Excerpts from Short-Term Mission Handbook, by Michael G Parham.

CopyrightŠ2002, Michael G Parham

Michael Parham is a veteran of many short-term mission projects, and has led projects on four continents.

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... I firmly believe that, were the Apostle Paul alive today, he would  

• spend limited time in numerous locations

• always have young people with him—and Christians of any age eager to become leaders in missions and ministry

• establish cutting edge communications with his contacts around the world, and

• return to each location either by pre-arranged schedule or as needs arose.  

He would not  

ˇ        live in or become acclimated to a local culture

ˇ        spend years giving typical theological training to selected individuals before placing them in leadership

ˇ        pastor a local church in a cross-cultural setting, or even

ˇ        become an executive in a major mission organization.  

In short, the Apostle Paul would be a trend-setter, leader, and promoter of short-term missions through local churches, establishing loose accountability relationships between sending and receiving churches, while using every opportunity to infuse a passion for missions and ministry into as many people as possible. 

...

Will Any Trip Do?

This doesn’t mean that any group of people traveling to an exotic location to do a “little ministry” will be greatly used of God! Real ministry requires skill, knowledge, and passion, in addition to a vibrant relationship with God, a knowledge of His Word, and a sense of call to serve Him. Any attempt to minister without adequate preparation will end in frustration; but with some training and careful planning, you and your church can realize the potential of short-term missions.

Where Do I Begin?

So you’re thinking of a short-term mission project? You may have had some questions about how to begin; perhaps a few thoughts like these… 

1. Where do we start in planning for a mission project?
2. How do we choose where to go?
3. On the field, what can we do?
4. What makes an effective mission project?
5. Can anybody go on a mission project?
6. How do we prepare people for effective ministry?
7. What is the real goal of a mission trip?
8. Will a mission project have any effect or impact on our church?
9. How will a short-term mission project affect the participants?
10. Are short-term mission projects only for teenagers and young people?
11. Our people aren’t speakers and musicians. Is there anything we can do?
12. If we can’t speak the language, can we really accomplish anything?
13. How do we find a place to stay? And what about meals and transportation?
14. Do we need shots or special medical supplies for a project?
15. How much will this cost? Do we need to take money with us?
16. What is necessary to get ready for this project?
17. If we only have 5 or 6 people, can we still do a project?
18. I’ve heard there are lots of missionaries and Christians where we want to go. Does that mean we shouldn’t go?
19. Should we try to work with a missionary or pastor there, or just do our own thing?
20. If we do another project next year, should we go to the same place or choose a new location? 

Deciding to do a short-term mission project can be a daunting task! 

To help you lead a successful short-term mission project, we will view a project in four phases:

ˇ         Mission Strategy

ˇ         Project Preparation, or Preparing for a Specific Project

ˇ         The Project, or What to Do While You’re There

ˇ         A Successful Return, or Post Project Issues 

...

Each of these phases is vitally important, if you want a short-term mission project to have a positive impact on your church, the chosen field, and the participants. Anyone can take a trip, and any group can travel together. But not every group becomes a mission team, and not every team has a positive experience. As you ponder, pray, and work through the steps suggested here, you can lead a short-term project that will mightily impact your team, your church, and your chosen field. ...

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