SHORT TERM MISSION TRIPS

Short-term trips are not a modern phenomenon. In fact, a lot of the missions in the early church were of similar lengths of time, but they looked far different than most of our trips today. These were not just trips to expose the apostles to the nations. These were strategic, high-impact trips that played a catalytic role in establishing the church (Acts 16:6-40, 17:1-34, 18:1-28, 19:1-41). 

These trips play an active role in church planting and are catalytic in seeing radical moves of God across the world. Unfortunately, the Western church often perceives short-term trips as merely a way to expose people to the nations. This leads to “ministry tourism” - visiting a bunch of different ministries but not actively participating in evangelism and disciple-making. 

While the Antioch Movement’s history has been built on short term trips and the transformation of the people on those trips, the primary goal for each team is to serve the vision of the long-term missionaries in the area. In serving this goal, the trip will also provide an opportunity for short-term team members to engage with God’s purposes in the nations. Secondarily, each team will have a unique vision and purpose to accomplish while on the ground, creating opportunities for team members to experience life on mission in a cross-cultural, stretching context. This also inspires them to respond in obedience and surrender to God’s direction in their own lives.

In addition to supporting the strategic work of the long-term team, we believe the trip experience changes each person who goes. When people are activated to encounter God, disciple others, and live on mission, they are changed. We desire for teams to have rich experiences of sharing the Gospel, discipling locals, and walking in obedience to God before, during, and after the trip.

Interested in going overseas long term? Reach out to our Missions Director to learn more!