Here is the real test for youth missions, because many youth programs are all about using mission to primarily disciple students. Understand what is happening when this occurs. Since the mission is first about the goer and their own spiritual growth, the focus is naturally inward. There is no need for any real training about those whom you are serving, because their lives are not your primary concern.

Mission that is focused on the host receiver, however, requires quality training and thorough preparation. Effective and faithful mission will only be possible when participants are spiritually mature, outward-focused, and willing to work in partnership for God’s glory.

I believe that if America’s youth leaders began to see overseas mission as more than a means to disciple their students, we would quickly see a whole new openness to training.

Is the problem critical? Absolutely. When the group responsible for sending out a majority of our short-term missionaries is not seeking training for themselves or their students, we’ve got a crisis.

Is it unsolvable? I do not think so. There are many godly and creative people looking for solutions. If we bring together youth pastors, short-term mission professionals, and the local church, and prayerfully seek God’s will, I believe that anything can happen.

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Short-Term Mission Leader: This specific guide is designed to help you provide orientation and basic training to someone leading a short-term missions team.

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