a STM trip must be more than about ME Awareness of the need to move beyond “drive-by mission trip mind-set”

STM Participants Those who send Those who go Those who receive STM teams

Process of STM Pre-FieldPost-FieldOn-Field

Key Principle Short-term missions is not an isolated event in time but a process over time that includes senders, goers, and receivers.

Foundation for Maximum Impact STM Trips Session lll

Short-Term Missions Trip ≠ Cross- Cultural Trip

Group Reflection How is a STM trip more than a cross-cultural experience?

If everything is missionary work then nothing is missionary work --Jim Reapsome Mission Maker Magazine 05

Comparison—what kind of trip? STM Trip –Other focused –Minister to others –Ministry—to be a blessing –To discern –Self-transformation –Transform others Cross-cultural Trip –Me focused –Experience another culture –Vacation –To experience –Self-transformation –Experience others

Key Principle Participating on a STM trip is more than about ME.

Characteristics of STM Swift—relatively easy to do and quickly Temporary—can engage virtually any Christian Flexible—can adapt easily to changing needs or opportunities Non-professional—does not take a lot of training and preparation Repetitive—ongoing and constant flow of people and resources Expensive Part of God’s purposes in missio Dei

STM – How long? Some define STM as any service overseas or cross-culturally from 2 weeks to 2 years SAMS thinks of STM as typically 1-2 weeks in length and can be domestic or overseas

What the proponents say Energizes the local church and leads to more giving for missions Nurtures spiritual formation in those who go—gift discovery Engages people not heretofore involved Enhances and refines one’s perspective and worldview Builds the Kingdom of God Brings people to Christ

What the proponents say (cont) Leads individuals into missionary service Leads to financial support for indigenous missions and churches Blesses host missionaries and their ministries—develops relationships Leads to long-term partnerships with host missions and churches

“The STM movement represents an incredible opportunity to mobilize resources on behalf of strategic needs around the world and to build strategic links between resource-rich churches and individuals…and fellow believers or sister churches in those parts of the world characterized by incredible hardship, suffering, and resource limitations.” --Robert Priest

Reflection Question If STM in fact increases interest in career missionary service, why haven’t we seen commensurate growth in the number of career missionaries?

Case Study: STM Team of 14 participants went to Bolivia 1 returned as a missionary 1 became chair of the missions board 1 set up an NGO to work with an indigenous mission 2 became members of the task force for Bolivia 1 went to seminary with an interest in serving as a long-term missionary

Case Study: STM Team of 14 participants went to Bolivia (cont) 1 (the Rector) became even more vocal as the parish cheerleader for missions 1 wants to go on another STM trip 1 in interested in studying social work to help the poor A second team returned to foster a long-term partnership with the indigenous mission Note: one of the two leaders was trained by SAMS; team was visiting their SAMS missionaries

What the critics say Cross-cultural vacations—religious tourism, short-term junkies Waste of money Overly goal focused Do harm to people Disrupt local economies Danger of paternalistic attitudes Bring cultural imperialist assumptions Create dependency

What the critics say (cont) Insufficient cross-cultural training and respect for nationals Overly confident in the transferability of ministry models Language barriers limit effectiveness Focus on short-term fixes Little lasting impact on participants Expensive efforts to assuage feelings of guilt and satisfy curiosity Can distract the full-time missionary/host receiver

Question: Can proper training address these concerns? Answer: Yes. Proper training can address virtually all these concerns to maximize the possibility of a long- term positive impact while minimizing harm.

Resentment when host culture observes: “Christian tourism” “Cultural voyeurism” “Commoditization of the poor”

Common Objection #1 Career missionaries can do it better What do you think?

Common Objection #2 It is a waste of money What do you think?

Common Objection #3 It is more cost-effective to send money What do you think?

Stay home but send money Come and build relationships and partnerships Tension

Case Study: Hurricane Mitch Study of STM impact on local communities Looked at the impact of teams that built homes as compared to those communities that had homes built by Hondurans Found no lasting impact positive or negative on Honduran families or communities In fact, survey shows that Hondurans would rather have had the money raised by the STM team channeled toward building homes and employing Hondurans. --Kurt Verbeek, Impact of Short-Term Missions, May 2005.

Common Objection #4 Why travel that far when there are so many needs right here What do you think?

Why go? Why STM?

Why not go? Fear of the unknown, risks I am too busy Who wants to leave their comfort zone? God has not called me to go I am not particularly gifted to help people I am not missionary material I do not know the language I am not a real together person I am not all that healthy

The Bible & Short- Term Missions

Small Group Reflection What is the Biblical rationale for engaging in STM?

As the Father has sent me, so I send you. John 20:21b The Biblical Imperative: Go

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 The Great Commission

"Of all the commandments…the most important is love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength… and love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:28-31 Commandment to Love

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 Promise of Power

We go because God commands We love God & others God promises

Missions Fundamentals God has a missions heart/mindset God has compassion for all the nations and peoples of the earth

The Biblical Thread Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him (Genesis 18:18) All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him (Psalm 22:27)

Jonah: An amazing STM trip Called to go to Nineveh Evangelism & preaching Classic unreached people group Perhaps only 2 days in the city Result – people repented and God withheld judgment

STM trips in New Testament STM trips of Apostles Paul and Peter Barnabas with Paul & John Mark Titus to Corinth, Macedonia, Jerusalem Apollos to Ephesus, Corinth, Crete Jesus sends out the 12—Luke 9:1-10

Biblical “Mission”— being sent Who? Every believer is a missionary What? Proclamation of the gospel in word & deed and making of disciples Where? To the ends of the earth When? Now Why? Obedience, love, God’s promises How? The “normal Christian life” and long-term and short-term missionaries

Christian Mission Sending away from a place (home) Crossing cultural boundaries Taking the love of Christ—word & deed Being about the work of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5: All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

Jesus as our Model in Missions He proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God He taught the Word of God He healed the sick – touched the outcast He fed the hungry He delivered people from demon possession He loved sinners This is our model for holistic missions—both word and deed

Characteristics of a Missions Mindset Knows that Jesus is The Way Understands that missions is the responsibility of every Christian Calls people to move out Knows that God uses his children to change the world Understands that missions is about servanthood

Individual Reflection Can we call a STM trip Christian if the name of Jesus is not involved?

Senders GoersHost Receivers Participants in STM

STM Participants Those who send—Lord Jesus Christ, churches, individuals, schools, mission organizations, professional organizations Those who go—teams, families, individuals Those who receive STM teams— missionaries, indigenous churches/missions, professionals

The 3 P’s: Key Elements for a Successful STM Trip P rayer P lanning P reparation

Centrality of Prayer STM is ultimately God’s work Prayer demonstrates –Faith & trust in God –Any success will be God’s blessing –He can provide all that is needed –A humble dependence on the hand of God to be there

Planning to Maximize the Long-Term Impact Impact ALL stakeholders Seek long-term partnerships Plan and count the cost of long- term commitments Prepare well in order to ensure the maximum long-term impact

Key Principle Do not just go where and when you want, assuming that you are or will be a blessing!

Cross-Cultural Ministry— Challenges & Opportunities Anticipating the unforeseen The necessity of flexibility Dealing with cross-cultural issues Opportunities for personal growth

Be prepared to be flexible Cross-cultural ministry is: –Challenging –Unpredictable –Exhausting –Exhilarating –A mutual blessing –Laced with unknowns

Key Principle We need a long- term view of short- term missions

The Birth of a STM Idea Session IV

“Everyone knows that short-term missions benefit the people who come, not the people here.” --JoAnn VanEngen, The Other Side, Jan-Feb 2000

Individual Reflection What were the factors that led to a STM trip in your local church and how did you decide where to go?

Where does it all begin? Understanding needs and/or opportunities Understanding the wide array of possibilities for STM trips Involving both senders and receivers early in the process Developing a shared vision of purpose and trip goals with all participants

Key Principle From the very beginning, the most important aspect of STM is PRAYER

Planning Steps for STM Trip 1.Develop a vision 2.Decide where to go 3.Decide on the trip purpose 4.Decide on the target group of interest 5.Decide on who should or could go

Step 1: Develop a Vision Early stage is one of discernment Seek counsel of others who have been involved in earlier STM trips Communicate early in the process with the receiving host missionary or other person

The Discernment Process Starting place: prayer Next, get counsel from others –Pastor –Missions committee –Others who have been on STM trips –A missionary or person in host country Next, prayer

Some Key Questions 1.Why are we thinking about doing this mission? 2.What is the overall STM trip objective? 3.Does it fit into the missions vision of our church? 4.Is our vision shared by the on-site receiver host? 5.How can we measure “success?” Answering these questions lays the foundation for a well-purposed STM trip.

Different Types of STM Trips Relief –Short-term in focus –Addresses immediate needs –Can lead to development objectives –Easiest type of STM trip to plan Reconstruction/construction –Ownership is a critical issue Development –Long-term in focus –Must rest on a partnership –Seeks to build capacity –Is difficult to plan and implement

Step 2: How do you decide where to go?

Location Selection Issues Opportunity—Is there a partnering missionary on-site? Strategic—Is there a mission on the receiving end with whom our local church may have interest in developing a long-term partnership? Risks—health & safety concerns Cost & time—requirements & constraints

Destinations of STM Domestic –Relief –Urban areas –Rural areas –People groups International –Place –Target group –Need

Step 3: Deciding on Trip Purpose

Possible STM Themes Drama/arts/crafts/music & puppets Vacation Bible school Sports Youth camps Construction/well drilling Street ministry Medical Veterinarian Teaching/training Literature distribution Relief Business as mission Agronomy/agriculture Healing/prayer Family/marriage seminars Service/helps Vision trip Family therapy Vacation with a purpose

Vision Trips Becoming very popular Time for discernment Opportunity to consider possibilities—informs prayer & decision making Requires minimal resources Can lay foundation for more productive team visit Perhaps especially appropriate for churches without existing missions program Numbers 13-14—12 spies into the Promised Land (40 days) Joshua 1:1-24—2 men went (5 days) to spy out Jericho

Step 4: Possible STM Target Groups Local Parish or community/neighborhood Children in church/community Prison ministry Street kids Orphans Nursing home Home for disadvantaged—deaf, physically handicapped, blind Displaced people-- Etc

Step 5: Deciding who goes Individuals Couples Families Small groups (3-5) Typical groups (7-15) Large groups (>15)

Students “Particularly for college students, short-term cross-cultural experiences have the potential for being one of the most formative and ‘worldview shaping’ pedagogical experiences of their college career.” Source: Johnstone in Missiology, Oct 06, p.528

Involving those who receive teams early in the process Necessity of a point of contact in host county Coordinating schedules & availability (and interest) Deciding jointly on overall mission

Process of STM Pre- Field On- Field Post- Field

Some guidance on planning Seek to determine how you can best serve the host receiver Ultimately the host receiver determines when you come and what you do Be sure you are invited Be sure the timing is good for the receiving community Use your best communication skills in openness and honesty Seek to lay the foundation for a long-term partnership Seek to discern God’s agenda for the trip—much prayer

Engaging Senders and Receivers in the STM Process Session V

Who are the senders? Lord Jesus Christ The local church Individuals Sometimes businesses Schools Professional organizations

Why should local churches be interested in STM? The benefits of a church participating in the missions enterprise are significant STM teams energize the church— vision for outreach, prayer, giving for missions STM attracts new members

Why should local churches be interested in STM? (cont) STM can open doors for service—develop leaders, other ministry involvement New sense of the importance of evangelism and missions awareness Strengthen relationships with missionaries Bottom line: It can transform your church forever!

Mission in both its widest and more focused sense is what the church is there for. - N.T. Wright

Sending Supporters Christ & the Holy Spirit Prayer supporters Financial supporters Logistical supporters Emotional supporters Communication supporters Re-entry supporters

Senders = Fellow Workers

Remember: People like helping people (especially the poor and downtrodden)

Seize the opportunity to mobilize missions awareness Importance of building bridges with the local church It takes time It must be strategic and intentional Lay the groundwork for future teams Local church needs to have “ownership” Prayer support can engage many different parts of the church Importance of a commissioning service (and reception) Get the pastor involved, especially to GO on a STM trip

How do you build bridges with the sending church? 1.Communicate (throughout the process) 2.Learn how your church operates 3.Submit to the authority of the leadership 4.Recruit people to pray 5.Involve many people financially 6.Ask the church for commissioning 7.Report back Source: Stepping Out: A Guide to STM

Key Principle The preparation process is a critical time to maximize the impact of STM on the local church.

Sending church pre-field responsibilities Mutual (with host receivers) design of visit—taking ownership Assist in building support and fundraising Assist in recruiting, screening, and selection process of those who will go Prayer support—missions committee, education classes, Sunday prayers, etc.

Guidelines for Prayer Supporters Filling and empowerment by the Holy Spirit so that each STM member can be an effective witness for Christ For those who go—logistics, health, support, other concerns For the on-field facilitators and the target group of outreach For effective training, on-field debriefing, post- field follow through Each person who goes should have a prayer partner

Engaging the Receivers

Host Receiver Pre-Field On-Field Post-Field Long-Term Impacts Critical Role of Host Receiver

Why host receivers should be interested in STM Develops relationships with sending churches Can be a source of encouragement Can be a conduit for increased financial support Opportunity to share their vision in equipping others for ministry Opportunity to develop lasting friendships and partnerships Accomplish projects perhaps not otherwise feasible

Host receivers pre-field responsibilities Mutual design of visit with the sending entity—Do what? When? Where? –Focus is on the intended recipients of the team’s ministry Logistical support for those who come— lodging, transportation, finances Sharing of information—managing risks

Vision for Partnerships Sending Church Host Receiver Mission Local People STM

Forming a STM Team Session VI

Overall Process 1.Prayer for God to guide 2.Assemble a core team 3.Team formation 4.Team building 5.Team preparation

Key Principle Do not underestimate the importance of PRAYER throughout the STM process

Assembling a Core Group The base on which to build an effective team People with STM experience People with certain skills Highly respected individuals People who are “in the know” Strategic people for future trips

Forming a Team Core group enters into dialogue with others directly and indirectly Invite expressions of interest only, not commitments Need application process Obtain concurrence from pastor or other church leader

Who is qualified to go? Only believers? Only those deemed to be spiritually mature? Only with a pastor’s recommendation? Only those who exceed a minimum age? Outsiders? People with special skills or gifts? Only healthy individuals? Do you screen for physical conditions? Note: Can make a special effort to include foreign nationals

Key Principle In general, there is something that virtually anyone can do on most STM trips.

Ideal Team Member Qualities Believer in Christ Teachable spirit Servant heart Team player Flexible Good health Note: seek to include individuals with language proficiency

Being a fool for God Young man met with a church council to talk about missions. Chairman said to a young man: “Young man, sit down! You are an enthusiast. When God pleases to convert the heathen He’ll do it without consulting you are me.” [He was talking to a mere cobbler—William Carey) Carey was a fool for God—God chooses the foolish to accomplish his purposes (1 Cor. 1:27)

Retired People: Valuable Resource Skills Maturity Time Resources

What size team? Depends on: –Purpose of the trip –Possibly number of chaperones –Resources available

Good average sizes for teams Construction10-12 Medical15 Bible School8 Business-as- mission2-3 Drama8 Sports7 Veterinarian7 Prayer/healing5 Teaching3 Street evangelism10 Vision trip3-4

Question & Dialogue Why do people go on STM trips?

What motivates some people to go? In fact, people participate in STM with a wide variety of motivations We don’t always understand our own motivations This is why team building is important—to bring some coherence to the shared motivation for ministry to others

Key Principle Our Motivation for going influences what happens when we get there!

Some Perspectives on STM “Missions should be fun!” Tension: Am I driven by my sense of adventure or desire to follow Christ? What is the difference between mission and vacation-with-a-purpose? Why go? The shopping will be great! What makes a trip a “missions trip?”

Promotional Material for a STM Trip “…We’ll spend the week…in Guadalajara (known as the shopping capital of Mexico)…And this trip isn’t a “rough-roach-in-your-bed” kind of experience either—we’ll be housed in nice clean hotel rooms, eat lots of salsa, and have plenty of time to shop!...If you are remotely interested in this adventure—or if you’re just in the mood for Mexico after all this winter weather—call for more details about this fantastic outreach opportunity.” --Glen Schwartz (2004), Intl. J. of Frontier Missions 20(4)

Reasons for Going Cross cultural adventure “It will change your life” (#1 reason given) “It will change their lives” (most common in raising support)

Key Principle Good intentions are not sufficient

Proverbs 19:2 It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.

Team Formation Team Building

Building a STM Team Session VII

Key Principle Team building takes time

Characteristics of Effective Teams 1.Clear & elevating goal 2.Results-driven structure (roles) 3.Competent team members 4.Unified commitment 5.Collaborative climate (honesty, respect..) 6.Standards of excellence (skills) 7.External support & recognition 8.Principled leadership Source: Study at U. of Denver of 16K groups)

Meeting agenda components Bible study (devotional) and prayer Language practice Logistics planning Budget and funding issues/update Team building activities—including spiritual formation objectives Specific topics—team preparation Dialogue—building relationships; sharing expectations, concerns, etc.

Effective Planning & Preparation Once teams are initially formed, the process of team building begins This is a time to discourage some from participating Develop with the group a schedule of meetings and the responsibilities of each participant Consider a team member covenant at some point to ensure commitment and participation

Core values for teamwork Servant spirit, respect Humility/sacrifice Overcoming selfishness Perseverance together--commitment Commitment to resolution of conflicts, openness Recognition: we are all different!

Biblical Principles for Team Building Romans 15:1-7 Philippians 2:1-4, 5-11 John 17:21-23 Matthew 5:23-24

Shared Goals InterdependenceAccountability Commitment Defining Teams vs Groups

Patchwork teams? Individuals from other churches Outsiders/friends Opportunity for diversity in crossing church boundaries Challenge to leadership & team building Opportunity for ministry

Team Building Leader must be the catalyst Need a shared vision and team covenant for the STM trip Participants need to understand roles and responsibilities & differences Be intentional about team building

Vision & Purpose What is the vision for the STM trip? What are the desired outcomes? How can the team best prepare to achieve desired results? How will the team hope to measure success? What is the motivation for going for each team member?

Personal Reflection A covenant is a tool that can help bring cohesion, shared vision and commitment to an effort. What do you think should be the components of a STM team covenant?

Team covenant To love one another To bless one another To be a blessing to the nationals To be a blessing to the host receivers/missionaries To fulfill God’s purpose for the trip To dedicate the time necessary

Participants and Giftedness Every person is created in the image of God Every person is gifted by God Individual gifts can be expressed in the context of a team to benefit the entire team Need to help participants discover their gifts during the team formation phase Members have different personalities

Possible roles on the team Food and drinks Photographer Media person Translator Luggage Finances Passports Currency Medical issues, medications, etc.

Goers’ responsibilities pre-field Pray, pray, pray Secure sending supporters, especially prayer intercessors Prepare! –Personal preparation –Cross-cultural training/learning –Logistics preparation –Ministry preparation