ReThinking Short-Term Missions 3

Short-term missions is long overdue for an overhaul.

Projects abound. Many of us run throughout the world doing great ministry in many needy parts of the world, but little mission takes place.

Some of us have made great strategic progress in the area of short-term missions, recognizing the value of long-term partnerships instead a “this year here and next year there” approach.  Let’s keep up the good work with such partnerships that assist in facilitating disciple making and church planting.

However, such strides are not enough; a leap is needed.  We need to re-think short-term missions in light of the movement of the nations across the world.

One of our church members recently was invited to Saudi Arabia.  This came as a result of friendships with some Saudis that only began three months ago.  He has spent much time with them drinking coffee and tea, playing sports, and sharing the gospel.  They know where he stands; they know he desires for them to know Jesus.

Another of our members was recently invited to a Hindu wedding in India.  This came as a result of friendships with some South Asian Indians in the city.  This couple has spent much time with this Hindu man drinking coffee and tea, eating together in their home, and sharing the gospel.  He knows where this couple stands; he knows that they desire for him to follow Jesus.

It is difficult to get into several places in the world where the unreached and unengaged reside.  And, if we finally get in, we then have to find a way to connect with the peoples there.

But, whenever the peoples of the world invite you into their world, everything changes.  You are no longer an outsider.

What if we began to develop short-term missions around the migration of the unreached peoples to our neighborhoods?  What if the destinations of your future short-term trips were based on the birth countries of those peoples living in your community?

What if our churches entered areas of the world for a week or two at the invitation of the people themselves?

What if we refused to stay with missionaries and in hotels, but allowed the people to show us hospitality?

What if the people introduce us to their social networks?

Of course, all of this is dependent upon reaching out to the strangers next door and connecting with them.  For many of us, here is where short-term missions should begin.

Blurring the domestic and the foreign, until the strangers next door are strangers no more!

(image credit: Microsoft Office)