Reasons why people don’t participate on missions trips

As believers in Christ we are called to spread the gospel (And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation- Mark 16:15). Yet a vast majority of Christians do not practice spreading the gospel regularly. Participating on a mission trip not only can impact the recipients it can also have a profound impact on strengthening your own relationship in Christ. Both of us never really considered partaking on a mission trip until well into our third decade. Why is it then that more people don’t step up and go on a missions trip? We have uncovered 6 reasons that deter people from participating on a mission trip.

Don’t know about them or how to get started – There are many instances where people just haven’t heard of mission trip opportunities as some church don’t offer or reserve them for select groups. Sure there are non-profits that offer trips, but that often requires additional research and effort that can discourage a newcomer to mission trips. One of our goals is to help make mission trips more accessible to people so more people can have this opportunity to grow in Christ.

Am I qualified? – Wondering what you bring to the table and how you can make a difference is a big concern many have while considering a mission trips. Sometimes there are trips that focus on a specific skill set such as teaching, nursing or counseling and those without that skill set may feel unqualified. Likewise, there are those that may feel they don’t have enough knowledge of scripture to serve. It is our belief that all believers have a purpose and something to offer, though it is important to look at the trip and see where you would fit within relation to the team and trip vision.

Running through the hoops – There are so many practical issues when going on a mission trip, especially if it is your first and even more so if it is international. Running errands becomes a real thing as passports, applications, vaccinations, team meetings, and training are common parts of the preparation process. It is helpful if you have an experienced team leader who can provide you with a timeline and checklist to help you better understand and manage this process.

Time – Have you ever really wanted to do a missions trip, but were never able to free up the necessary 2 to 3 weeks to commit? Shorter trips can be nice, but not always pragmatic especially when travelling large distances. Finding a time of year when you are available and target trips during that time frame can be a good start.

Money - Funding is another major deterrent for many as it is only common to wonder how you will be able to come up with money for the trip as international trips often range from $1,500 to $3,000. Writing a support letter and praying about it are important parts of the process as we grow spiritually when we put that trust in God to provide funding.

All the miscellaneous fears and questions – Sometimes there are just so many seemingly random questions that pop through our head and can discourage us. Where will we be staying? Will I get along with the team members? How will I adapt to the food and culture of another country? Are there safety concerns? What happens if I get sick or injured? You could easily go down a rabbit hole and compile a long list of these sort of questions. Yet when it comes down to it, the things you should consider most are: 1. Is it helping tell others the good news of Christ?, 2. Is it encouraging and helping set an example for others and reflecting the image of Christ, 3. Is it helping you grow spiritually?

Here I am Lord, send me . Isaiah 6:8.