Short-term mission has had a bad reputation – and for good reason.

Historically, a lack of cultural understanding has led to insensitivity and offence. Imbalance of resources has led to unhelpful power dynamics and paternalism. In a tragic twist of irony, local communities have been ‘helped’ and subsequently suffered a loss of dignity, ownership and autonomy.

All of these are real and present risks, and we are seeking to grow our awareness of pitfalls and mitigate these risks – because despite its reputation, we believe short-term mission has great potential.

Left: Sarah served with several different mission partners in Thailand, teaching English and running clubs for vulnerable children. Right: Harry served as a church intern at ISA Church alongside project partner Cristóbal Cerón in downtown Santiago, Chile.

And the first step to undertaking short-term mission with thoughtfulness and responsibility is always to serve in partnership with long-term mission partners and local leaders. This ensures that any ministry is done with humility and caution, rather than pride and presumption that ‘I know best what these people need’. It also ensures that one’s desire is to glorify God, rather than myself, by genuinely and appropriately serving his people.

When done in this way, short-term mission can be hugely beneficial to the local church, to the long-term mission partners on the ground, to the volunteers serving and to the send partner churches.

Left: gap year team served as church interns at Hope Church Auckland Park (with James and Lucy Buchanan) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Right: Leah Moore (also below) served at El Señor de la Viña Church (with Andrew and Bethanie Walker) in Mendoza, Argentina, and got involved in the women’s Bible study.

For the long-term mission partners and the local church, it can be a breath of fresh air to have visits from teams and individuals from their partner churches. Servant-hearted volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm, fresh eyes and listening ears, and encouragement to local ministers, rather than high expectations of the best ‘experience’. Their visits can also strengthen partnerships with sending and supporter churches. Stories and greetings carried across oceans in person can have long lasting effects that strengthen ties and inspire more specific and passionate prayer and financial gifts.

But short-term mission can also be incredibly formative for the volunteer, whatever their age and stage. I don’t think we need to be embarrassed by that, or pretend it isn’t the case! It is possible for the short-term mission visit to be mutually encouraging and beneficial. Perhaps a young Christian sees God’s power expand from their local area and networks to the other side of the world and realise he really is the Lord of all. Perhaps a mature minister receives respite and offers encouragement that lifts their eyes to trust Jesus more. Perhaps a full-time professional uses a few weeks of limited annual leave to practice following Jesus’ footsteps and serve instead of being served.

Left: Spanish-speaker Katie served for three months of her gap year in Valencia, Spain, alongside Julian and Nicky Milson, and Chris and Rosy Redfearn.

But perhaps the most important opportunity that short-term mission offers is to test a calling for long-term mission. Many mission partners cite short-term trips as the time when they first considered serving cross-culturally and testify to God’s faithful leading on that path from small beginnings.

So, short-term mission – yes, a bad reputation but also, yes, great potential for a new one! How wonderful would it be to see long-term mission partners encouraged, partnerships strengthened, and the next generation of mission partners raised up for the glory of God and the good of our world?

Find out more about short-term mission opportunities.

Anastasia Gibbs, Short-term Mission and Projects Coordinator