What are the pros and cons of short-term missions?

Answer

Although short-term missions have drawbacks, they can be overcome with divine wisdom, training, and dedication.

The Benefits:

1. Short-term missionaries gain a deeper understanding of the ministry and purpose of missions.

Individuals who have not participated in cross-cultural missions may hold misconceptions about it. They might perceive missions as a glamorous endeavor where grateful locals convert to Christianity daily. By engaging in a short-term missions trip, they develop a greater appreciation for the objectives and commitment of missions.

2. Short-term missionaries evolve into more sacrificial supporters of long-term missionaries.

Participating in a short-term mission trip frequently sparks a person’s interest in and backing of missions. God might use a short-term mission trip to prompt someone to pursue long-term missions. Apart from committing long-term, numerous opportunities exist to support missions.

The short-term mission trip itself bolsters missionaries. The visiting church group brings fresh manpower, enthusiasm for the ministry, and Christian companionship for encouragement. They can assist with tasks that long-term missionaries lack the time or manpower to accomplish: relief projects, distributing tracts, organizing children’s clubs, and more.

Upon returning home, the short-term missionary does not easily forget the needs they encountered. They frequently become lifelong supporters of missionaries through prayer, financial contributions, and correspondence. Their zeal for missions spreads to others in their community.

3. Short-term missions foster a zeal for deepening one’s relationship with Christ and sharing His message.

A short-term mission trip teaches individuals to rely on God. They encounter unfamiliar customs, must navigate an unknown language, and face culture shock. As they seek God’s guidance, short-term missionaries experience the impact of prayer. Witnessing God’s work in and through lives, they cultivate a love for Christ and the Gospel. This fervor should not diminish after the mission trip concludes but should continue to grow.

Revitalize the short-term missionary back home. Through God’s grace, personal evangelism flourishes. Prayer and Bible study become a joy, not an obligation or chore.

The Cons:

1. Short-term missions can be costly.

If expenses were the sole consideration, short-term missions might not seem worthwhile. Some individuals argue that the funds spent on flying 30 teenagers to Peru could be sent to support the long-term missionaries already there. Indeed, the youth group could engage in missions locally: distributing pamphlets at a park, running a children’s Bible club, or assisting at a soup kitchen in the urban area.

2. Short-term missions may not entail “counting the cost.”

Certain participants in short-term mission trips may not fully grasp the sacrifices involved in missions. They have not endured the demanding process of learning the language; they have not had to part from family and friends for extended periods; they have not encountered the years of service without immediate results. Furthermore, short-term missionaries sometimes inadvertently increase the workload of long-term missionaries.

3. Short-term missions may lack enduring impact.

Some short-term missionaries arrive with the arrogant belief that they can single-handedly transform a nation during the brief period they serve. Disregarding the presence of long-term missionaries, local church leaders, or even the guidance of the Lord, they distribute a few pamphlets, stage a puppet show, or repair a roof at an orphanage. Their influence on the community diminishes as soon as they depart on the flight back home. Even with the right mindset and objectives, short-term missionaries face more constraints compared to long-term missionaries. Short-term missions may not allow for the necessary time to learn the language and culture, establish connections, and nurture disciples.

Conclusion: Are short-term missions beneficial?

God employs both short- and long-term missionaries to disciple all nations (e.g. the apostle Paul vs. Timothy). The calling and dedication of both types of missionaries are paramount. While long-term missionaries carry out theBulk of missions work, short-term missions can lighten the load. Short-term missions are usually most effective under the direction of long-term missionaries and the national church. Although short-term missions have drawbacks, they can be overcome with godly wisdom, training, and heart.

Possible Short-Term Missions Opportunities:

http://www.shorttermmissions.com/

http://www.missionfinder.org/summerbW.htm

http://www.wycliffe.org/Go/ShortTerm.aspx

http://www.ntm.org/missiontrips/index.php?page=mission%20trips

Short Term Missions Trip Search

http://www.missions-trip.com

http://experiencemission.org

https://www.prayingpelicanmissions.org