Mission trips can have an incredible impact on youth, their families, youth ministries and churches. Mission trips long have been a part of many youth ministry programs and have varied greatly in form and importance in our youth ministry programs. Mission trips always have been one of the most important, if not the most important aspect of the youth ministries I have served.

There are countless ways to approach youth mission trips; through the years, I have discovered our approach to mission trips as youth workers has a dramatic impact on the significance and success of mission trips for youth. I have learned from the mistakes I have made, the successes I have stumbled upon, the ideas I have stolen, the surprises that have arisen and so much more.

While there are varying philosophies about mission trips, I have embraced an understanding that mission trips are more meaningful when commitment is expected. I believe mission trips are more than a vacation in which we end up serving others, but rather are a great commitment and calling to be Christ to the world. As a result, I have developed a process I use as I approach mission trips. This process includes months of preparation before the trip, making the most out of the trip itself and bringing the trip home with us, as well. The greatest strength to the process has been the preparation for the trip that has greatly enhanced the meaning and commitment of our mission trips. Below are some of the key aspects of mission trip preparation I believe enhance youth mission trips.

Tip #1: Use an Application
For every mission trip, I require those youth (and adult leaders) who wish to go to apply for the trip. Some may argue this is not necessary and could be interpreted poorly, but I have found that requiring an application enhances youth mission trip experiences. It causes the youth to consider carefully their motivation for going on mission trips and creates an opportunity for them to reflect on their faith. Requiring an application sets a tone of commitment for the trip that prevents many of the negative experiences that can be a part of youth mission trips. Requiring an application elevates the importance, meaning and significance of youth mission trips. Mission trips become more meaningful when commitment is assumed and expected.

While the level of commitment that youth can have is limited by where they are developmentally, that does not mean we cannot ask youth to work toward making a commitment. Having an application sets a tone for the trip, creates a more unified team, causes youth (and adults) to reflect on the trip at a greater level and enhances the meaning of the mission trip experience.

Tip #2: Require Commitment
While many might disagree with this notion, it is a must. In many youth ministries, our mission trips have become glorified vacations instead of opportunities to serve those in need. When we do not require any level of commitment before the trip, we set ourselves up for disaster during the trip. If there is no sense of expectation and commitment before the trip, you are almost guaranteed to spend far too much time on your mission trip dealing with lack of commitment and discipline issues instead of focusing on serving alongside your youth as you point them to Jesus.

There needs to be a tangible process and plan that creates an expectation of commitment from your mission team long before the trip. In our context, we expect youth to participate in a certain number of fundraisers, stay active in youth programs, perform service hours and attend training and teambuilding sessions in order to participate in the mission trip. This may seem to be too much to expect of youth, yet I continue to be surprised at how they find meaning in these expectations and how much it enhances their experience. It is important to be gracious in how you approach these requirements, and it is critical that you work to make these experiences meaningful so they edify your mission team.

Tip #3: Prepare and Train
The work we do to prepare for mission trips is as important as the mission trip itself. Mission trips are not only more meaningful when we prepare and train for them, but also are more successful. The process of preparing for a mission trip can create a stronger, more unified team that has greater depth. Preparation and training can help youth to better understand and serve on the mission trip, as well. These preparations should include cultural training, as well as biblically grounded lessons on topics important to missions work.

We always cover teamwork, attitude, service and other topics that might be important to our mission team. Teambuilding experiences and activities, discussion time and other creative programs can enhance the mission trip experience greatly. We include a retreat weekend as a part of our training and preparation, which has become a highlight of the mission trip experience for our youth.

Every youth ministry setting is different; as youth leaders, we need to consider what we can do to help make our youth mission trips more meaningful for those who participate. Thinking carefully about how you approach and prepare for mission trips not only will make them more successful and meaningful, but also help your youth and adults grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.