Short-term missions are a relatively new phenomenon, made possible through the increasing globalisation and accessibility of unreached countries. A century ago, becoming a missionary used to be for life, and meant being prepared to leave everything behind to go. Now, however, we have the option of going for shorter periods of time. There are all sorts of reasons why people would want to experience a short-term mission trip, and the most common reasons are to visit, spend time with, and serve with missionaries as an encouragement, or to complete a specific service project. Others go to get a taste for mission or to see if cross-cultural mission is for them. 

Whatever the reason, we see in God’s word that Old and New Testament missionaries have been used by God to spread the good news. Jonah, a reluctant missionary, saw God use his preaching to save ‘the great city of Ninevah’ (Jonah 3:1-4:11). Jesus sent out 72 disciples to towns ahead of his arrival (Luke 10:1-24). Phillip left his home to encounter the Ethiopian eunuch and others (Acts 8:26-40). The church in Philippi sent Epaphroditus to encourage Paul for which he was very thankful (Phil 2:25-30). We can see that God uses people in all sorts of ways to reach the nations with the gospel and spur on gospel workers.

Short-term missions can be extremely beneficial to missionaries on the ground, but they can also slow them down and distract them from their primary ministry, depending on the attitude and abilities of the short termer. ECM Candidate, Ross McGaughran, spent two years in Ireland working alongside Simon Ball, a missionary at the Ferrybank church. He says he noticed that he had energy and enthusiasm many of the workers on the field did not have (I’m not sure if Ross is referring to his own energy, or that of Simon’s?). He found that having an attitude that seeks to learn and be taught is helpful. 

“Short term isn’t helpful if you go with the idea that you are going to change the country, convert everyone or if you think you’re the genius who’s going to fix everything. If you go in with a learning attitude, to serve humbly and do as much as you can to support the team, then you’ll be much more useful to them.”

Ross says it took time to learn about the culture in Ireland and the right context in which to share the gospel. He found it beneficial to do more listening than speaking at the outset. Ross says his experience practising humility in this way helped him realise how much he had to depend on God. He had to realise that all mission is God’s work and there was nothing he could do without God’s enabling - an important lesson to learn for any aspiring missionary.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6

Short-term missions can also be of significant benefit to the body of Christ. They can help inspire and encourage others in the church community for overseas mission and ministry, or they can inspire those who take part in them to move into the field full-time. This was Liz’s experience (ECM candidate for Romania), whose journey to Romania began with a short-term visit in 2012 to work on a building project and in a Children’s Camp.

“My first trip to Romania was life-changing and it opened my eyes to see a different way of life.  I saw and experienced so many new things. I saw these beautiful children with a hunger to know more about God; their openness to love and accept someone so different to them, I saw people living in such hard situations, I could see so many needs. I was moved by the challenges that they faced with such fortitude, and motivated to humbly share God’s love however I could. Ultimately, for me, it was the confirmation of God’s call which I had felt throughout my life.”

Liz’s experience on a short-term mission led her back to Romania a number of times for periods of a month to three years, and now she and Alex are planning to return long term. 

Along with the benefits for individuals going on short-term mission trips, there are other outcomes such as encouraging missionaries in the field and seeing local people built up in their faith. 

There are a few things to consider before contemplating short-term missions…

• What is the primary motivation behind going? 

• Can I go with an attitude of humility and a willingness to learn and be taught?

• Am I prepared to spend myself and be spent?

• Am I flexible and willing to adapt my plans to the needs of the people on the ground?

• Can I go to encourage?

• How can I be low maintenance and not a burden in any way?

• Can I be patient and allow God to work in his timing?

Being willing to do whatever the field worker or missionary deems helpful is the right place to begin. The willingness to start small and be faithful helps to build trust, as some missionaries worry that years of hard work and relationship-building with the local people could be ruined by one careless short-termer. Prayerful preparation and consideration is critical, along with a ‘servant heart’.

If you’re interested in serving short term in Europe with ECM, then consider doing so through an Intercultural Internship programme with Bishopdale Theological College. The new Internship programme, in partnership with ECM, is part of the new Diploma of Christian Studies, and has an intercultural focus. There you will have the chance to learn more about God, about missions, and take the first steps to the mission field. 

Complete an intercultural Internship with ECM and Bishopdale College and learn, grow, and be discipled in cross-cultural missions.