“What kind of irresponsible parent would send his or her child to Africa on a mission trip?”
This was the question that echoed in my head this past fall as I lead my ministry’s informational meeting about our summer mission trip, a meeting during which I did, indeed, announce that our summer trip would be to Africa.
This question—or some variation—is one I heard multiple times during the year that followed the initial meeting. It’s one that speaks to the very real fear that often rules a parent’s life. It’s also one that reminds me parents love and care for their children far more than I ever will. As such, it’s one that has since helped me frame how I announce and publicize my ministry’s summer trips to parents and students. I hope it will help you do the same.
In order to control the flow of information and reduce rumors and misinformation, announce your summer mission trip at an informational meeting for parents and students. At this meeting, announce the details of your trip: when you’re going; where you’re going; with whom you’re going (whether with an mission organization or going independently); what you’ll do on the trip; how you anticipate this trip impacting those who participate in it; the cost of the trip; and any expectations or requirements you have for those who will participate in the trip.
However, don’t just do that.
Why?
Because as your ministry’s leader, parents will assume you’ve chosen a worthwhile trip that will enable their children to grow in their faith, serve others and encounter God. After all, parents view that as your job.
What parents won’t assume—especially if you’re a young ministry leader without children of your own—is that you’ve thought through the trip in terms of safety. After all, most parents view that as their jobs.
That’s why after announcing when, where and with whom you’re going, before you talk about anything else, spend the bulk of your meeting addressing your students’ safety—regardless of whether you’re going on a domestic or international mission trip. Specifically, be prepared to answer these questions:
1) Why is where you’re going safe?
2) If you’re traveling with or through a sending organization, what safety measures does that organization already have in place for groups such as yours?
3) What additional precautions will you take to keep your group safe, even if you should find yourselves in an unsafe situation?
4) Under what circumstances would you cancel your trip or change it’s location? Under what circumstances would you remove your team midway through your trip and if the situation warranted, how would you go about doing so?
Being able to answer the aforementioned safety questions about your summer mission trip will enable you to look a parent in the eye and honestly say, “Our number one priority for this trip is your child’s safety.” It’s only after parents hear you say this that they’ll hear you say anything else about the merits of your summer mission trip—no matter how wonderful those might be.
Your ability to answer safety questions about your summer mission trip also will allow parents to respond to the questions they’ll inevitably receive from others about your trip. Being able to do so will give them confidence in your leadership, the trip ahead and the God you serve.
