We all know how important it is to prepare for mission trips. If you’re getting ready for one, you likely already have a logistical to-do list a mile long.
You have transportation to arrange, accommodations to secure, and passports to get. And that’s just the beginning.
But your team can do everything on that list and still be woefully unprepared. Going on a mission trip, whether to a remote jungle or a neighboring state, requires spiritual preparation for your team to be ready for what they’ll face.
Paul reminds us of the importance of spiritual preparation when he tells us, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12, CSB)
How can you help your team prepare for the spiritual battles they’ll face on your trip?
1. Establish a Team Prayer Routine
Prayer is central to your mission team’s spiritual readiness. Too often we treat prayer as an afterthought to the mission trip, but it’s likely the most important thing you’ll do in the weeks (and months) leading up to the trip. When you prioritize prayer — in both words and action — you model what others should do as they prepare.
Consider hosting a regular (weekly or bi-weekly would be ideal) prayer meeting where you can pray for the work the team will do, as well as other prayer needs from the team. Get some input from your partner ministries where you’ll be serving about how you can pray ahead of the trip.
Also, encourage team members to get in the habit of sharing prayer requests among themselves. Start a text or group thread where participants can share their requests.
2. Dive into Bible Study (together!).
The word of God equips us to do what he has called us to do. Paul tells Timothy that God uses scripture to “prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17 NLT). That includes preparing your team for the challenges they’ll face on the mission field.
Devote some time as your team meets to study the Bible together. How you go about it will mostly be determined by your goals and the time you have before the trip.
You can choose to go through a systematic study of the Bible’s view of missions (teaching through Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:1-3, Exodus 19:5-6, Psalm 67:1-2, Isaiah 49:6, Jonah 4:1-11, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, and Revelation 7:9-10). Or you could focus on topics like evangelism, compassion, or courage. The key is to spend time in the Word of God and let the Lord use the scriptures to train your people for what they’ll face. Do your best to relate what you’re studying to the mission field.
3. Foster Personal Spiritual Growth.
While the corporate spiritual growth of your team is important, it’s also critical to give your team opportunities to grow in their own relationships with Jesus as they get ready for the trip.
Look for some ways to equip your mission team members as they prepare. For example, provide journals with guided questions to help them process what God is doing in their lives through this process.
Give them specific scriptures to reflect upon in their journals. Provide opportunities to share about what they’re learning and what they’re writing down during your team meetings.
Encourage each person to identify a specific way they want to grow before the trip (prayer, evangelism, Bible reading regularity, joyfulness, patience, courage, etc.). Have them set clear goals for that growth, and write in their journals about their progress.
4. Cultivate a Spirit of Humility and Cultural Sensitivity.
The Bible has a lot to say about how we should approach others as we share the love of God with them. Bringing a servant mindset into a mission trip isn’t just important tactically; it’s a critical step toward Christlikeness.
Paul’s admonition in Philippians 2:3-4 is an important reminder for mission team members as they illustrate Jesus to a watching world. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3–4, CSB)
Humility and cultural sensitivity in missions comes down to a heart issue. It’s about what drives the mission. Spend some time helping your team understand how Jesus saw his mission. Encourage them to reflect on Philippians 2:3-4 and Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, CSB)
5. Organize a Team Spiritual Retreat.
Inviting people to attend a spiritual growth retreat before embarking on an extended mission trip is a big ask. Taking a week off work for the trip alone is a significant time commitment, and requesting an additional week can feel daunting at best.
But it’s worth it! Getting your team away from their normal day-to-day activities, even if it’s just overnight, can help them prepare for the spiritual challenges that will come their way.
An ideal timeline would be Friday night to Saturday night (so everyone can be back at church on Sunday). Try to set aside time for reflection, group prayer, and discussions. Also, include a few fun team-building activities (cooking a meal from the location where you’re going is one fun idea).
Get Ready to Be Ready
Spending the time to prepare spiritually leads to deeper impact and lasting unity. Sure, God will work in the community you’re serving, but also wants to work in the lives of your team members.
The five ideas above will help you prepare your team for what God wants to do in and through your team.
By the way, once your team returns from the mission field, your opportunity for growth hasn’t ended. Our FREE guide, Mission Trip Follow-Up: Keeping the Momentum Going After the Trip, offers seven key steps to ensure your mission trip makes maximum impact for a long time. Get your copy today!
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