What's So Good About Short-Term Missions?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about "short-term mission" (STM) trips.  I've read numerous critiques, most of which warn against STMs as potentially wasteful and possibly harmful to both hosts and guests.  And I've participated and led quite a decent number over the years.  I'm no expert, but I certainly have an opinion.

While it's certainly true that STMs can have negative consequences -- what doesn't, after all? -- they clearly can be a source of great blessing in individual lives and to God's Kingdom.  Here's my short list of benefits that STMs can provide:

1. Short-term participation leads to long-term involvement.  Recently, a missionary colleague passionately defended STMs by stating that he owes his present ministry to them.  If he hadn't gone to Honduras on a mission trip years ago, he wouldn't be serving as a missionary today.  Added to this testimony are the many examples of local church "missions advocates," who -- because of their own participation on STMs -- raise awareness and support for missions on an ongoing basis.  Recent generations expect and even require face-to-face involvement before they will support a given ministry.  There's a lot of competition for charitable giving and attention, so it behooves mission agencies to provide eye-witness opportunities.

2. Short-term trips can revitalize local church missions programs.  This isn't a guarantee, of course, but a mission team can motivate local church support in ways that sermon series can't.  Churches tend to rally around their own members, and a mission trip -- especially by youth -- can provide a sense of ownership for the task at hand.  This in turn can bring long-term benefits as relationships with missionaries and nationals are established, and as mission trip participants become more active in local church ministries. 

3. Short-term trips can result in personal transformation.  Many STM participants are humbled -- even convicted -- about their materialism as a result of witnessing Majority-World poverty.  God can use their experience to change the way they use money and resources to a Kingdom-oriented perspective, rather than a selfish one.

Yes, there are potential problems.  STM participants can be a burden to their hosts.  They can even offend national Christians.  And of course, for some the trip is little more than a vacation that others pay for.  But these negatives don't have to happen!  Some can be avoided with better screening of participants, preparation, and intentional follow-up.  If leaders are careful to provide quality leadership, STMs will be a blessing for everyone involved, and not a drain on Kingdom resources.

I'll keep this in mind as I get on the plane for Kenya next week!