To go or not to go: Questions for Discerning whether or not to lead a short-term mission trip

Church leaders should discern whether to go on a trip. Planned and carried out well, in a spirit of true partnership where all participants are equals at God’s “table” of grace and of mission, a short-term mission trip can be a way to learn about God, oneself, the world and the world church. A lot has been written in recent years on the benefits and the harm that can be done in the name of short-term mission. Before you decide to go, it is important to ask yourself and your church deeper questions about the reason for a trip and what your time in that place and with those people might look like. Review the document, “To go or not to go,” to help you discern whether now is the time for a short-term mission experience. To learn more, visit pcusa.org/toolkits/short-term-mission.