There’s been a lot of talk in the last few years about the effectiveness or the “should we/shouldn’t we” DO short term mission trips. As a ministry who offers people the opportunity to serve on short term mission trips, I can testify to the effectiveness of them and how they have changed not only the lives of people in the countries served, but the lives of those who have come to serve. And if that was the only result, it would be enough. Some have even argued that short term trips do more harm than good. I’m not sure I can wrap my head around that thinking given the Scriptures clear command to share the gospel.
Here’s 5 reasons I think short term missions can and should be change agents for believers.
1. Christ’s Command
Scripture: Matthew 28:19–20 — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Point: We go because Christ commands it.
Jesus didn’t say, “Stay and be comfortable” — He said, “Go.” A short-term mission trip is one way we live out obedience to His Great Commission. When we step out in faith to share His gospel, we align our hearts with God’s global purpose. Our “yes” to going becomes an act of worship that declares, “Lord, my life is Yours.” It’s also a great way to move us into a life of being uncomfortable and into a life of trusting God more.
2. Compassion in Action
Scripture: Matthew 25:35–40 — “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me.”
Point: We go to show compassion.
Jesus’ love was never just words — it was love in motion. On a mission trip, we have the privilege to serve, listen, feed, build, and pray — becoming His hands and feet in places of need. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, points people to a Savior who sees and cares deeply for them. Compassion must be the motivator.
3. Church Connection
Scripture: Acts 14:27 — “They gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them…”
Point: We go to connect and strengthen the Church.
Mission trips remind us that God’s family stretches far beyond our own walls and culture. When believers from different nations worship and serve side by side, heaven gets a little closer to earth. These connections build unity, mutual encouragement, and a clearer picture of the Kingdom we’re all part of. It reminds us that the gospel does not revolve around North America.
4. Character Cultivation
Scripture: Romans 12:1–2 — “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Point: We go to grow.
Stepping into unfamiliar places challenges our comfort, reveals our weaknesses, and invites God to shape our hearts. On the mission field, faith becomes real and dependence on God becomes necessary. Many who go return home changed — more humble, grateful, and ready to serve right where they are. In the absence of distractions and habits from home, we have the time and opportunity for our character to deepen.
5. Commission Carried Out
Scripture: Acts 1:8 — “You will be my witnesses… to the ends of the earth.”
Point: We go to carry out the Great Commission.
The mission of God didn’t stop with the early Church — it continues through us. Every trip, every testimony, every relationship becomes part of God’s story of redemption. When we go, we help fulfill the promise that one day “every nation, tribe, people, and language” will worship before the throne (Revelation 7:9). Trips can be a catalyst to get us to do at home what we tend
to do only on a trip.
