A Short-term Mission Trip Training Program with an emphasis on cross-cultural training and reentry for Covenant Church in Winterville, North Carolina

Abstract

Abstract: Many churches have not taken the time to formulate an effective Short-term Mission Trip Training Program that prepares their members for an international missions trip. Basic elements of training can have an impact on the effectiveness and ability of team members to have a positive trip experience. From research, the author has learned what elements are needed in a Short-term Mission Trip Training Program. These elements include: administrative documents, such as applications, a team covenant, and medical information; cross-cultural training (preparing team members to minister in another culture); contextualization (adjusting the Gospel to the cultural context); sharing one's faith testimony, and reentry issues associated with a cultural transition. With that thought in place, a question that could be asked is this: What should constitute an effective short-term mission training model for Covenant Church in Winterville, North Carolina? The focus of Covenant's international missions' trip is the Dominican Republic. The program design and curriculum take into consideration learner-based teaching methods, cross-cultural skill competencies, exposure to culture shock, and reentry issues. Devotionals and debriefing tools are utilized to assist the leaders and missionaries in processing their trip. At the end of the training classes, an actual short-term mission trip to the Dominican Republic was offered. An evaluation of the program was conducted pre-field and post-field to test the quality and efficiency of the training. One-on-one interviews with team leaders determined strengths and weaknesses of the program for improvement purposes. A Short-term Mission Trip Training Manual was developed with the necessary documents and curriculum. Upon evaluation, missionaries felt the overall training was effective, and they were adequately prepared to minister in the Dominican Republic. This manual is customized for Covenant Church but could be customized for other churches needing a structure for their Short-term Mission Trip Training Program.