mission trips without religion

Non-Religious Mission Trips Abroad

Join United Planet, a mission-focused non-profit, for an authentic and immersive Mission Trip Abroad experience to do your part to create a global community.

We believe that human beings can create a more United Planet, one relationship at a time. We help make that happen for people who are committed to a vision of the world that emphasizes community over conflict … collaboration and cooperation over disagreement and strife … the unity of humankind.

When you choose to volunteer abroad with United Planet, you become part of a movement to build a better world.

Why plan a mission trip abroad with United Planet?

United Planet Quests are designed to be immersive, authentic, comprehensive and provide you everything you’ll need to succeed. The program elements allow you to engage fully with a new culture, forge strong relationships, and challenge yourself. Most importantly, we partner with the community to ensure your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

• We are a mission-focused, non-profit organization We are all about service, making a difference, building a global community.
• Our programs emphasize authenticity Get outside your bubble, jump into a real experience, become a global citizen.
• We provide everything you need to succeed Classes, in-country travel, home stays, meals, work –we are your cultural bridge.
• Your safety is our most important concern From one-on-one assistance before you travel to experienced staff in country, everything is done to ensure your safety and wellbeing.
• (your journey here) Your Quest is personalized to provide the opportunity for genuine, meaningful personal growth.
• What we do is meaningful Your experience will be important, relevant and helpful to the community you serve.

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United Planet is an international non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. We connect people who want to make a difference in communities across the world through overseas volunteer travel programs, global virtual internships & volunteering, and project-based virtual exchange programs. With opportunities in more than 40 countries, you will learn, teach, work, engage and immerse yourself in a culture outside your comfort zone. For many, volunteering abroad is the most fulfilling experience of their lives !

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GoEco > Non-Religious Mission Trips for Adults

Non-Religious Mission Trips for Adults

Danielle L.

The act and meanings behind “volunteering abroad” have changed significantly over the years of its existence. For many years people thought of this as a trip with a mission group with a local church or religious group, but as times change so do the actions behind these words. Now with various tourism and volunteer companies, people can volunteer for a wide variety of programs in many countries. These programs range from helping children in impoverished areas learn English to working on a wildlife refuge to conserve local endangered species. Not only are these trips now secular, but volunteers now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of their project destination. Some volunteers even choose to partake and learn about aspects of the local religion of their program location.

The options seem almost limitless compared to their narrow focus on religion in the past. Volunteers have the opportunity to explore their interests and pick a program that suits their physical and mental capabilities. They can even choose their own desired duration and stay for as short or as long of a time they please. These unique programs allow people with minimal background experience in many of these fields the opportunity to experience the work-life or day to day tasks of the people working in these areas. Through our diversified list of programs, they are able to get a taste of what it would be like to be a teacher, a veterinarian, or a farmer. That is just a shortlist of a few of the roles the volunteers will be able to fulfill on their next adventure.

Many young adults and students wish to gain international experience and volunteer abroad but are limited in their options as most people their age find trips with their local churches, temples, or religious groups. The problem is this only serves a small group of the general population and others who are not a part of these groups are sometimes not aware of non-religious mission group trips. Mission trips are a source of benefit for both the local community receiving the help and the person providing the assistance. The community in need of help is able to interact with people from new and diverse cultures and learn from them, while the people providing the help may also take away new insights from the culture in need.

These non-religious trips are different from those involved with religion as people have more freedom on where they choose to volunteer and the type of work they are doing. Now there is the opportunity for volunteers to gain all of the spiritual benefits of completing this volunteer work in a more secular way, without focusing on one religion in particular.

GoEco has 10 top-rated non religious trips abroad for adults chosen based on volunteer feedback each year. Five of these are listed below with information on each of their locations, goals, and volunteer tasks.

 1. Cape Verde- English Teaching.

2. Japan – Wildlife Conservation and Cultural Immersion

3. Zimbabwe- African Wildlife Orphanage.

Join the highest-ranking volunteer project based on volunteer feedback. This project has been ranked number one for two years in a row! Volunteers have the opportunity to work with one of the largest and most successful rehabilitation and release center in Africa. For example, in recent months, this center took in abandoned vervet monkeys, 11 herons whose homes were destroyed by desforestation, an injured young kudu antelope, and three crocodiles which were rescued from a nearby illegal tourist attraction. Here volunteers can learn how to ethically handle various wildlife species and contribute to rehabilitation and conservation efforts. Give back to the local community by protecting their wildlife and the general ecosystem. Help educate the public on their environmental surroundings and the various animals that inhabit the local area. Ensure that young and old generations understand how their own actions can affect the environment and wildlife around them.

4. Nepal – Teaching in Buddhist Monasteries.

Volunteers looking to work with children in a teaching atmosphere should look no further. This program combines a culturally immersive experience with teaching in a unique country. Interact and engage with Buddhist monk students and help them practice their English speaking skills while actually living in a Buddhist monastery! Take your cultural experience to the next level on this program and learn about another culture through the youth who practice it devoutly.

5. Peru- Cuzco Health and Medical Care.

Help contribute to the health care system in the popular Cuzco area of Peru . Improve the health and medical care system of the community. This program allows volunteers to give hands-on assistance to those in need within the local area. There are various placements that volunteers can choose from including local hospitals, clinics, elderly homes, or related institutions. This program allows volunteers to experience work in the medical field and assist doctors and nurses in important health tasks. Volunteers of all backgrounds have had only good things to say about their time and rewarding work in Cuzco.

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The Best Mission Trips

By Nick Callos

What exactly are mission trips? 

Mission trips aim to uplift people in need around the world by addressing key problems, much like volunteer abroad programs do. With your mission trip group, you’ll build houses , teach English , work at daycares , and do other tasks that help local communities. 

If you’ve been thinking about a short- or long-term mission trip, do your research first. By choosing the best mission trip organization and project, you can have an amazing experience and enact positive change. 

In this guide, we’ll cover both religious and non-religious mission trips, giving you all the vital details. We’ll also go over how to choose a program, what to expect, and how to prepare for a mission trip. 

Let’s continue!

What do you do on a mission trip? 

In general, you’ll enhance the quality of life in marginalized communities through improvements in education, healthcare , infrastructure, community governance, environmental sustainability, and other key areas. Expect to engage in tasks like building medical clinics, teaching English, cleaning up litter , and more. Be ready to work hard as a mission trip volunteer!  

What you do exactly depends on the type of mission trip you’ll join. In a broad sense, mission trips fit into one of two categories:

• Religious mission trips
• Non-religious mission trips

For both religious and non-religious mission trips, you’ll have the opportunity for self-exploration and the ability to create positive change within a disadvantaged community. And you can make lasting connections with local people and other mission workers or volunteers. 

Before you search for programs, understand the difference between religious mission trips and non-religious mission trips. This will ensure you join a project that aligns with your values, goals, and interests.

How do religious mission trips differ from non-religious mission trips?

To gain a better understanding, let’s define religious mission trips and non-religious mission trips. 

What is a religious mission trip?

Religious mission trips refer to a religious volunteer experience in an underserved community. Mission trips like these are generally taken on behalf of a church group or religious group, and include things like group prayer with the community they’re serving (which distinguishes them from other forms of volunteer travel ).

In most cases, people in the host area don’t widely practice the faith of the mission trip volunteers. Service workers strive to lead locals toward God and their religion, on top of serving the community through various tasks. Through preaching, discussion, and sharing of values, missionaries aim to convert local people to their religion. 

Note: You may get the chance to preach to community members with the hopes of religious conversion. But some programs may require that you be a long-term missionary to have the authority to preach and convert locals to your religion. Ask about that beforehand. 

Religious mission trips do go beyond sharing beliefs and inviting others to join your faith. As the name suggests, mission trips have a specific mission. Usually, that mission combines spreading the religion with a tangible project, like building a house for a poor community, caring for children at an orphanage, or improving access to education .  

In this sense, religious and non-religious mission trips do have lots of similarities. Both types of trips focus on helping and empowering local communities in need. 

However, the overarching force that drives these projects is faith. That’s why, on a religious mission trip, you’ll partake in numerous faith-based activities that you don’t on mission trips for non-religious groups. Such activities include: 

• Church service
• Community prayer
• Religious discussions
• Talking about your religion with locals

What is a non-religious mission trip?

A mission trip for non-religious volunteers mainly focuses on uplifting disadvantaged people and communities abroad. Volunteers provide their expertise, time, energy, and passion to make a tangible impact. 

Through a non-religious mission trip, you can make a difference in a large variety of ways. You can choose among lots of non-religious mission trip organizations too.

For example, GoEco , a volunteer abroad organization with more than 150 service initiatives, operates non-religious mission trips across the world, from teaching children in Fiji to community outreach in Zambia . 

Volunteering Solutions (VolSol) , a volunteer abroad organization that’s been around since 2006, offers non-secular service opportunities worldwide in areas like women’s empowerment, community development, and childcare. 

As you can see, there are opportunities for both skilled and unskilled volunteers. More project examples include: 

• Offering medical services in areas without adequate healthcare access (medical mission trips are among the most popular non-religious programs)
• Building houses and schools in rural villages
• Caring for children at a daycare center
• Taking care of the elderly in need

In addition, non-religious mission trips include other types of projects you won’t commonly find with religious mission trips. Initiatives may center around wildlife conservation, marine conservation , farming, sports coaching , business development, and other types of service work. 

Beyond helping the local community, non-religious mission trips aspire to provide volunteers with meaningful experiences. These mission trip organizations want to empower you to travel with a purpose. When you join such a project, having fun, gaining new cultural perspectives, and growing as a person should be goals you have. 

Now that you know about the types of mission trips, let’s discuss going on one.

Why go on a mission trip?

A mission trip can be a powerful, life-changing experience that broadens your perspective, gives you better direction, teaches you new skills, and rejuvenates your body and mind . You can also learn about a foreign culture and meet like-minded people from around the world. And the experience could even inspire you to a life of service and volunteerism.

What’s also great is that anyone can join. Religious and non-religious mission trips suit all sorts of people, including high school students , college students, young adults, mid-career professionals, and seniors and retirees . 

Note: Certain mission trips may be designed for specific age groups and have set lengths of stay. Keep that in mind when searching for a program. If you’re looking for the best mission trips for college students or the best mission trips for adults, inquire with your church or mission trip organization. They’ll help you register for the most suitable program. 

To summarize, mission trips can transform you for the better. Go with an open heart and open mind, and you’ll see, do, and experience wonderful things. 

What are the best non-religious mission trips?

As mentioned earlier, mission trips for non-religious groups could involve any number of aid projects in areas like construction, healthcare, education, and childcare . Common duties include:

• building and repairing houses, schools, and churches
• providing basic medical treatment
• teaching English and other subjects
• caring for orphans and disadvantaged children
• implementing environmental conservation programs

If you’d like more options and/or simply wish to join a secular volunteer project, know you can choose among a plethora of opportunities. Through non-religious mission trip organizations, you can volunteer abroad and teach abroad around the world, and improve the future prospects of marginalized communities.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best non-religious mission trip organizations.

Founded in 2006 by experienced volunteers, GoEco was recognized as the Top Volunteer Abroad Organization in 2018 by GoAbroad. They carefully vet each mission trip to ensure high standards for quality and safety. 

Through GoEco, you can do good around the world, from North America to the Middle East to Australasia. GoEco’s wildlife conservation programs, like their desert wildlife initiative in Israel and orangutan rescue program in Indonesia , are particularly great. They also have high-quality medical mission trips, like their healthcare support project in Malawi.  

Read about some of the most popular non-religious mission trips with GoEco below: 

Rural Healthcare and HIV/AIDS Awareness in South Africa

Interested in a medical mission trip? Help curb the HIV/AIDS crisis as you work in rural clinics in Saint Lucia, South Africa. Your tasks include assistance with home-based care, helping families get proper support, and holding awareness workshops to educate and alleviate the stigma of HIV/AIDS. As you volunteer, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Zulu culture and learn about traditional customs. 

This is an amazing medical mission trip where you’ll see the impact of your work immediately. Click here to learn more and register !

For a full list of GoEco’s top medical mission trips, visit this webpage . 

Teach in Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal

Engage in positive cultural exchange with local monks at a monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. As a service worker, you’ll teach English to young monks, enabling them to improve their language skills. You’ll also get involved in other tasks around the monastery, such as gardening, library work, and cooking. 

Former missionary workers have made amazing memories here, like Melanie: 

“In addition to teaching monks, I got to work at an orphanage in Kathmandu. It was an amazing month that I will endlessly cherish and continue to learn from.”

Ready to experience life on top of the world —literally? Find out all the details here .

For a full list of GoEco’s non-religious mission trips, visit this webpage .

Volunteering Solutions

About the Program:  Volunteering Solutions , or VolSol, as it has been nicknamed by its 17,000 volunteers and volunteer alums, has been connecting passionate volunteers with great international projects since 2006. VolSol was founded by volunteers who wanted to help international volunteers connect to highly specialized, community-based local projects.

VolSol has a full staff of experienced coordinators who assist volunteers before, during, and after placement, providing resources such as international insurance, a connection to a network of passionate global citizens over 17,000 strong and resources on how to volunteer ethically and mindfully. VolSol is one of the most affordable programs in the world with one week projects starting at just $200 USD .

Where to Go:  Volunteering Solutions has  programs all over the world  on six continents. Volunteers can’t go wrong with projects like  Volunteering for Child Care in Cusco, Perú , where volunteers have the opportunity to work with local at-risk children to teach them to become global citizens or  Volunteering in Koh Samui, Thailand  where volunteers are lucky enough to work in local schools in one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand– and that’s saying something! Volunteers can search through programs by visiting VolSol’s project page on Volunteering Forever, where all projects are described and rated by volunteers like you.

Short-Term Volunteering in Peru

Another adventurous, two-week volunteer opportunity you can sign up for right now through Volunteering Solutions invites you to Peru to  volunteer and travel to some of South America’s most spectacular sites . You’ll start with an orientation and intercultural project for your first week in Cusco, where you’ll volunteer in a rural nursery school to provide love, care, and attention to children from impoverished families.

After that, you’ll have some time to explore Cusco by yourself before embarking on a guided Sacred Valley tour, and then an amazing tour of Machu Picchu. This is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture while exploring the Inca Trail and bringing a smile to the face of some of the country’s neediest children.

Sports Coaching in South Africa

If you’ve always wanted to visit Africa, Volunteering Solutions is offering a chance for you to  coach sports at a local primary school in Cape Town . Physical education has only recently been introduced into the school curriculum in Cape Town, so many schools are still building up their resources to accommodate these programs. As a volunteer, you’ll be a mentor to these children, assist teachers with lessons when you’re not coaching, and you’ll teach children how to stay physically fit and motivated to keep a healthy lifestyle. In addition to your volunteer work, you’ll be able to travel throughout Cape Town and visit areas such as Table Mountain, Robben Island, Lion’s Head, and more to gain the most from your adventure in South Africa.

A Broader View (ABV)

Specializing in volunteer programs and mission trips abroad, A Broader View calls people from all walks of life to do something meaningful and good. ABV gets excellent reviews from past missionary workers, with a rating of 4.99 out of 5 across 263 reviews on Volunteer Forever. That’s a testament to the quality of their missionary work overseas.

Specifically, ABV’s medical mission trips earn lots of praise. Look over two initiatives below!

Medical Mission Trip to Honduras

Travel to La Ceiba, Honduras! There, you’ll provide crucial support to understaffed and ill-equipped hospitals and clinics. A lot of the local community lives in poverty and lacks access to healthcare, so your help as a missionary goes a long way in getting people necessary services. Duties include assisting in the emergency room, observing minor surgeries, running errands for medical staff, and doing community outreach. How hands-on your role is depends on your experience. 

Many former participants have had great experiences, such as Allison: 

“Volunteering in the hospitals and walking through the neighborhoods vaccinating the community was one of the most unique and life-changing experiences I’ve had. Our ABV coordinator in Honduras helped us with everything we needed during the trip.”

Interested in a mission trip to Honduras? Get all the details and sign up here !

Medical Mission Trip to Ghana

Make your way to the town of Kasoa, where you’ll work at an understaffed health center. As a missionary worker, you’ll assist staff and host community education workshops to inform locals about the symptoms and treatment of malaria, hypertension, HIV/AIDS, and other health issues. Your efforts will boost the overall health of the community! 

This mission trip in Ghana is available for healthcare professionals or anyone enrolled in a medical program at school. For more details, visit ABV’s site . 

For a full list of ABV’s mission trips abroad, click here . 

Established in 1989, Frontier has placed more than 103,000 volunteers in projects overseas. They’re known for their incredible amount of projects, from childcare to conservation to human rights initiatives. Through their non-religious mission trips, Frontier offers services workers a way to contribute to deserving communities , learn about another culture, and explore their own beliefs and faith.

If you’re looking for missionary work overseas, definitely consider Frontier’s two programs (details below!). 

Uganda Missionary Work

With dramatic landscapes and welcoming people, Uganda provides a unique experience for missionaries. Dive into life in the local community as you do healthcare outreach work, build community infrastructure, help with childcare, and host environmental awareness workshops. 

Missionary workers who’ve joined this program have great things to say, like James: 

“It was an adventure of a lifetime. I was made to feel welcome by everybody in Uganda. The work was great — hard and long but loads of fun. The culture is different from ours and it was fascinating to find out how life works for them. I would highly recommend this project.”

For more details on Frontier’s missionary work overseas in Uganda, click here .

Ecuador Missionary Work

Head to the vibrant city of Quito, where you’ll enrich the lives of disabled and underprivileged children at a local school. Duties include organizing recreational activities, running vocational training workshops, helping with medical care, and more. Along the way, you’ll get to learn about the Ecuadorian way of life!

For more details on Frontier’s missionary work overseas in Ecuador, click here . 

What are the best religious mission trips?

First and foremost, your impact as a service worker will be felt and appreciated. 

As the International Mission Board, a Baptist Christian missionary society, notes, mission trips play a vital role in supporting permanent missionaries . Short-term mission workers offer key support to long-term mission strategies. They help fuel spiritual passion in locals and empower them to live a life of religious devotion. 

Your exact role depends on what project you join and what your goals are. That’s why the best service project for you may not be the best one for someone else. 

As you learn about the best mission trip organizations, look for those that put the needs of the local community above all else. You have plenty of great choices, so do your research. You may even find the best mission trip organization for what you want to do right in your hometown! 

When searching for the best mission trips, it’s vital that you first understand your options. Generally speaking, you’ll go on a religious mission trip through your church and with other members of your congregation. Church organizers put the trips together and the adventures serve as a way to more deeply integrate members into the faith, especially the youth.

If you can’t go with your local church, or would like more choices, you can join a religious mission trip through another church in your area. Ask around and make calls to see what trips are happening. You can also search for opportunities through a non-profit regional or national mission trip organization.

For instance, Maryknoll Mission Trips offers lay Catholics around the world the chance to serve as an ambassador for the Catholic faith while engaging in service work. Through their volunteer mission trips, you can serve throughout Latin America, Africa, and Asia . 

Additionally, know the mission. This way, you can understand if the trip will be fulfilling for you personally and spiritually. Religious mission trips very often focus on construction, teaching , childcare, and healthcare . 

Some of the best mission trips include:

• Bringing clean water to Haiti with Healing Haiti , a Christian mission organization
• Teaching in the Philippines with OMF International , an interdenominational and international Protestant Christian missionary society
• Building houses in India with the Fuller Center for Housing , an ecumenical Christian housing ministry
• Working at an HIV/AIDS clinic in central Nigeria with Mission Africa , an interdenominational, evangelical Christian missionary society. 

You should also know that you can participate in initiatives specific to a religious sect or join an interdenominational faith mission. The broader, interdenominational mission societies still commit themselves to bringing the news of God to locals. You’ll join in prayer, discuss religious beliefs with the community, and live out God’s words. It’s just your work won’t directly tie to your religious denomination, like it would if you volunteered through your church. 

To conclude, consider your beliefs and faith, what you want to do, where you want to go, and what mission trip organization you’d like to join. This will enable you to choose the best mission trip for you and have a truly transformative experience. 

Are there alternatives to mission trips abroad?

Yes! Through volunteer abroad programs, you can participate in community service work that’s similar to mission trips.

Below, we’ve highlighted four great international volunteer organizations that operate service projects overseas.

Plan My Gap Year (PMGY)

With volunteer experiences available in 17 countries across South America, Africa, and Asia, Plan My Gap Year offers volunteer programs in the areas of childcare, medical care, teaching, wildlife preservation, and more. Their programs range in length from one week to 40 weeks or more. Through PMGY , you could: 

• Care for disabled children in Ghana (from $624 for two weeks)
• Teach English in a slum school in India (from $579 for two weeks)
• Rescue wildlife in Bali (from $519 for one week)

To view all of PMGY’s service projects, click here !

Maximo Nivel

If you want to do service work in Latin America, Maximo Nivel has tons of wonderful programs in Costa Rica , Guatemala , and Peru . Do medical volunteering, work with kids, join an eco-agriculture project , protect sea turtles, or get involved with hands-on community development work. Maximo Nivel even has internships in fields like human rights , education, and medicine, giving you the chance to gain practical experience and do good.  

For a full list of Maximo Nivel’s volunteer abroad opportunities, click here !

Love Volunteers

Known for their affordability, transparency, and strong commitment to local communities, Love Volunteers operates in more than 34 countries. From community development work in Bosnia (from just $569 for four weeks) to medical internships in Uganda (from $429 for two weeks), Love Volunteers has a variety of volunteer projects in a variety of locations. They’re highly rated by past volunteers — a testament to their quality of work. 

To check out all of Love Volunteers’ service opportunities, see their site !

Projects Abroad

Established in 1992, Projects Abroad has become a highly trusted name in volunteering abroad. They’ve placed more than 120,000 people in programs, and have been featured by the likes of the BBC and CNN. They have projects across every continent. Through Projects Abroad, you could: 

• Support female entrepreneurs through a micro-finance internship in Tanzania (from $3,660 for four weeks)
• Coach sports in Samoa (from $3,260 for four weeks) 

For a full overview of Projects Abroad’s programs, click here !

Alai International

Alai International aims to empower volunteers to make a positive difference as they roam the globe. With 475+ programs across 41+ locations, from Mongolia to Ethiopia to Colombia , you can certainly find a suitable program, whether that be teaching at a school or environmental conservation . 

Visit Alai International’s site to learn more!

How long are mission trips?

Depending on your needs and aspirations, you could take a short-term, mid-term, or long-term mission trip. You’ll find the most options within the one-week to eight-month range, since longer trips require a greater commitment. Length also varies depending on if you sign up for a religious or non-religious mission trip (see details below).

Length of religious mission trips

Religious mission trips have a specific structure. Often done in a group (not an individual/solo trip ), mission trips maintain a very set daily schedule, with allotted time for work, prayer, preaching, reflection, cultural immersion, and entertainment. 

How long you stay depends on the organization and specific requirements of your religion. Typically, programs don’t last incredibly long (e.g., five days, one week, two weeks, or a month). With some mission trip organizations, you can serve for a few months or more. 

Long-term missions do exist and usually require that you stay at least two years. According to The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) , a global alliance of churches and missionaries, long-term missionaries are “ the backbone of ministries” and are “relentlessly committed” to living out their church’s mission. 

Do note that some denominations, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , have followers that commonly go on longer mission trips. Those in the LDS church serve anywhere from 18 months to three years abroad.

Length of non-religious mission trips

Mission trips for non-religious groups offer you a different selection when it comes to location, activities and tasks, and length of stay. You can come individually or with a group of your friends or family . And you can travel for as short or as long as you’d like. Projects are often flexible with how long you stay. 

For instance, through GoEco , a popular provider of medical mission trips, you can stay for as short as two or for as long as 12 weeks (and sometimes longer). Each mission trip organization differs, so check in advance.  

What should I expect on a mission trip?

As long as you prepare, you’ll have a smooth experience. Ready yourself mentally, spiritually, and physically for: 

• Being outside your comfort zone : Mission trips may take you to off the beaten path destinations . Come with open eyes and an open mind —and welcome new experiences. It will broaden your perspective and even broaden your palate! As the Virginia Theological Seminary states in their blog, “expect to be challenged. Expect to be changed .”
• Staying flexible : This is an adventure! Not everything will go as planned. Come ready to adapt to unexpected circumstances. 
• Acclimating to the host culture : Study the local language , customs, and traditions. Remain humble and ready to learn.
• Time for reflection and sharing : Document your experiences and thoughts. Group reflections and discussions give you the chance to share challenges, observations, experiences, and more. 
• Faith-based activities ( for religious mission trips ): Religious mission trips center on faith, so you’ll attend group discussions, community prayers, and church services (which you won’t with non-religious mission trips). 
• Note: Some religious mission trip programs focus solely on providing aid, and don’t engage in religious conversion activities. 

Again, while you may perform similar activities on religious and non-religious mission trips, especially if you volunteer in childcare , education, or construction , where the two types of mission trips mainly differ is the religious aspect of the work. Religious mission trips call you to not only dive deeper into your faith, but also to carry out your ministry’s mission and invite others to your faith. Secular mission trips don’t have this element. 

Additionally, know most mission trips require that you sign a mission trip covenant (religious) or agreement (non-religious). This sets clear expectations for your behavior, attitude, and responsibilities. The community covenant or agreement is very important, so keep a copy with you after reading and signing it. 

Since every mission trip has different expectations and structures, take the initiative to ask questions before going. This enables you to prepare yourself properly and puts yourself in position to have a successful and life-changing mission trip.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

It depends. 

The total cost of a mission trip is similar to a volunteer abroad trip, which we estimate to range between $980 – $3200+ for an affordable short-term trip . As you can see, prices can vary dramatically. 

When calculating the cost of a mission trip, consider the following:

• Location : Some destinations cost more than others. Proximity also plays a role. If you live in the United States, airfare and accommodations to Central America will cost less than flying to Asia . 
• Length of stay : Accommodation, food, and other essentials add up over time. Many mission trips include meals and lodging with the initial costs, so you won’t have to worry about those expenses once there.  
• Program : Who’s facilitating your mission trip? They may have program fees, but will handle a lot of the details and prep work for you. 
• Financing options : Does the mission society fund part or all of the trip? If so, you may not pay much at all. Are there fundraising activities before going? That could lower your expenses. Many churches and mission societies utilize donations to fund mission trips, so that could make your adventure more affordable. 

Making the most of your mission trip abroad

A mission trip can make a lasting impact on your life and the lives of others. Many mission trips focus on spreading religion, but do go beyond that. Mission trips are also about helping communities that need it most. The core of your mission is to serve fellow human beings and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. 

Remember: The more you give, the more you’ll get . If you give of your time to volunteer, serve others, and make a difference, you’ll feel satisfaction beyond words. So, start exploring and find your perfect mission trip today!

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Nick Callos · Writer

With a BA in English Literature & Writing from Boston College, Nick researches and writes about volunteer, intern, and teach abroad programs worldwide. He has studied abroad and taught English in Chengdu, China, and aims to help fellow travelers make a lasting impact on the communities they visit.

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Home » Non-Religious Mission Trips

Non-Religious Mission Trips

ILI Travel offers non-religious mission trips & religious mission trips. Much of our program is similar for both groups, but religious mission trips involve your group bringing the ties to your faith. For faith-based groups, we seek opportunities to work with schools or organizations that also adhere to the tenets of your faith.

ILI Travel trips are available for those in and near:

• Bucks County, PA
• Burlington County, NJ
• Essex County
• Montgomery County
• Orange County
• Chester County
• Warren County
• Union County
• And much more!

If you are looking to help those overseas, get in touch with us to learn more about the opportunities that are available to you.

Many groups are looking for the service and volunteer goals of a mission trip – but are not looking for a faith-based program. Our service learning programs provide opportunities for non-religious mission trips and can be used with non-religious and interfaith groups alike.

Each day, we will provide meaningful service, and after-dinner reflections will be facilitated by a local field director and, if you choose, your leader can co-facilitate. During these sessions we will work with the group to understand how these issues have a unique impact on the country in which we are providing service.

Religious Mission Trips

These volunteer opportunities will be run much like the non-religious mission trips, but in these cases, we will be looking for your team leader to integrate your religious mission with the overall trip. Your clergy or team leader can co-facilitate reflections. Our Field Director will be an expert in the local culture. Your clergy or team leader will be the expert in the ways in which this ties to your faith-based mission.

A Typical Day for a Non-Religious Mission Trip Includes:

7 a.m. – Breakfast 8 a.m. – Boarding the bus to visit our volunteer site 9 a.m. – Running our service learning program 12:30 p.m. – Break for lunch 1:30 p.m. – Return to service learning program 3:00 p.m. – Leave program for the hotel, supermarket, or beach time 6:00 p.m. – Dinner 7:00 p.m. – Reflections

For a religious mission trip, we can accommodate time for prayer and/or service as desired by your team leader.

We can also schedule a day to take in some of the natural beauty of the country we are visiting. It could include a beach day or another endeavor. If you choose a trip near a beach, we can also visit the beach after the volunteer site shuts down for the day.

Even when having fun, we are constantly working on contributing to the local economy. We will visit the local stores, eat in family-owned restaurants, shop in locally owned stores, and more.

More Than Service

When we serve, we pay careful attention to the footprint we leave behind. We give to the local schools or non-profits with which we work, and we give according to their needs. We stay in a locally-owned hotel and eat in locally-owned restaurants so that the money we spend stays in these communities. We pay fair trade wages to our team in the countries we visit, and we insist that every trip we take helps to create local jobs. We also provide Dominican Republic volunteer opportunities and Haiti volunteer opportunities .

What Does Service Look Like on Your Trip?

Groups tour prisons and meet with nonprofits working with the formerly incarcerated. Non-religious mission trips from meet with groups dealing with sex trafficking. Groups from PA, NJ, and beyond have worked with us on a variety of projects in these countries.

We can partner your group with a non-religious or religious organization. Our work will come from locally-identified needs, and we provide fair trade wages to the individuals with which we work. At the heart of our efforts, we focus on economic, educational, and environmental sustainability.

In the event of an emergency in which a country becomes unsafe for travel, we work diligently to provide a Plan B for your group. One group from Montgomery County was once scheduled for Haiti volunteer opportunities , but when there was unrest in the country, we switched with less than 3 weeks to go to our Dominican Republic volunteer opportunities .

Some groups volunteer at home and abroad. For example, they can volunteer in a US-based soup kitchen and the Dominican Republic, or a PA literacy center and Haiti. ILI Travel is dedicated to supporting our neighbors both at home and abroad.

Reach Out Today!

If you are located in one of the following counties, reach out to learn about our local programs in: Bucks County, PA ; Burlington County, NJ; Chester County, PA; Essex County, NJ; Montgomery County, PA; Union County, NJ; Warren County, NJ; and additional locations.

We are also working with organizations from coast to coast. Contact us to learn more.

Our volunteer abroad programs can bring out the best in those who travel. Many say that their view of the world is never again the same.

We encourage you to look around our website and call us with your questions today!

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Best Destinations 2024

South africa, more countries, asian elephants, north & central america, dominican republic, united states, south america, europe & oceania, western africa, northern africa, eastern africa, middle africa, southern africa, middle east, southern asia, eastern asia, south korea, south east asia, philippines, north america, central america, el salvador, latin america, buenos aires, amazon rainforest, the caribbean, bosnia and herzegovina, russian federation, united kingdom, great barrier reef, french polynesia, new zealand, papua new guinea, trending topics 2024, marine conservation, marine life, teaching english, virtual volunteering, suitable for, high school, over 50s & seniors, mission trips (short-term), low budgets, internships abroad, medical training, veterinary training, biology & environment, business & marketing, environment & conservation, farming & agriculture, round trips & camps, humanitarian aid, childcare & daycare support, medical mission trips, special needs & disabilities, community services, building & construction, community development, culture & arts, human & women's rights, ngo management, wildlife conservation, animal shelter, sloth sanctuary, animal protection, great white sharks, scuba diving, coral reefs, sea turtles, whale sharks, african wildlife, african elephants, mission trips abroad.

Mission trips abroad are the perfect opportunity to join an international and meaningful cause, even if you unfortunately have less time ... read more

Mission trips abroad are the perfect opportunity to join an international and meaningful cause, even if you unfortunately have less time. Mission trip organizations are aware of these time constraints. They have created non religious mission trips where you can make a difference in short term.

College students or medical professionals can even choose a mission trip to Africa , clean up the coral reefs in the Caribbean, support local NGOs in South America or build activity camps for the youth community in Nepal . Short term mission trips is your guarantee for an amazing time abroad!

Animal Wildlife Rescue

Join us in the crucial mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and, whenever possible, releasing injured and displaced wildlife. Your support is vital for our shared goal! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="0" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sea Turtle Conservation Ambassador

Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific Costa Rica! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="1" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Whale Shark Conservation & Diving

Feel the thrill of swimming with a whale shark, the excitement of spearing the invasive lionfish, and the satisfaction in helping protect coral reefs. 🐋 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="2" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Animal Keeper Assistant

Hands on contribution with everyday chores like feeding, cleaning and giving animals any care they need, to help them recover and go back to nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="3" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sloth Monitoring and Turtle Conservation

Join us in Quepos to actively conserve sloths and turtles, monitoring these beautiful creatures. Make a significant impact on wildlife and nature! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="4" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

South Africa Wildlife Reserve Volunteers

Be part of a life-changing experience that allows you to work behind the scenes on a world-class wildlife reserve in South Africa! 🦏 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="5" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Rhino & Elephant Conservation

Volunteer in Africa and help secure the future of the endangered black rhino and elephant. Experience daily life on a 10,000 acre family-run private conservancy. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="6" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Wildlife Rescue & Environmental Volunteers

Help within a number of conservation and rehabilitation efforts whilst participating on the Bali wildlife program in traditional Tabanan. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="7" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation Research Assistant

Protect Madagascar's marine ecosystem with MRCI's Marine Conservation Research program. Dive into meaningful conservation work! 🤿 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="8" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Health and Environment Supporter

Cultivate your skills in our geothermal Greenhouse in southern Iceland. Prepare organic medicines and learn about organic agriculture. 🌱 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="9" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Big 5 Monitoring, Conservation, Sustainable Living

Give your contribution towards wildlife conservation! Learn about animal behaviour, reserve management and anti-poaching while living a lifetime experience! 🇿🇦 landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="10" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Leatherback Turtle Ambassador

Get in direct contact with turtles and help us conserve the biggest turtle in the sea! Here you will have the chance to meet and work with awesome animals! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="11" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Greece Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Protect endangered sea turtles through hands-on fieldwork on the island of Kefalonia. Partake in the ultimate research and conservation project. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="12" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Sri Lanka Turtle Conservation Volunteers

Help protect and rehabilitate at-risk sea turtles whilst also taking part in community development projects. Experience a different side of Sri Lanka. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="13" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Invasive Species Management

Make a difference by removing lionfish, an invasive species decimating reef ecosystems. Learn to dive while culling lionfish. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="14" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Marine Conservation - Research Assistant

Conduct Manta Ray research, Reef Check surveys, and assist with community projects as a Barefoot Conservation Research Assistant! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="15" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Wildlife Sanctuary Supporter

Here you'll direct all of your efforts towards the long term rehabilitation of animals. Experience hands-on volunteering with baboons, small animals and much more! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="16" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Bali Childcare Volunteers

Stay in the rice bowl of Bali in the traditional town of Tabanan and give that most precious commodity of all, your time, to local children eager to learn! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="17" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Eco Nature and Coastal Conservation

Eco Volunteering in Wildlife & Marine Conservation. Uncover the whole big picture of our Eco-System for a better understanding of Nature & learn how to make a difference! landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="18" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Nepal English Teaching to Monks Volunteers

Make an impact during your time in this country. Teaching in a classroom and informal setting as you live with Monks for a truly immersive experience. landing-page#addSelectItemEventToDataLayer" data-landing-page-item-index-param="19" class="text-[#3399CC] ssm:hidden"> Details >

Non Religious Mission Trips

If you’re short on time but keen to volunteer, we have just the thing for you. Many of us dream of making a difference in the world but are simultaneously working on careers or building a family that also require our attention. What if we told you that you can do it all? There’s no need to quit your job or do anything drastic but you can still make a meaningful difference. Identifying the need for projects that are accessible for limited time periods, Volunteer World has identified the need for short-term volunteer projects. Experience all the benefits of volunteering without any of the sacrifices and volunteer for one of the non-religious mission trips on the website.

At Volunteer World, we believe that volunteering should be accessible to everyone. There are countless volunteer organizations out there and they are all in need of enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to lend a hand to their projects. There’s no need to give up everything to be part of something meaningful. Volunteering is now for everyone willing to help out and spare a few days of their time. Continue reading to learn more about non-religious mission trips and how you can help.

🚩 What's the Difference Between Volunteering and Mission Trips?

Volunteering is when someone decides to dedicate time to a project that is focused on improving the circumstances of a community or the environment. Volunteer organizations generally put in a lot of work to train volunteers. This is why some projects require volunteers to stay for at least a few weeks. There’s a shift going on however in the volunteer landscape with projects welcoming volunteers for shorter periods of time. These are also known as non-religious mission trips.

🧐 What is a Mission Trip

Mission trips are short-term volunteers trips that can be done for 1-4 weeks. This gives everyone the opportunity to volunteer and experience the incredible benefits of a volunteer trip. Students, people on a sabbatical or retirees may be able to dedicate themselves to a project for longer periods of time but there’s a large group of the population for who this simply isn’t an option.

👍 Pros and Cons of Mission Trips Abroad

If you’re determined to make a difference during your next holiday, why not integrate a mission trip into your holiday plan? This way, you get the best of both worlds. The freedom to travel while taking the time to do something for the community of your holiday destination. With non-religious mission trips entering the picture, being short on time is no longer an excuse for not volunteering. There are countless projects and programs waiting for your help. Before you plan your first mission trip, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of mission trips.

• The opportunity to volunteer and contribute for a limited period of time.
• This is a great opportunity to try out different volunteer projects and programs abroad.
• You will learn a lot about the region you volunteer in but also about volunteering. It is a great opportunity for cultural interchange.
• The chance to connect with the local community.
• Participants will see a different side of their travel destination.
• Benefiting from the positive aspects of volunteering without sacrificing career or family.
• You will meet other like-minded individuals.
• The time spent on the program is limited which may not allow you to connect as profoundly with your volunteer organization.
• It’s always important to do your due diligence with regards to the organization to know where the funds are invested in. It is always advisable to do some research to make sure the local organization is offering a sustainable service to the community.
• When working with children, it can be hard on them when volunteers come and go. Exposing vulnerable children to volunteers for short periods of time can have a negative impact.

💡 Why should I go on an international Mission Trip?

If you’re eager to volunteer but have a family, a job or other responsibilities that you simply can’t leave behind for long, a mission trip is exactly what you’re looking for. You will gain experience in volunteering, contribute to a meaningful cause and learn a great deal about the challenges others are facing on a daily basis.

Will you be making a difference? It’s fair to say that organizations prefer volunteers to dedicate themselves for longer periods of time. The longer you stay, the more tasks and responsibilities you will have. This doesn’t mean that a shorter stay is meaningless. The most important thing that will happen during a mission trip program is the cultural interchange and social contact between the volunteer and the locals. Gaining awareness about your volunteer destination will undoubtedly change the way you view the world afterward. Small changes do go a long way.

Is volunteering in developing countries condescending? There are claims that if you volunteer overseas that you’re portraying a message that these communities are unable to solve problems on their own. This mainly refers to programs that aren’t addressing the root problem and are exploiting both the community and the volunteers for personal gains. The goal of a mission trip should always be to empower local communities and give them the support they need to build a better future. Reputable organizations understand the needs of the community and are dedicated to helping the community progress.

Although the time of your mission trip may be short, that doesn’t mean your efforts are not of help. You will carry this awareness with you and undoubtedly share it with others after your experiences. All mission trips will have an impact. Whether it is a unique connection you have with one of the locals or a lesson you were able to bring across to children during an English class.

Volunteer trips are an excellent opportunity to find out whether volunteering for longer periods is suitable for you. We’re confident that it will open a whole new world for you.

✈️ What can I do on a Mission Trip?

The point of a mission trip abroad is to gain volunteer experience during a short-term period and contribute to one of the projects. There are so many possibilities available that it will come down to where you want to go and what skills you have to offer. Here are some of the possibilities:

• Teaching children or young adults
• Work at an animal conservation center or sanctuary
• Cultural immersion programs
• Community support
• Youth development
• Environmental conservation

There are countless options. It’s a matter of preference and skills that will determine where you will do your non-religious mission trip.

🤔 How to choose the right Mission Trip?

The most important aspect of choosing a great international mission trip program is that you do enough research on the different volunteer organizations and try to answer the following questions:

• What does the organization stand for?
• What is their objective and how are they trying to achieve it?
• How are the funds they receive spent?
• How do you think you will contribute?
• What will be the effect of your volunteer work?
• What are the best mission trip organizations?

Take into account the possible negative effects. Read up on the organization, read reviews and ask previous volunteers about their past experience with the organization. There are some great agencies and non-profit organizations that are doing very responsible work.

Be careful when you choose to volunteer with children. Do your due diligence prior to signing up. There are organizations however that are doing more harm than good. It’s important to take into account that we have attempted to screen these organizations but you make the final call. Choose wisely and you will be in for an incredible experience while supporting a meaningful cause.

🌍 What Are the Best Places for Mission Trips Abroad?

Embark on a volunteer trip and the world is just a click away. Volunteer organizations are aware of the limited time most people have on their hands and are welcoming short-term volunteers. Take this opportunity to explore the world and give back to less fortunate communities. Whether you’re adventurous and want to feel the rawness of Africa or prefer the laidback lifestyle of Asia, there’s something out there for everyone. Volunteers who are afraid of a culture shock can also apply for opportunities closer to home. Unlimited volunteer opportunities are awaiting your support. Start small, start with a short volunteer trip and see what it brings.

🎁 5 Benefits of joining a Mission Trip

It’s hard to name drawbacks when talking about volunteering abroad. It’s almost always associated with feelings of positivity. Both travel and volunteering allow people to get out of their usual environment and open up to new experiences. Join one of the mission trips and you will help the communities of your travel destination. Let’s take a deeper look at some benefits non-religious mission trips may have in store for you:

Valuable Learning Opportunities

Meet new people, new experiences, health improvements, 🧳 how can i join a mission trip.

You’re ready to do a mission trip but you’re not quite sure where to start? First of all, have a look at the different programs across the globe, and pick a few that have caught your attention.

Once you’ve done that, let’s take a look at the first 3 steps which will send you on your way to do the best mission trips abroad:

• Check whether there’s a match between you and the projects by looking at their requirements.
• Take a look at the location of the project and decide whether it would be excited to go to.
• Get in touch with the organization and see whether your expectations and schedules match up.

Once this is sorted. Let’s take a look at the practical steps:

Insurance (Health & travel)

We recommend getting both health and travel insurance. In fact, this is even a requirement for all volunteer programs abroad. Get in touch with your program contact person to find out if an insurance plan is already in place for volunteers.

Visa, Passport, and Documentation

Once you know your destination, take the following 3 steps before setting off on your life-changing adventure!

• Look into the visa requirements for the country you will volunteer in
• Make sure you have a valid passport considering the requirement of the host country
• Make sure you prepare the correct documents to fulfill the visa application

That’s it! You’re ready for your mission trip abroad! Get ready for a life-changing experience that may be short but will have an incredible impact. The world is waiting for you. Check out the different best international mission trips on our comparison platform!

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Mission Trips

Looking for short-term mission trips with everything organized for you? Every year, International Volunteer HQ supports more than 15,000 people to volunteer abroad on mission trips in 40+ countries around the world. Since 2007, IVHQ has helped more than 136,000 volunteers complete mission trips to Africa , Asia , Europe , South America , Central America , North America , the Caribbean , Middle East , and the Pacific .

IVHQ offers safe, social and fully-supported mission trips for teens , college students , families and individuals at any stage of life, as well as for those seeking summer mission trips and medical mission trips . With long-term and short-term mission trips starting at just $20/day including accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support, IVHQ is the world’s leading mission trip organization.

IVHQ offers both short-term and long-term mission trips with durations ranging from 1 to 24 weeks. Through IVHQ, you can choose from a diverse range of volunteer projects to support, inclduing: childcare volunteering , wildlife conservation , environmental conservation , medical volunteering , teaching abroad , and much more. These international volunteer opportunities enable you to support locally-driven projects that uplift under-resourced communities around the world.

If you’re looking to join a mission trip in 2024 or 2025, we’ve outlined IVHQ’s most popular types of mission trips and all the information you need to know to find your perfect mission.

What is a mission trip?

A mission trip is an international volunteering opportunity centered around collaborative efforts with local communities to provide essential support where it is most needed. These trips can be either religious or non-religious in nature, aiming to uplift individuals, local communities, and natural environments across the globe. IVHQ offers inclusive volunteer abroad programs that welcome participants of all ages and life stages.

Through IVHQ’s diverse range of mission trips , individuals can make a tangible impact while fostering new friendships, discovering diverse cultures, and broadening their horizons—all while contributing to the well-being of those who require assistance the most.

Why do people go on mission trips?

Mission trips are a popular way to combine your desire to travel and see with world with your motivation to give back and make a difference in the world. While some people see mission trips as an opportunity to put their faith into action, others go on mission trips for a variety of non-religious reasons, including:

To make a difference: Many people go on mission trips make a positive impact in the world through providing support to communities in a range of different ways. This could involve volunteering to teach English , building schools or homes , providing medical care , volunteering with animals or supporting environmental conservation .

To gain a new perspective: Traveling to a new country and immersing yourself in a different culture can be a life-changing and transformative experience. Mission trips allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a better understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

To meet new people: Mission trips offer an opportunity to connect with people from all around the world. International volunteers work together towards a common goal, often forming life-long friendships and connections along the way.

To get out of your comfort zone : Mission trips are an opportunity to discover a new sense of purpose by stepping out of your comfort zone, discovering new countries and cultures, and living like the locals. This can be equally challenging and rewarding! Taking a mission trip is an opportunity to growth as person, discover your strengths and weaknesses and redefine your purpose in life.

While people go on mission trips for a variety of reasons, at the heart of it is a desire to make a positive impact on the world, connect with others and build a better future together.

I recently returned from a mission trip to Sri Lanka and it was everything I dreamt it would be. I lived with a family in the jungle next to the longest river in the country, volunteering in a disabled childcare center. I was so happy with the project and had a wonderful - and sometimes challenging - experience. I would recommend this mission trip to anyone who wants to travel alone.

How much does it cost to go on a mission trip?

The cost of going on a mission trip varies depending on the destination and duration of the trip. IVHQ makes mission trips accessible to volunteers worldwide through affordable volunteer program fees and flexible durations.

For example, the cost of a 2-week mission trip with IVHQ to Tanzania is US$415, while a 4-week trip to India is US$585. These costs cover accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, and in-country support from IVHQ’s local team.

Additional costs that volunteers need to consider include the IVHQ registration fee , airfares, travel insurance, and any necessary visas or vaccinations. However, IVHQ provides detailed information and support to help volunteers prepare for their mission trip and manage these additional costs.

It’s worth noting that IVHQ also offers a range of fundraising ideas and resources to help volunteers cover the costs of their trip. For example, volunteers can create a fundraising page via IVHQ’s fundraising partner and share it with friends and family to collect donations.

IVHQ’s fees are transparent and inclusive, making it easy for volunteers to plan and budget for their trip without breaking the bank.

Why do a mission trip with IVHQ?

If you’re looking to join a mission trip, you likely have a social or environmental cause in mind that you’d like to contribute to. Just as you place importance on the program you join, it’s equally as important to choose a responsible mission trip organization.

At IVHQ, we believe that mission trips should contribute positively towards society. Environmental and social impact has always been at the heart of what we do, which is why we’ve undergone rigorous assessment to become a Certified B Corporation , holding us to the highest ethical standards. We’re also the first and only global volunteer travel provider to declare a Climate Emergency and our operations are certified as 100% carbon neutral.

With a B Corp stamp of approval , Program Fees starting at just $20/day including accommodation, and more than 16 years of experience , IVHQ is proud to be the mission trip organization of choice for thousands of individuals and groups looking to take a meaningful mission trip in 2024 & 2025.

Best mission trip opportunities across the globe

IVHQ offers a range of meaningful volunteer programs in Tanzania, Zambia, Victoria Falls, Madagascar, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Zanzibar and Namibia. Explore Africa’s beauty while conserving endangered wildlife or giving back to local communities in need.

Available in 11 countries

IVHQ offers volunteer programs in 15 incredible destinations across Asia, including Bali, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Discover new cultures and play a hands-on role in supporting local social and environmental projects.

Available in 10 countries

North America

Join a volunteer program in Mexico or the USA and choose from a range of meaningful projects, from Childcare and Teaching to Animal Care and Environmental Sustainability. IVHQ’s North American volunteer opportunities are based in New Orleans, or in Merida, Mexico.

Available in 2 countries

Central America

Based in the popular destinations of Costa Rica and Guatemala, IVHQ offers a range of impactful volunteer programs in Central America. Support community initiatives, work alongside locals and embrace unique cultural traditions for up to 24 weeks.

South America

IVHQ’s volunteer trips to South America are based in iconic Latin American locations across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. With unique opportunities in Teaching, Construction, Wildlife Conservation, Medical, Amazon Jungle Conservation, and more, there’s something to suit every volunteer!

Available in 6 countries

IVHQ’s Caribbean volunteer opportunities are based in and around the stunning islands of Jamaica, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, and Puerto Rico. Give back to the local community through Teaching, Marine Conservation, Childcare, Animal Care and other impact led volunteer projects.

Available in 4 countries

Discover Europe’s rich culture and history on a volunteer program in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Romania or Croatia. Choose from a range of meaningful projects including Wolf Conservation, Youth Support, Teaching, Childcare, Special Needs Support, Environmental Scuba Diving and more.

Middle East

Explore the Middle East on a volunteer trip to Jordan. Choose from a range of community projects such as Youth Support, Women’s Education, Teaching and more. When you’re not giving back, you can explore the Middle East’s unique culture through our exhilarating tours and add-ons.

Available in 1 country

Experience the vibrant culture and welcoming communities of the Pacific on a volunteer trip with IVHQ. Choose from a range of life-enriching programs, from preserving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and coastal waterways in New Zealand to teaching on the beautiful island of Fiji.

Available in 3 countries

Find the best mission trip for you

• Teens & High School Students
• College Students
• Summer Trips

Mission trips for teens & high school students

Joining a mission trip is one of the best ways to step outside of your comfort zone, gain new perspective and give back to communities in need. IVHQ offers a range of mission trips for high school students and teens , meaning you don’t need to be 18 to go abroad and make a difference.

Since 2007, IVHQ has supported thousands of young people to volunteer around the world on our youth mission trips. More than 20% of our volunteers are under 20, so we know a thing or two about providing life-changing, reliable travel experiences for young explorers.

We offer safe and affordable volunteer opportunities for teens and high school students in 17 destinations around the globe. Learn more about how to join a mission trip for under 18s .

Top mission trips for teens & high school students:

Volunteer in costa rica.

Volunteer in Guatemala

Volunteer in Tanzania

Mission trips for college students

Today’s student demographic is more progressive than ever before. That’s why student mission trips have become a popular alternative to studying abroad. Instead of studying abroad, many are opting for a more meaningful form of international travel - one that is regenerative and makes a positive impact on local communities.

IVHQ offers mission trips for college students in more than 40 countries around the world. Our mission trips to Africa are particularly popular amongst students. With fees starting at just US$20 per day, our low-cost mission trips are an affordable way for students and young professionals to discover a new country and gain a global perspective while making the world a better place.

When you go on a mission trip with IVHQ, you also have the opportunity to gain academic credit while you volunteer from as little as US$599 for 5 credits - making a super affordable alternative to studying abroad!

Top mission trips for college students:

Volunteer in peru.

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Volunteer in Zambia

Mission trips for families

Planning a family mission trip can be a challenge, especially if you’re trying to accommodate multiple age groups. IVHQ’s fully-hosted mission trips mean that you can get away and make a difference without having to coordinate and plan for the entire family. The best part? Lots of IVHQ programs offer private room and accommodation upgrades at a very affordable price!

If you have young children, IVHQ has great options that will give you quality time together while instilling the values of service. Family mission trip opportunities are available in Africa , Asia , Europe , Central America and South America .

Our team of Volunteer Travel Experts can provide you with personalized family mission trip recommendations to match your budget and the causes you care about. Learn more about how you can go on a mission trip as a family .

Top mission trips for families:

Volunteer in kenya.

Volunteer in Portugal

Best short-term mission trips

IVHQ offers short-term mission trips for 1 to 3 weeks in over 40 countries, starting at just $20 per day including accommodation . This means you can get away and experience a new culture without needing to take ample time away from your day-to-day priorities.

Our short-term mission trips are designed for those who want to maximize impact in a short period of time and are perfect for students and professionals who are looking to take an alternative break . With everything organized for you, including airport pickup and 24/7 in-country support, you can hit the ground running as soon as you arrive at your destination. Check out our top short-term mission trips for 2024 & 2025:

Top short-term mission trips:

Volunteer in croatia.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteer in Mexico

Best summer mission trips

Summer is one of the most popular times of year to go on a mission trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in a new culture and interact with locals while soaking up the sunshine. With time off from work and school, it’s the perfect opportunity to see the world and make a difference alongside like-minded people.

Whether you have a desire to volunteer abroad with animals or want to find a medical volunteer program , check out these top summer mission trips for 2024 & 2025 .

Top summer mission trips:

Volunteer in puerto rico.

Volunteer in South Africa

Volunteer in Zanzibar

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Are there Mission Trips for Teens that are Non-Religious?

Summer Mission Trips for High School Students

Volunteering internationally is gaining popularity with teenagers- but many travel with a religious organization. For teens that aren’t religious but want to make a difference, these trips can be awkward.

Fortunately, Global Leadership Adventures offers mission trips for teens without any religious affiliation! These trips focus on meaningful service work and pair cultural activities and adventures alongside volunteering. High school students who travel with GLA have the chance to make an impact on a community abroad, while allowing them to experience life in another country- and they are open to students of all faiths and backgrounds.

Teen Volunteers Can Make an Impact on a Summer Mission Trip:

• Build a school for children in Ghana , a nation in Africa where youth have few educational opportunities
• Construct a greenhouse in the mountains of  Peru  and experience amazing Machu Picchu
• Help improve access to clean water in Haiti and shadow local health practitioners
• Step into the classroom and make a difference in the lives of youth in Guatemala
• Visit  India ’s majestic Himalayan mountains and give back to a Tibetan refugee community
• Help protect marine wildlife in the crystal clear oceans of  Fiji

Many GLA staff members are Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and are able to provide excellent guidance and exciting opportunities for teens throughout their trip. Imagine visiting a slave fort in Ghana along the African coast, surfing the waves in Bali, shadowing and assisting medical professionals in Haiti, or learning Spanish in the serene mountains of Costa Rica. You don’t need to be a member of a church to make a difference and see the world!

Global Leadership Adventures is a division of Terra Education, a leader in the field of international service learning. Terra also operates Discover Corps, one to two week volunteer vacations for adults and families, in collaboration with the National Peace Corps Association.

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Although many of the same objectives can be achieved on shorter programs, students and parents report that three weeks is the optimal time to develop lifelong friendships with local people and fellow students, to make a greater impact on the community, to fully immerse themselves in a culture, and to explore different facets of the host country.

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Short term mission trips for youth groups, high school students, college students and adults to the us and international sites., covid payment protection.

In order to best serve you and empower you to serve others, we’re offering no-hassle refunds for all our groups for the next year. We’ll work directly with you to make sure you are well taken care of.   Details on this policy here .

SERVE GOD BY SERVING OTHERS ON A MISSION TRIP!

A mission trip will not only have a profound impact on the ministry partner and community that are being served, but also on you and your group as you discover that your stories are part of the bigger story of what God is doing. You will experience God in a new and powerful way as you serve others in a new context.

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We want you to have a new experience with Jesus that dramatically encourages your relationship with Him. God has things to say to you! During our mission trips, we intentionally spend time to listen.

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More than just setting up a trip, we want to become your partners in ministry.

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The Holy Spirit is already doing a great work in your group; it’s our role to understand your needs and come alongside what God is already doing in a unique way.

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All of our ministry partners, both overseas and domestic, have a history of excellence in hosting short-term mission teams.

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All of our Mission Leaders have been well trained and are specifically prepared to lead each group.

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More than just designing an experience for your group, we work with ministry partners that have a long-term plan for sustainability. Your team will come alongside these efforts and can be confident that your service is actually helping.

It’s important to us that your group has an opportunity to connect with Jesus and what He’s doing, both around the world and here in the United States. It’s just as important to us that your experience happens in the context of a plan for sustainability. Our long-term missionaries and ministry partners are doing fantastic work every day. Your short-term mission trip will be specifically designed to support that effort while inspiring your group’s relationship with Jesus.

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Ken belliard, tierra ellis, colby adams, mary gim norfleet, seth warner, youth pastor, nico concha, angela caldwell, kristi warner, keri williamson, victoria caldwell, melany claros, brigette selman, lauren johnson, eliana almario.

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Madelyn harris, darlene konkel, kristen ogle, tyson stout, madelyn ortiz, payment protection plan.

Our goal is to work alongside you to achieve your mission trip goals while providing a sustainable impact wherever you serve. In an effort to better serve you, we have developed this payment protection policy for group Short Term Mission trips.

• In the case that Adventures cancels a trip, a group’s funds are refundable up to the $75 per person deposit. This deposit is able to be applied toward a future trip with Adventures.
• Adventures will make cancelations 60 days before a trip, except for the case of unpredictable or extenuating circumstances.
• In the case that a group decides to cancel, their payments can be applied toward a future trip with Adventures but are not refundable.
• Groups must notify Adventures of a decision to cancel 60 days before the trip. After this point we cannot guarantee any re-application of funds.

COVID-19 Trip Guidelines

Adventures encourages all participants to follow CDC guidelines and local regulations at all times. These guidelines will likely change between now and the time of your trip. We will discuss these changes with you as part of your preparation leading up to your trip. It’s important that your group familiarize themselves with these guidelines and make the appropriate preparation before the trip begins.

Having said that, we have also established these basic guidelines for all Adventures Short Term Mission trips.

• Trip participants are required to fill out a health safety questionnaire before traveling to their destination.
• Trip participants are required to fill out a health safety questionnaire each morning before breakfast.
• Trip participants should maintain social distancing, including in ministry. When not socially distanced, wear a mask.
• Each participant should bring at least three masks to wear throughout the week.
• All participants will be required to have their temperature checked by the Project Leader each morning. The Project Leader will be equipped with a temporal thermometer.
• No large group gatherings. We will coordinate with our ministry partners to try to ensure that there are no large group gatherings. In the case that there are, this is done at the discretion of the ministry partner and participants should not feel obligated to attend. It’s our objective to have plenty of smaller service opportunities, such as serving at food pantries, doing work projects at churches or ministries and ministering to people in smaller groups and in a safe, responsible manner.

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They will be quarantined and taken to a facility to have a COVID test taken. They will remain quarantined for 10 days, per CDC guidelines.

They will be quarantined from the rest of the group and everyone will follow CDC recommendations.

Exposure means 15 minute of close interaction. In this case, the participant will enter the quarantine protocol.

The participant should notify their Project Leader or group leader and remove herself/himself from the situation.

Each location will be prepared with quarantine recommendations. Each situation is unique and will be handled specifically to address the needs of the individual, the group and others who are involved.

Each group is financially responsible for their own flights. We cannot reimburse any costs associated with travel. Please check with the airline about their flight cancellation policy.

Most of the time this decision is made for us by local authorities. In some international cases, airlines may decide to not fly into a country. We look at government recommendations, airline activity and discuss with our partner. This, paired with our ongoing attention to CDC and WHO recommendations and regulations, usually makes the decision to cancel very clear.

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How might God use you if you took a step of faith to engage with His mission somewhere in the world? Cru offers many kinds of mission trips for college and high school students, working adults and families. Get out to the world! You can help make a huge impact in the lives of a person close to home or far away in a completely different culture or among people who still haven't heard the name of Jesus.

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Mission Trips: Things You Need to Know

Short-term mission experiences remain a cornerstone of many local church ministries, youth and young adult ministries included. Sometimes the terms “mission trip” and “service trip” are used interchangeably, though there are some subtle distinctions that can be important to consider as you plan out these experiences for young people.

A “mission trip” usually means a religious volunteer experience in an underserved community. These experiences generally combine religious activities like prayer, worship, personal or group devotions, or evangelism with a tangible project that requires energy, expertise, and presence.

A “service trip” usually means a volunteer experience without the religious aspects. The projects could be the exact same, the communities being served and connected with could be the same, but the religious introspection and opportunities are not present.

Missions therefore present an opportunity to create a witness of what it means to be a member of your local church, or a disciple, or a Christian. Through these experiences, it is critical to invite youth to reflect upon their experience and the witness that they are creating through their actions in service.

All that said, as a leader you are probably already planning on the mission experiences that will play a part in your summer calendar. We have some great tips from Carl Gladstone, who has worked with Motown Mission in Detroit in many roles and from Don Ballard, the president/CEO of City Service Mission , which creates opportunities in urban settings across the United States.

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Missionaries travel the world to spread the word of God. But what happens when things go wrong?

When three missionaries who had been kidnapped in broad daylight in Haiti and held hostage for almost two months were finally freed this week, it should have been a moment of relief and celebration. 

They joined two others who were released last month , but their safe return home has been somewhat overshadowed by the fact that 12 others who they'd been working and praying alongside in Haiti remain in captivity.

Their group of 16 US citizens and one Canadian, including five children as young as eight months old, were returning from a visit to an orphanage on October 17 when their bus was intercepted by the notorious 400 Mawozo gang, just outside the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

The kidnappers demanded $US1 million per hostage. Days later, gang leader Wilson Joseph appeared in social media videos threatening to kill the missionaries and warning authorities reluctant to negotiate.

"I will have you cry blood," Joseph said. 

Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) is the missionary organisation that sent them there.

Now it is focusing on those missionaries who are still being held hostage, pleading for the public's continued support and prayers.

The attack has shed light on the precarious situation in Haiti and also has reignited debate about whether missionaries do more harm than good in the developing world.

Local media have reported a widespread escalation of violence in the region, with carjacking and kidnapping an almost daily occurrence . 

The CAM missionaries were among 119 people abducted in Haiti in the first half of October , according to the local non-profit Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights (CARDH).

It brings the total this year to at least 782, including 53 foreign nationals.

Ongoing political instability after the assassination of president Jovenel Moise in July has led to a collapse in the rule of law and the spread of gang violence , while food and fuel shortages plague parts of the country still recovering from a major earthquake that occurred on August 14 of this year. 

The United States travel advisory has listed Haiti at level four: DO NOT TRAVEL  since August, warning American citizens are regularly targeted by kidnappers. 

Despite the risk, CAM maintains the need for humanitarian assistance is too great to ignore. In a statement from October 26 , it said:

"Occasionally we are asked why our workers were in Haiti. Why travel to dangerous places? Why not let these countries take care of their own issues?  "We live in a very broken world … God desires a world where the hungry are fed, abandoned orphans are cared for, and where lonely refugees are provided for.  "We go to places like Haiti because we have found Jesus and His teachings to be the answer for our own lives and we want others to enjoy the joy, peace and redemption we have experienced in the kingdom of God."

For the safety of its missionaries, CAM has revealed limited information about the circumstances surrounding their abduction or the exact nature of their work in Haiti and how they came to be there. 

However, the experiences of others in the industry can provide some insight into the preparation missionaries typically undertake before embarking on mission trips abroad, and the risks they encounter. 

What is Christian mission?

The world of Christian mission is a broad and diverse church, comprising believers from all denominations — Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons alike. 

While there are many ideas about exactly what constitutes mission work, most missionaries travel the world to share the word of God, often to remote places with an intention to help those facing disadvantage or disaster.

Many faith-based aid organisations are driven by the Great Commission — outlined in several passages of the Gospel as a message from Jesus Christ to "go and make disciples of all nations". 

According to the International Bulletin of Mission Research, there are 430,000 missionaries on long-term placements abroad in 2021 .   More than half of those people come from the "Global North" — places like Europe, the US and Canada.

This doesn't account for the number of Christians who travel on short-term mission trips each year. They are largely young people taking their first glimpse into the world of missionary work. 

Christian Aid Ministries works with Amish, Mennonite, and other conservative Anabaptist Christians, and states its main purpose is "to glorify God and help enlarge His kingdom".

Simon Smart, executive director of the Centre for Public Christianity, says this evangelistic impulse is central to the Christian faith, and has been throughout history.

"At its heart, Christianity is a missionary faith, motivated by the idea that the Christian gospel is good news for everyone and all people from every nation and culture should be invited to take a look at it, perhaps to accept it," he told the ABC.

"At their best, I'd say missionaries have done amazing work for the people they've tried to reach. 

"They've done incredible things to improve the lives of the people that they've come to live amongst, and really love."

But he says that good work has at times been tarnished by missionaries who have landed in dangerous situations or caused harm to the communities they work in.

"It's undeniable that there have been missionary movements that have done damage to people that they've encountered, where they've not respected local customs, language or culture, been insensitive to and perhaps not [understood] the context," he says.

Critics of the missionary movement have argued its use throughout history as a tool of colonisation by predominantly Western and European settlers is evidence the concept is fundamentally steeped in white saviourism .

Others have questioned the safety considerations made in high-profile cases such as that of  John Allen Chau, a Missouri-based preacher who was killed in 2018 while trying to approach a remote tribe on North Sentinel Island.

Chau organised his own boat and breached laws established by the Indian government to restrict visits to the island.

Before his death, Chau wrote in his diary about how a child had shot an arrow at him. He survived without injury because the arrow hit a Bible he was clutching to his chest. 

Though he saw himself as a true missionary, Chau went without the backing of an established organisation, and was described by many within the mission field as a radical, lone operator smearing the reputation of missionaries elsewhere. 

'I could have ended up like him'

Not all mission is physically dangerous. But in some cases, the outcome can be worlds away from the intention. 

Writer, scholar and self-described "exvangelical" Chrissy Stroop is among those critical of Christian mission work. 

After growing up in evangelical Christian churches of various denominations across Indiana and Colorado in the US, Stroop took part in a number of short-term mission trips from the age of 19. 

In her essay for the 2019 book Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church, which she co-edited with Lauren O'Neal,  Stroop wrote of Chau: 

"My own immediate thought was that, had I been able to stick with evangelical Christianity, I could have ended up like him."

Stroop's first overseas mission was to Russia, a trip overseen by long-term missionaries on the ground who she says had limited Russian language skills and links with the community.

Her group was instructed to use selected Protestant Bible passages to teach English to Russian Orthodox Christian students at a summer camp in a rural area outside Vladimir, about 200 kilometres east of Moscow.

"It seemed to me like a bait-and-switch … I was like, 'This is not how you teach people English,'” she says.

By the time she returned the following year, Stroop had taken language lessons of her own accord and endeavoured to learn more about the culture.

"These long-term missionaries [didn't] really seem to know Russian very well and still seemed kind of patronising toward Russian culture.

"That kind of rubbed me the wrong way. Those kinds of attitudes of cultural superiority, ignorance, and …  lack of preparation."

The experience would eventually lead her to pursue her academic interest in Russian religious studies, but she says it also played a significant role in her loss of faith. 

"I prayed that God would use it to revive my struggling faith. But I just kept getting more and more disillusioned with missionaries and missionary activities, because they did not seem to be very competent."

Training 'can't prepare you for everything', but many say it's essential

This immersion in language and culture that Stroop found was lacking in her trip is something that Australian former missionary Derek Brotherson found fundamental in his years teaching Bible studies abroad. 

He spent 10 years as a Christian missionary in South-East Asia, and now runs the Sydney Missionary and Bible College (SMBC), preparing young Christians for ministry and long-term mission work. 

Before he left Australia to work overseas, Brotherson studied for three years at SMBC, learning general principles of cross-cultural mission. 

The agency which arranged his placement overseas provided further training more specific to his location, including navigating the local health system, putting together an earthquake action plan and emergency pack, and security briefings. 

He then spent a year learning the language and culture at the local training centre before he was allowed to start Bible teaching. 

"If we want to have a positive impact, it takes a lot of good local knowledge and acquisition of language and culture," he says.

"We're not trying to share our culture. We're trying to bring a message ... of the Bible."

Brotherson says SMBC courses "equip you well enough to know that you shouldn't just go by yourself without expertise", and that they recommend students who do wish to serve overseas link up with an established agency for further training and support. 

Some form of pastoral care or emotional support is critical for missionaries working in difficult environments, according to registered psychologist Sarah Piper.

Piper, who also has a background in humanitarian aid, now works with Australian organisation Missions Interlink to support missionaries in the field and those returning home.

She says no matter where people travel, or whether their work leads them to extreme situations like kidnapping or assault, there's always a risk of trauma.

Mission work can be isolating, and by its very nature exposes people to culture shock.

Her clients are mostly dealing with depression and anxiety that comes from a traumatic incident — either an event on the field that is traumatising in and of itself, or something that triggers childhood trauma.

She says the key to minimising damage to those in the community and aid workers is the training and preparation that missionaries receive before they leave. 

"Whether you're working in a faith-based organisation or whether you're just purely humanitarian, you can become quite a soft target, just as a representative from the West," Piper says. 

"They're supposed to get a certain degree of security training — so, what to do if you're taken hostage, what to do if you're going through a checkpoint that's looking a little bit dodgy. 

"That is supposed to prepare people for not having such a traumatic time. It's almost like they go to security training and there's an element of trauma that they are put through in that training."

In her view, most mission organisations give people "as much training as they possibly can — but that doesn't always prepare you for everything". 

How do missionaries calculate the risk-versus-reward equation?

Simon Smart agrees that preparation and support for missionaries can vary widely. 

"The very serious mission organisations will train people for years in language and cultural studies and so on, to prepare them to go to these places. And sometimes there's almost none [no training] at all," he says. 

"Sometimes there's huge consideration given for the safety of the people involved, I'd say that's mostly. And then other times it can be a little bit cavalier … naive and unnecessarily risky.

"There's a sense of what they're doing is of eternal significance. So that risk is considered a reasonable one to make in the service of God and other people."

Another young Australian former missionary who spoke with the ABC says this concept is perhaps the hardest for the secular world to understand. Smart concurs. 

"If you haven't kind of bought into that vision, then it probably does look like a very strange thing," he says. 

Stroop says in her experience, many young evangelical Christians are drawn to mission work partly because of the way their faith views martyrdom.

"For some people who grew up in evangelical subculture, I think there's this real romanticisation of the missionary to the point that you're willing to be a martyr," she told the ABC. 

"You're taught to admire certain missionaries who broke the rules to spread the word of God, like people who smuggled Bibles behind the Iron Curtain [or were] killed by these unreached people.

"Trying to convert them was seen as ... the height of a Christian thing that you could do.

"So there's a certain status dynamic there, but also this idea that you could die, it could be risky. And I think that that ... gives their ego a boost somehow.

"That's what I believe that it really comes down to, in many cases, a sense of purpose and moral superiority."

For Brotherson, superiority has no place in mission. He says as long as groups engage in a culturally respectful way, the risks can be worthwhile. 

"If you feel like you've found something wonderful, which reveals the meaning of life and access to eternal life, that's a risk worth taking to share," he says.

"I'm glad that people took risks to share that with me, both the actual person who shared it with me in life, but the people through the centuries who've made sacrifices, so that could be passed on in that chain."

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Mission Trips: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

Have you ever thought about going on a mission trip? Did you shy away from the idea because you weren’t sure what it would take or where to begin? You’re certainly not alone. There is a lot to know about mission trips. From planning and preparing to packing and participating. This all-encompassing guide covers it all.

Read on to learn:

What are mission trips?

Why do people go on mission trips, who goes on mission trips, where can you go on mission trips, how long are mission trips, what do you do on mission trips, what do you learn on mission trips, what kinds of mission trips are there and what is their purpose, what do you need to know before deciding to go on a mission trip, how much do mission trips cost and who pays for them, how do you raise money for mission trips, how do you prepare for a mission trip, what do you do when you get back from a mission trip.

Mission trips are Christ-centered service experiences. They offer a wide variety of opportunities for participants to share and spread the word of God. They bring together groups of people interested in serving communities with abundant needs.

But they’re more than volunteer projects. God is the central tenant of every mission trip. The purpose of a mission trip is not simply to deliver aid. It is to leave a lasting impact by leading people toward Him.

People who choose to go on a mission trip want to help communities that are not as fortunate as they are. They want to experience what it’s like to impact the lives of others. They want to appreciate His Blessings, to share the Gospel, and to grow closer to God.

There are still many people who have never heard of our God or Jesus and His message of salvation and hope. So, people also go on mission trips to share His love — just as the disciples did.

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- Matthew 28:16-20

Millions of people who take part in mission trips each year. Many of them look forward to experiencing God’s work. Whether they’re looking for clarification and direction in their own lives or want to see Christ’s impact magnified in new ways, loving and serving others allows them to give more of their life to Him.

Any Christian with a desire to serve can participate in a mission trip. Groups of students, families, churches, and other organizations all take part.

The people who come together to serve are not always from the same area. In addition to church leaders, church members, and missionaries from around the world, participants often include other professionals from a wide range of fields.

People are attracted to missions for a variety of reasons. Qualities like their shared and/or mutually beneficial interests, skills, talents, and aspirations bring them together.

That can mean the history, backgrounds, and motivations of a single group vary widely. This diversity is beneficial, allowing the mission team to connect and serve on many different levels.

The only thing you really need to go on a mission trip is to be confident you are mentally, emotionally, and physically capable of performing the required duties. This is why it is important you fully understand the area and conditions into which you will be traveling.

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You can participate in a mission trip across a large portion of the world. The map below from The Traveling Team shows the number of missionaries received in 2010.

Source: http://www.thetravelingteam.org/stats

As you can see, there are many opportunities to participate. Websites like ShortTermMissions.com allow you to search for openings from a long list of mission agencies. You can also narrow your searches using criteria like region, activity, and length.

Or, if you have a specific location in mind you can visit an organization’s website directly. Missions of Hope International (MOHI), for example, has opportunities available in Kenya, Africa . Contacting an organization directly will help you get your questions answered quickly and efficiently.

How do you choose a mission trip?

There are many organizations (like SIM and Bold Hope ) set up to help match a servant with a call to serve. However, we recommend starting with your local church. First, meet with your clergyman to see if he or she is aware of opportunities that meet your interests.

There may also be others in your community looking for an opportunity to serve. Don’t be afraid to hold an informational meeting and invite your fellow worshipers to learn about the benefits of mission trips.

Once you have researched available opportunities, we suggest narrowing them down by interest. Are you looking for an opportunity to travel abroad? Would you like to put a particular skillset to work? Next, you can decide on a location based on where you are able to travel.

Some trips are more expensive than others. So, the extent to which you can secure financial support may also play into your final decision.

Wherever you go, make sure you fully understand what you are trying to gain personally. This will help you can choose an opportunity to help you achieve your goals. Choosing in this manner will help you enjoy deeper spiritual growth while you are away.

For example, many of the people who participate in a mission trip to Kenya with MOHI go because they want to meet the children they sponsor. Others use the trip to help decide whether they would like to sponsor a child or go simply because they’re passionate about helping children get a quality Christian education.

Today’s mission trips — no matter how long they are — are all considered short-term mission trips. A short-term mission could be as long as several months in Africa or as short as a weekend in the inner city.

Long-term missions, on the other hand, are considered lifelong journeys. This time can be spent in one location or many. A large number of mission staff members make lifetime commitments to serving short-term missions, for example.

Most likely the trip you are thinking about taking will be a short-term opportunity. Short term mission trips last anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. The exact time commitment can vary based on the location and the kind of project you are completing.

When it comes to the tasks required for any mission, no two are ever the same. If you’re teaching, your time might be spent in a classroom or church. If you are cleaning up after a natural disaster, you may spend all of your time outdoors performing hard physical labor.

But at their very root, all mission trips follow this same premise:

You’ll be going to a specific destination to complete an assignment that betters the lives of the people living there — like building a house or church, working in a school, or planting trees. With MOHI, for example, your partnership will help facilitate a holistic transformation in urban slums and remote, rural areas of Kenya where resources are extremely limited.

While you’re serving, your primary responsibilities will be to provide physical labor needs or to help meet educational objectives related to these tasks. However, your days also will be filled with activities that help you accomplish the mission’s true purpose: bringing disparate souls to Christ.

In fact, prayer and reflection are the most important part of the mission experience. During your trip, you may have many opportunities to lead and participate in prayer with the local community or with your travel group. Many opportunities — like helping to start schools, churches, and training centers in Kenya with MOHI — will provide the needed resources so that longer-term missionaries can continue to share the Word of God daily with the community.

The biggest opportunity to learn on a mission trip comes as a result of your evangelism and God-focused mindset. As you serve, you will encounter opportunities to grow your relationship with Christ. By taking these chances to serve wholeheartedly, you will see situations and others like Jesus wants you to, forever changing the way you look at the world and your life.

Your learning can also be centered on your service work. If you’re traveling to Kenya to install windows in local dwellings, for example, you might have to learn a few handyman basics like how to trim shims and apply caulk. It’s possible these experiences will help you find new skills or interests you can take home and share.

There is also a chance to learn from the travel itself. Immersing yourself in another culture can help you to recognize differences in the world around you. As you come to love and appreciate the unique art, music, or cuisine of the area you are serving it can help you become more open-minded and loving toward others no matter their background or beliefs.

There are many different kinds of mission trips, each organized for a variety of reasons including education improvement, infrastructure repair, governance reform, and environmental sustainability. They often vary in length and are usually tailored for groups of people from children and teens to adults of all ages.

Some bring aid to countries suffering from the aftermath of war or natural disasters, some focus on meeting the medical needs of underserved communities. Still, others bring hope for women and children by empowering them to leave abusive situations.

Since the intentions of mission trips can be so diverse, their impacts can vary wildly, and the benefits can be many. The goal of mission trips, however, is constant: to love and serve others. Every mission trip embarks with the end purpose of helping others to find God while showing them how to walk in His ways.

Before you decide to go on a mission trip, take time to learn as much as you can about the culture, its people, and the community you will be visiting.

Ask yourself questions like these before making your final decision:

• How do you feel about the area’s customs?
• Do you prefer an area where English is a commonly spoken language?
• Are you reluctant to take any of the necessary precautions (like getting recommended vaccinations) before leaving?

Your answers will help you paint a clearer picture of the fit of the mission trip you are considering. As you are weighing your options be sure to thoroughly consider your personal limits regarding accommodations and safety as well.

Deciding to participate in a mission trip means you will be traveling somewhere you’ve never been before. It’s important you deeply consider how much of a cultural leap you are ready to take. The anticipation of the trip can leave you with a very real fear of the unknown.

The good news is that overcoming these anxieties takes just a bit of preparation and a willingness to place your trust in God and His plan. Remember to pray about it. Pray for wisdom from the Bible and for God to grant you peace of mind.

One of the biggest questions someone who has never been on a mission trip before might ask is: Are mission trips expensive? The three biggest cost contributors are your travel, the length of your stay, and fees of the program you are participating in — if it’s not a mission organized directly through your church.

The fee you pay for many programs — though it may seem unnecessary — can actually help you save money. The facilitators will arrange travel, accommodations, food, and other essentials for your entire group, saving you money and hassle because many of the incidental expenses you might encounter will be taken care of before you arrive.

But what is the financial cost, really?

The truth is that it can vary — from hundreds of dollars to thousands — based on where you are going and what you are doing. In general, some locations cost more than others. They require extensive preparations, travel, supplies, and time — which on the surface can all add up fast.

Often, the people going on a mission trip make sacrifices to support it with personal savings, through a loan, or contributions from their parents and other family and friends.

Expenses paid out of pocket to attend your mission trip could be tax-deductible under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more information.

If you are worried about covering the cost of your trip, there are several ways you can save money. Reduce travel expenses by staying closer to home and avoiding peak travel times to the area you are serving. Additionally, you can try cutting accommodation costs by arranging part of your stay with a host family or local hostel. Lastly, check into local scholarships offered by your church or other community organizations.

If you decide the cost of a mission trip is out of your reach, consider sponsoring a child or community instead.

Many mission groups start their fundraising process with a support letter to their immediate community. Support letters are multi-purpose: They ask for both the spiritual and financial support you’ll need for your trip.

When you sit down to write yours, consider these tips:

• Begin your letter by sharing your story
• Share the news of your trip
• Let recipients know how they can best support you (financially and spiritually)
• Offer ways to stay in touch during and after your trip

Another very popular way to lower your mission trip’s expenses is to raise money. From spaghetti feeds to online fundraisers , the list of ways to fund your mission trip can be endless.

There are also ways to raise support for your trip that does not involve money. As you prepare, consider asking for material items. Make and distribute a list and don’t forget to include drop off and collection dates, locations, and times.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for spiritual support. Let your supporters know how they can pray for you.

From what to pack to travel accommodations, there are a lot of things to think about before actually leaving on a mission trip.

Preparing for a mission trip takes more than coming with an open mind though. Preparing emotionally for what is sure to be an emotional experience will help you to gain more from the opportunity. God will be with you, but you will have to leave behind your local support system and the familiarity of your home and church community.

Before you leave don’t be afraid to reach out to recently returned mission travelers to ask about their experience. Hearing firsthand about their service can ease your mind and help you to pray about the experience that awaits you from a deeper perspective.

After you arrive, keep your heart open to fellowship opportunities. You will have a lot of shared experiences with the individuals on the journey with you. Take the time to seek the Lord and grow together in His Word.

Sharing your mission trip experience allows you to continue glorifying God even after the physical work is done. Seek out opportunities to talk with friends, family, and church members about what you did, what you saw, and how it impacted you. The opportunity for them to learn from you can be just as valuable to them as it was for you.

Talk about what it felt like doing the Lord’s work, explain why you felt called to serve and what the experience was like once you arrived. Keeping a journal while on your trip can help you to call on your experience and share your reflections more deeply.

If you had the opportunity to take photos and videos during your trip, consider putting together a highlight reel to help friends and family really connect with what you have to say. As you share, remember to go beyond educating people about a different part of the world. Make it a goal to inspire others to serve God in a meaningful way as well.

Making a Commitment to God and Yourself

Your mission experience is not over once you return home. Participating in a mission trip brings an abundance of opportunity to share His teachings and grow in God’s Word. Not only will you be impacting the lives of people around the world, but you’ll also make an impact on those closest to you, and most of all have the chance to realize many changes in yourself.

If you have questions about how you can live your life in a mission-minded way or are looking for an opportunity to experience God’s love abroad, don’t be afraid to seek out mission trips.

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PLEASE NOTE: IMMERSION Staff will be out of office Sept. 11-15. After submitting a form, use the link in your email to schedule a call for Sept. 18-22!

Service opportunities assigned to each community or program are not guaranteed to be part of every trip. Fill out an interest form to learn more.

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WHAT IS A WORLD RACE MISSION TRIP?

The World Race is a life-changing mission trip where you will learn to seek first the kingdom of God, so you can experience a deeper life with Jesus, live in authentic community, serve others and share the love of Jesus. Not just on this mission trip, but for the rest of your life.

“Through the World Race, everything that Christ talked about can be experienced every single day.” – Colleen Widmaier | World Race alumna

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A JOURNEY INTO A DEEPER LIFE.

Jesus took His disciples on a three-year journey of mission trips to prepare them to carry out His mission for the rest of their lives. In the same way, our desire is to prepare you to seek first the Kingdom of God for the rest of your life.

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Shanan Zavocki

Through this program, I experienced enough outward encouragement to propel my inward desire forward, and I’ve learned more fully how much my walk with God is truly a relationship and not a routine. God used the World Race to change my life. And He could use it to change your life, too.

Drew Davidson

I loved my time on the Race! Doing World Race Gap Year opened my eyes and heart to more of who Jesus is. There were endless opportunities to see Him move through and in me over my time on the field! I became more confident in who He has called me to be and experienced a deeper hunger for Jesus.

Ellie Miller

On the Race I learned what it looked like to have consistent character through refinement by the holy spirit and the community around me. I was pushed to greater dependence on the father through living out ministry as a lifestyle, not simply a mission trip.

Madison Goodwin

I’m getting to live out revival on a daily basis through teaching, preaching, evangelizing, ministering to the lost. Everything I do is important because it’s important for the Kingdom’s work.

Morgan McCrary

The World Race Gap Year held some of the most challenging months of my life but also some of the most life giving! Before I went on Gap Year I thought I knew Jesus, but after living as a missionary for 7 months, I quickly realized that there was so much more to learn!

Matt Chisenhall

Being a Christian isn’t just about going to church on Sunday morning, but it’s about following God every day and being Obedient to him in every situation and every single day we have the opportunity todo that on the World Race.

Stories from the mission field

Family Is Kingdom | Connor Gaul – World Racer

Posted 12/04/2018.

One Second Everyday for 11 Months! | Krista Booker -World Racer

Posted 11/05/2019.

WHY I GO | Lauren Munson – World Racer

Posted 07/24/2019, see reviews by:, world race updates.

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You’re at a pivotal point in your life. You want to be who God created you to be and make the right steps that will impact the rest of your life. You’re not alone!

That’s why we created our World Race Semesters Opportunities. We have sent over 132,000 people on mission trips all over the world. The World Race has helped them begin to live in the calling God has for them.

Here are 3 next steps you can take to get to know us and help you select your mission trip.

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The World Race sounds pretty awesome, right? So what’s stopping you? Here are the most common concerns we hear:

Yeah, it sounds like a lot. We’ve led thousands of people on this journey of fundraising, and even though it’s hard work, it’s totally possible. We’ll guide you through the process! Don’t let this fear stop you from pursuing the Lord’s oall on your life!

Each World Race program is priced separately according to the trip and route; you can find the price of each trip by visiting the “Trips” page .

We encourage Racers to connect with a community of supporters for both prayer and financial support. We understand raising money can be intimidating, so we have Admissions Advisors committed to help you through the support raising process. (For more information, Fundraising 101 .)

If you’re worried about finances, don’t be. Over the years, we’ve learned time and time again when God calls, He provides. Still concerned? Check out this video for Our Top 5 Favorite Ways to Fundraise .

Yeah, we’ve heard that too! And sometimes, it can be true. We’re committed to doing mission trips well. In truth, both the long-term missionary and the short-term mission team bring a gift to the throne of our Lord. Long-term missionaries bring direction. Short-term missionaries bring velocity. Often our long-term partners are greatly encouraged by the infusion of life and resources into their ministry that short-term teams bring. It is the person with a long-term commitment to a community who plants a church and disciples its members. The relationships and vision they provide are essential. They are like the rudder on the ship, providing direction, steering the course. Short-term missionaries can be the wind in the sails which give velocity and thrust to the enterprise. They bring with them resources, a prayer base, and tremendous enthusiasm.

Check out this two-part series on the case for short term missions:

Part 1 Part 2

There is an online application process for all our World Race programs. Once you’ve submitted an application and paid the $49 fee, you can select your trip and route preference and schedule a phone interview.

We prayerfully review applications and look forward to learning more about you during the phone interview. By completing this interview, you are not committing to participate in a World Race program. However, as you complete these steps, it will help you decide if the Race is for you.

If accepted, you will secure your spot with a deposit, which also serves as your first donation.

After committing to a route, you’ll be connected with an Admissions Advisor. All of our Advisors on staff are alumni Racers, and their job is to help you with the planning, fundraising, and logistical information you need to prepare to go.

Yes! We do accept international applicants. However, due to the many obstacles including increased cost and complex, varying visa requirements, non-US applicants must coordinate additional logistics, including travel to and from Training Camp, and visas for each destination country.

All trip fees and charges must be paid in US dollars and tax deductions are only available for US residents. Non-US applicants must be fluent in English. Contact us for more details and to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Each day on the World Race looks a little different. Some days will be packed full with construction, VBS, evangelism outreach, relationship building, or praying for the sick. Some days could be slower –shopping for groceries at the market or spending time in prayer for the community and ministry.

Check out the World Race vlog. In this 13 episode vlog, we follow a World Race squad around the world. See first hand what it’s like to be on the World Race.

Regardless of the pace or the activity, every day will be focused on being a part of God’s Kingdom work. Just Contact Us and we’d be happy to share our stories about life on the Race!

The World Race is a program of the interdenominational mission organization Adventures in Missions (Also known as Adventures).

Our staff and leaders come from a wide range of Christian churches and denominations. Read our statement of beliefs for a deeper look at what we believe.

With the different backgrounds of our staff, our Racers, and the ministry partners we serve alongside, you will most likely experience worship styles, Bible teachings, and Christian community different than you’ve previously experienced. We encourage you to dig into Scripture and have ongoing conversations about these things. We love this picture of the body of Christ coming together, united in purpose to bring Jesus to the nations.

We recognize travel brings risk. We have worked hard to put extensive safety protocols in place. But, all Racers need to consider things happen that we can’t predict. People get sick and accidents happen. It is likely you will meet people suffering from a variety of diseases.

To address the issues we face, we have an experienced risk management team. They monitor political, health, weather, and other risks in the regions where we serve. This information includes the U.S. State Department travel warnings. All Racers have a travel insurance policy. The insurance company works closely with us to ensure you will receive the care you need. For more information about the insurance policy, click here .

We have external consultants who assist us in designing and managing our training and field implementation for safety protocols. Our internal risk management team creates contingency plans as needed so we are ready to move teams quickly if the need arises. We also have an extensive network of ministry partners and ministry connections worldwide who provide us with “eyes on the ground” as we assess situations.

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Trinitonian

Let the savior complex go: the real impacts of mission trips

Ashwini Vivek , Opinion Columnist | November 3, 2022 | 3,816 Views

Piper Foster

Mission trips conjure up an image of selflessness and goodwill. Maybe you think of building houses or schools for underserved communities. Or, maybe they bring to mind teaching kids English and math, giving them the skills to succeed. For many, mission trips seem like a benevolent force, spreading resources and education throughout the world.

What not everyone considers is that international mission trips are largely a modern, covert form of imperialism, where religion is used as a bargaining chip for aid.

Missions have a brutal and messy history between Western powers and the rest of the world. From the forced conversion of Indigenous peoples across the Americas to modern-day evangelism in Africa and the Caribbean , the trend of using religion as a mechanism of “spreading civilization” has ingrained itself in the attitude of the colonizer. Although mission trips today do not subscribe to the more forceful tactics of hundreds of years ago, they still operate under the framework of savior complexes, where the focus is making oneself feel good rather than providing true help.

International mission trips have become an opportunity for people in Western countries — especially in the U.S.A — to experience the “exotic” environments of countries in the Global South. These “voluntourists” travel to countries in Latin America or Africa with the intention of providing aid, but only if that aid can be quantified and documented to demonstrate the quality of their character. Missionaries turn Black and Brown children into props for a contrived image of saviourism, making them feel good about themselves, even if these trips have more insidious consequences.

The countries that receive the most missionaries are the ones directly affected by colonialism and imperialism. For example, Haiti has been economically ravaged by the U.S. for centuries and sees approximately 1,700 long-term missionaries, 2,000 missionary-run private Christian schools and hundreds of short-term missionaries each year . Despite the sheer number of individuals participating in international mission trips, the quality of help has been consistently low across the world, as missionaries try to fix symptoms rather than the systemic problems of poverty, famine or educational disparities — most of which only exist because of the impacts of colonialism.

Additionally, many missionaries do not have the skill sets to qualify them for the construction of buildings, propagation of knowledge or even administration of medicine, further reducing the efficacy of these mission trips. Missionaries’ taking over those tasks also reduces the number of jobs available to the local population , further impeding economic development. They fly in, provide short-term benefits on the condition of religious education, and then leave without providing true lasting impacts. Instead of pouring thousands of dollars into travel and housing for missionaries, that money could be spent on organizations that address specific systemic issues.

Volunteer trips do have the potential to aid communities, such as through medical care. Qualified doctors or other professionals have the ability to share their skills and improve the physical and mental health of people who may not be receiving this care. However, the current framework of most medical volunteering trips — usually lasting between a few weeks to a few months — is still flawed even when independent from religions, as it still largely relies on the saviourism that defines international mission trips. Multiple surgeons and physicians participating in these programs have stated how the cost of their trips seems exorbitant when that money could be used directly to help those communities . Many have also noticed that they do nothing to educate existing health professionals in the Asian or South American countries they visit. They help and then they go home, leaving the health care in that community no better than before. The problem with mission trips and voluntourism is deeper than religion; rather, it is the idea of saviourism and self-gratification over real, impactful change that can cause lasting harm.

Before signing up for a mission or volunteering trip, it is important to educate yourself on the consequences that come from them, as unintended as they might be. Take time to look into other ways to provide aid without using religion as an ultimatum, and remind yourself that the goal of volunteering is not to show off what a good person you are. The communities receiving the aid are full of real people with real, developed cultures that do not deserve to be bargained away for better infrastructure. It is important that we, in Western societies marred by a tradition of imperialism and savior complexes, remember that.

My name is Ashwini Vivek (she/her) and I am an Opinion Writer for the Trinitonian! I am a senior Neuroscience major from Dallas, and I'm also involved...

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.. • Apr 18, 2024 at 11:07 am

Hi i am F a r e s and I attend eastlake high school in sammamish! This article was a splendid way for me to learn history and I love the way it was written. My one piece of criticism is the lack of discussion about egyptians and their impact on history this article 8/10. Ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy (ooh) Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (ooh) Ayy, ayy Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh Needless to say, I keep her in check She was a bad-bad, nevertheless (yeah) Callin’ it quits now, baby, I’m a wreck (wreck) Crash at my place, baby, you’re a wreck (wreck) Needless to say, I’m keeping her in check She was all bad-bad, nevertheless Callin’ it quits now, baby, I’m a wreck Crash at my place, baby, you’re a wreck Thinkin’ in a bad way, losin’ your grip Screamin’ at my face, baby, don’t trip Someone took a big L, don’t know how that felt Lookin’ at you sideways, party on tilt Ooh-ooh-ooh Some things you just can’t refuse She wanna ride me like a cruise And I’m not tryna lose Then you’re left in the dust Unless I stuck by ya You’re the sunflower I think your love would be too much Or you’ll be left in the dust Unless I stuck by ya You’re the sunflower You’re the sunflower Every time I’m leavin’ on you (ooh) You don’t make it easy, no (no, no) Wish I could be there for you Give me a reason to, oh (oh) Every time I’m walkin’ out I can hear you tellin’ me to turn around Fightin’ for my trust and you won’t back down Even if we gotta risk it all right now, oh (now) I know you’re scared of the unknown (‘known) You don’t wanna be alone (alone) I know I always come and go (and go) But it’s out of my control And you’ll be left in the dust Unless I stuck by ya You’re the sunflower I think your love would be too much Or you’ll be left in the dust Unless I stuck by ya You’re the sunflower You’re the sunflower (yeah)

PJ • Jan 25, 2024 at 9:32 am

Your article on mission work is very interesting and well written. Also your article on Hawaii. I’m curious, where would you recommend families to travel to gain a better understanding and perspective of cultures outside their own while also bettering the local community in a lasting way. Even if a tiny drop in the bucket. Thank you. Btw, I think your suggestions for how to travel in Hawaii are good ones.

Mission trips are an evangelical rite of passage for US teens – but why?

Professor of Geography, University of South Carolina

Disclosure statement

Caroline R. Nagel does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

University of South Carolina provides funding as a member of The Conversation US.

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As tourists head to airports this summer, American travelers are likely to see groups of young people in matching T-shirts awaiting flights to Latin America or further afield. Their T-shirts sport biblical verses or phrases like “ Here I am, send me ” or “Called to serve,” and the teens may gather for prayer before boarding.

These young people are heading off to be short-term missionaries: an experience that has become a rite of passage in some corners of Protestant Christianity as overseas travel has become more affordable for Americans. According to some estimates, as many as 2 million youth and adults per year participated in Christian mission trips before the pandemic, including overseas trips and trips to poor communities at home.

While it is difficult to confirm these numbers, mission trips are now especially commonplace within evangelical churches, with larger and more affluent churches offering multiple trips throughout the year. Some congregations plan their mission trips in-house. Others enlist the services of mission companies with names like World Race, He Said Go and World Gospel Mission. Typically, these companies combine humanitarian service, development projects and faith. They promise participants adventure, spiritual growth and an opportunity to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet in the world.

I have been studying short-term missionaries for the past six years. I have interviewed dozens of pastors , trip leaders and young missionaries, and I have had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip in Central America. Through this research, I have learned about why so many young Christians want to go on mission trips and have been struck by their desire to “serve.” Yet, as a geographer , I am concerned by their lack of knowledge about the people and places they visit.

‘White man’s burden’

The missionary impulse within Christianity comes from the Great Commission , a Gospel verse in which Jesus instructs his disciples “to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The spirit of evangelism thrived among European and American Christians in the 19th century , fueled by frontier expansion and colonization. Protestant missionaries spread throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific, seeking to win souls for Christ. Also important, in many of these men’s and women’s eyes, was something often referred to as the “white man’s burden ”: the imperialist idea that they had a duty to introduce Western civilization to supposedly “backward” people.

Missionaries had mixed success in converting so-called natives to Christianity. But they left lasting impacts through the many institutions they established around the world, including schools, universities and hospitals.

Missions 2.0

Contemporary missionaries are the inheritors of these earlier waves. Yet they also have some distinctive characteristics.

Historically, mission work was a lifelong calling and profession, one that often meant never coming home. Career missionaries continue to have a role in missions today, sometimes financially supported by denominational organizations like the Southern Baptist Convention’s International Missions Board or by donations from individual churches.

But the movement is now dominated by short-termers who are in the “mission field” for a couple of weeks or months. Some trips go to destinations where Christians are a minority, such as the Middle East, India or Southeast Asia. More commonly, they take place in countries with a sizable Christian population and partner with local evangelical organizations and churches “planted” by long-term missionaries. Trip organizers I interviewed emphasized that the mission teams are there to serve and to take direction from their local partners.

Another distinctive feature of short-term missions is their approach to faith. Rather than push “conversion” as a goal, today’s mission leaders emphasize “relationship building” in hopes that connections will gradually lead people closer to Christian beliefs.

Trips are oriented not just around the spiritual transformation of the local community but also the spiritual transformation of missionaries themselves. Pastors and organizers say that trips are meant to teach young American Christians what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus, to share the gospel and to love people who are not like them . Organizers talk about young people learning to “live missionally” and to see opportunities to build God’s kingdom in their ordinary lives .

Sacred and secular

Short-term missions, however, also appeal to young people’s desire to see the world and to be adventurous. The language used to describe and promote trips is remarkably similar to secular overseas volunteering or “voluntourism,” as well as gap-year programs before college.

Both experiences are built around the idea of getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing cultural differences in the name of self-improvement, preparing for life in a globalized, diverse world .

Another similarity is that both Christian and secular programs usually involve some kind of service project: building a house, digging a well or leading recreational activities for children. Such activities are meant to give young people confidence in their ability to “ make a difference” in the world , while developing resilience and gratitude.

‘Walk with the poor’

Not all evangelicals see the value of mission trips . Critics have argued that American short-term mission teams dump unwanted goods on host communities, are culturally insensitive and commonly assume that locals need American “expertise.” Construction projects push out local workers and often result in shoddily built structures – suggesting the enormous sums of money spent on mission trips might be better spent if donated directly to local organizations.

Books like “ When Helping Hurts ,” by evangelical authors Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett , aim to explain how leaders can make mission trips more effective, both in terms of alleviating poverty and in terms of evangelism.

Warning against a “white savior” attitude , they suggest that the purpose of short-term missions is to “walk with the poor” and build lasting relationships that will lead people to Christ.

Beyond the bubble

In my research, I have met mission trip leaders who are trying to put these ideas into practice without harming the communities they visit. But troubling elements persist.

Trip organizers want to open American Christians’ eyes to realities of the world outside of their bubbles. Yet their messages tends to imply the effects of poverty can be overcome through personal faith in Christ. Short-term missionaries I interviewed did not blame people for being poor but were reluctant to describe the hardship they witnessed in terms of social injustice .

The mission teams I studied learned almost nothing about the impacts of corruption, violence and social inequality on the communities they believed they were there to help. Trip leaders felt that such information would bore participants and detract from the spiritual aims of the trip. In effect, what mattered to the volunteers and organizers was simply that places were poor and foreign rather than the reasons poverty was so entrenched.

Many of the short-term missionaries I interviewed described feeling changed by their trip and becoming more aware of their own privilege. But the focus on spiritual fulfillment means that these young people may be missing out on opportunities to deepen their understandings of the world and to build solidarity with the communities they visit.

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What The Bible Has to Say About Mission Trips

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” – Romans 10:12-15

You are likely most familiar with the term “missions” or “mission trip” when talking about sharing the Gospel. While the Bible may not use these exact terms, we are all called to be ‘on mission’ everywhere we go as followers of Jesus. We know that Jesus was the best example of a missionary in how he literally came to this earth to tell everyone about the Good News of salvation. 

What Does the Bible Say?

Perhaps one of the most popular passages in the Bible is known as The Great Commission:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

The desire of God’s heart is for all people to come to know Him and be in a personal relationship with Him – regardless of race, nationality, gender, background, etc.. Although some people may never accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, it is still our job to share about His love and the free gift of salvation. And not only does this passage command believers to go and make disciples of all nations, but it reassures us that God  will be with us, empowering us to do so. 

Although this passage clearly commands us to go out and make disciples, sharing the Good News is a joy for believers, not a chore or an obligation to be fulfilled. If we have experienced such an amazing gift, how could we not want to tell others about it? We share out of the overflow of freedom and love that God has given us.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:9-11

How Do You Practically Live On Mission?

Start right where you are.

An important reminder is that while some believers are called to live in the remotest parts of the earth and share the good news of the Gospel with people who have never heard the name of Jesus, this is not the story for most Christians. It can be overwhelming to feel like we have to do “the most” for the sake of the Gospel, including selling all your belongings and moving somewhere you have never been. Again, the Lord does call some people to this life, but most importantly, He has already called you to be on mission right where you are. 

Share the Gospel with Your Family and Friends

We see Paul’s wonderful example of living on mission for Jesus in the Bible. Paul traveled to a lot of places, often taking others with him to mentor them. However, Paul had to start somewhere. We have his letters of encouragement and instruction to churches at Ephesus, Galatia, Colossae, etc. Paul knew the impact of being in discipleship and teaching others about Jesus in our own communities and churches first. 

It may feel difficult to share with those close to you instead of strangers, but just remember it is not our job to change hearts and minds – only God can do that. We are the harvesters that plant a seed, and the Lord waters it in his timing. 

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” – 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

Go on a Short-Term Mission Trip

An amazing way to serve the Lord, aside from loving people right where you are at, is to go on a short-term mission trip. Not only do you make a long-term impact on the people you serve, but you also get to take part in the “make disciples of all nations ” part of the Great Commission. 

Maybe you are called to be like Paul and live your life on the go, traveling to unlikely places for the sake of the Gospel, or maybe you are called to serve at your local church. But a short-term mission trip (1-2 weeks) can help you grow in ways you never thought possible and meet like-minded people with the goal of knowing Jesus and making Him known. 

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How to do Short-Term Missions the Right Way

Dan wunderlich says that mission trips can be life-changing mission endeavors, but they also raise serious issues and questions. he names a series of considerations for churches that want to do short-term missions well..

Short-term mission trips, particularly international trips, can be faith-deepening and even life-changing. They offer experiences we might never have back home, and they are a way to put our beliefs into action. However, when they are not done the right way, or when churches partner with the wrong organizations, short-term mission trips may end up doing more harm than good. As representatives of Christ, the church, and our home communities, we have a responsibility to do short-term missions well.

While short-term mission journeys can be truly transformational experiences for the volunteers, it may be possible to make a similar if not bigger impact by supporting a missionary or organization from home.

Learn the issues

You first need to recognize that there are many potential issues with short-term service trips. This isn’t to say that all short-term trips are bad, but consider questions like:

• How much money are you spending on things other than actual help on the ground?
• Are you being asked to work on projects for which your team is qualified and prepared?
• Is the work you are doing a part of a larger, sustainable plan to help the community?
• Are your team and the organization you are partnering with focused on your experience or on relationships with the local community?

It is estimated that nearly $2 billion are spent annually on service trips of all types, religious and nonreligious. This boom has led to difficult conversations in the field of international development. The impulse to serve is a good thing, but we need to beware of causing unintended consequences.

Assuming that your help is better than nothing or that your team is the right group of people to help simply because you come from a richer or more developed nation are just some of the myths around short-term trips that need to be re-examined.

Check your perspective

The places to which you travel may be exciting. The communities in which you serve may open your team’s eyes to issues of poverty and inequality around the world. And an international service trip may be a valuable addition to a resume or college application. These are all positives, but if they become prime motivators, you have to ask whether you are being selfless or selfish. Find an organization or project within a community that churches can return to year after year. This kind of long-term bond can be achieved through short-term trips, and it helps to keep the focus on the community being served. It allows us to go from seeing a project as a there-and-back event to an experience that encompasses dialogue, respect, and relationship.

Pick the right project

Knowing where to find vetted organizations and projects is only half the battle. If you are uninterested in or unable to participate in the work of the organization, the trip or journey will be of little value for anyone. The first key is remembering that your team represents the whole church. If you select and invest in the right project, it becomes a part of the wider mission of the church. This connection will make it easier to recruit team members, raise money, and rally support within the congregation.

The second key is to know your team. While you will likely select a destination and project before team members sign up, you should have in mind things like:

• How big will the team be?
• What are members’ physical abilities or limitations?
• What specialized skills might they have?

Consider not going

After a bit of research, prayer, and discernment, you may decide that an international journey is too much to undertake now. Or you may count the cost of transportation, training, insurance, supplies, food and lodging for your group and realize how much of a difference all that money might make in the hands of the local organization itself. Again, while short-term mission journeys can be truly transformational experiences for the volunteers that serve, that should not be the No. 1 goal. Depending on what area of the world or type of project you are exploring, it may be possible to make a similar if not bigger impact by supporting a missionary or organization from home.

Train your team

Once you know where you’re going and what you will be doing, it is time to train your team. Depending on the project, you may be able to learn or practice a few skills that will be needed. This is also the time to gather supplies and make other important preparations, such as purchasing special medical and accident insurance. Regardless of the project, one thing every volunteer team can use is time to pray together. This will help keep your team focused on the “why” behind your journey and build bonds among team members, especially if they don’t know each other well.

Tell a responsible story

Through the pictures and videos you take while on your journey, you have the opportunity to tell a story. The big question is: What story are you telling? Perhaps the best story you can tell as a mission team is how God was present and active on your journey. This story is wide enough to include both the fun you’re having and the work you’re doing. This story allows you to showcase the local community and its people without using them as two-dimensional props or backdrops. You can also share about the relationships you are building based on mutual listening and learning.

If you have the ability to post or even stream via blog or social media while you are on site, this is a great way to keep your church family connected to your work. Just be sure throughout the journey to get permission from the people or organizations you’re photographing or filming when it seems appropriate. They deserve the same measure of privacy and courtesy that we expect for ourselves. Finally, know when to put the camera down or the phone away. Not every moment needs to be documented. God, the community, the work, and your fellow teammates deserve your focus.

This article is based on one originally published in MyCom , an online newsletter for church leaders teaching tips on communications, outreach, and new technologies. Adapted with permission.

Related Resources

• Doing Good Well Video Tool Kit
• Best Practices for Short-term Mission Trips by Laurie A. Occhipinti
• Five Guidelines for Doing Good Well by David McAllister-Wilson

About Author

Rev. Dan Wunderlich is an extension minister focused on worship, communication, and creativity with the goal of helping ministries and their leaders better connect with their communities. Find out more about his work and his podcast "Art of the Sermon" at DefiningGrace.com .

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Discovering God’s Future for Your Church is a turn-key tool kit to help your congregation discern and implement God’s vision for its future. The resource guides your church in discovering clues to your vision in your history and culture, your current congregational strengths and weaknesses, and the needs of your surrounding community. The tool kit features videos, leader’s guides, discussion exercises, planning tools, handouts, diagrams, worksheets, and more. Learn more and watch an introductory video now.

This article is reprinted by permission from Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary available at churchleadership.com.