"10 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Led My First Mission Trip"

Leading a mission trip can be one of the most rewarding and spiritually enriching experiences of your life, but it’s also full of unexpected challenges. Looking back, here are ten lessons I wish someone had shared with me before I led my first trip.

1. Don’t Forsake Your Personal Time with God While on the Trip

In the busyness of leading a team, it’s easy to neglect your own spiritual nourishment. Your personal time with God is critical to staying centered and effective. Prioritize prayer and Scripture, even if it means waking up a little earlier or carving out a few quiet moments during the day.

Mark 1:35 - "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed."

2. Stretch the Team but Don’t Break Them

A mission trip is an opportunity for growth, and stretching your team’s comfort zones is a good thing. However, know their limits and recognize when rest or encouragement is needed. Balance is key to ensuring both productivity and a positive experience.

Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

3. Understand the Culture You’re Entering, but Also Your Team’s Backgrounds

Cultural sensitivity is essential, but don’t overlook the diverse backgrounds of your own team. Different perspectives, personalities, and expectations can lead to misunderstandings if not managed with care. Foster open communication to create unity.

Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Night Off

It’s okay to schedule a night of rest or downtime. Allowing your team to recharge physically and emotionally can make the entire trip more effective and enjoyable.

Mark 6:31 - "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

5. The Partner May Not Be as Organized as You Are

Mission trip partners are often working in challenging environments with limited resources. Be patient and flexible, even when things don’t go according to plan. Trust that God can work through the chaos.

Proverbs 19:21 - "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."

6. Be Extra Careful When You Take Public Transportation

Navigating public transportation in a foreign country can be risky. Plan ahead, research safe options, and stay vigilant to ensure the safety of your team.

Proverbs 22:3 - "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

7. You Don’t Have All the Answers, and That’s Okay

When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to feel the weight of responsibility. Remember, it’s okay not to have all the answers. Lean on your team and God’s wisdom to navigate unexpected challenges.

James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

8. Don’t Be So Busy That You Miss an Opportunity with Eternal Impact

Amid the busyness of tasks and schedules, stay attentive to moments where God may be working in profound ways. These unplanned opportunities often carry the most eternal significance.

Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

9. Empower, Inspire, and Perspire with Your Team

Lead by example—work hard alongside your team and encourage them to do the same. Shared experiences of labor and service are some of the best team-building and spiritual growth opportunities.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

10. Don’t Rely on Yourself

Ultimately, you’re not leading this trip alone. Depend on God for wisdom, strength, and guidance. Trust Him to accomplish His purposes through you and your team.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Leading a mission trip is a profound responsibility and privilege. By keeping these lessons in mind, you can better navigate the challenges and embrace the joys of serving alongside your team for God’s glory.