1. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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

14. World Mission Initiative
616 N. Highland Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
x2149